Khan Caravanserai, Khoy

🕰️When was it built?

The caravanserai belongs to the Safavid period and was added to Iran's National Heritage List in 2002. In 2023 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Persian Caravanserai nomination.

🏛️What was it built for?

Caravanserais were used as stopping places for caravans and for storing and trading goods. This building's place beside the Khoy bazaar fits that commercial role. Shopkeepers were part of the 2022 restoration too, a sign of how closely the building is tied to the life of the bazaar.

👀What you will see

• The outside is brick, and the restoration work included cleaning these walls.
• Look at the joints between the bricks; cleaning the pointing was part of the plan to protect the facade.
• The brick cornice along the top of the walls is one of the details of the facade.
• Its place right next to the Khoy bazaar shows how the caravanserai belongs to the commercial centre of the city.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Combine your visit with the Khoy bazaar, and keep out of the shopkeepers' way while you look at the facade.