Khoy governor said that in the meetings with the Turkish side over the past two days, they had discussed and reached good mutual understandings of cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime, the fight against the trafficking of goods, livestock and narcotics, and the prevention of illegal immigration at the borders and the development of livelihood of people living on each side of the borders.

Abedi also said that developing border trade in line with directions of the two countries’ high-ranking officials were among decisions made at these meetings.

Mehmet Emin Bilmez, for his part, was positive about the results of the meetings with the Iranian side, saying that there are good relations between Van and Khoy.

The Van governor also said in the meetings the two sides had reached very good agreements to fight against terrorist groups and smuggling of goods and human trafficking.

Furthermore, on the sidelines of the meeting, the Iranian consulate general to Erzurum Soltanzadeh attached great importance to the security sub-committee, saying that forming such sub-committees can further develop relations between border provinces of the two countries.

The Turkish delegations also visited museums in Khoy during the two-day visit to Iran.

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The northwestern Iranian city is also filled with centuries-old mosques, churches, caravanserais, bathhouses, fortresses, and ramparts, each telling their own tales.

Khoy may not be on every traveler’s radar, but it is a natural fit for eco-tourists as it offers loads of scenic hikes, panoramic views besides colorful geological features. Therapeutic warm-water spas, salt mines and Christian centers are among its other charms.

The city is also a destination for lovers of Persian literature, who come visit the mausoleum of Shams Tabrizi, a renowned Iranian poet and mystic who lived between 1185 and 1248.

A sunflower farm near Khoy

The economy of its surrounding regions is primarily based on agriculture; various fruits, grains, timber productions, and sunflowers. The latter is what Khoy is nicknamed for.

Located in near the ancient Silk Road in West Azarbaijan province, Khoy was enormously fortified at different eras of its history, most recently by a decree of Qajar rulers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

During bitter times of its history, Khoy was occupied by foreign military forces; for instance in 1911 when the county was in odds with the then Ottoman Empire, and some points during World War I and II by Russians.

Here is a brief introduction to some of the city sites:

Motalleb Khan Mosque which is a 13th-century huge and roofless structure of plain brickwork.The mosque is said to have world’s largest mihrab that is a semicircular niche in its prayer hall. The entrance to this mosque may be hidden behind the hustle and bustle of street-vendor stalls, just few meters from Imam Khomeini Square.

Darvazeh Sangi which comprises a well-preserved arched gate to the city. Made of black and white stone slabs, it is part of the former city walls.

St. Sarkis Church that is believed to date from the 4th century though most of what visitors see there date back to Safavid era when it dominantly underwent restoration works.

Shams-e Tabrizi Minaret, named after the 13th-century poet, is another attraction of Khoy. The centuries-old monument is somehow hidden in the maze of some alleys northeast of Qamsal Square.

A bust of Shams Tabrizi with a centuries-old minaret named after the 13th-century Persian poet in the background.

The city’s bazaar complex features a labyrinth of interconnected covered passages with a myriad of shops. The complex dates back to Safavid-era (1501–1736) and contains four caravanserais as well.

Khoy has long been a melting pot of cultural exchange.

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In the message, which was published on Persian news websites, Rouhani praised works of the Persian mystic and poet Rumi.

“Fihi ma fihi [‘There Is in It What Is in It’], Majalis-i Saba [‘Seven Sessions’] and his articles on Shams-i Tabrizi, which have their roots in profound mysticism and represent Shams-i Tabrizi’s spiritual influence on Rumi, have caused a resurrection in the world,” he wrote.

“The books have a wide circulation in the East and West, and the various translations of the books have encouraged many of the lovers of these works – particularly among the younger generation who are seeking to escape from the modern materialistic world – to start learning the magnificent Persian language in order to gain a deep understanding of the miraculous literary, cultural and artistic capacity of the language,” he added.

Rouhani also said, “Now, this is Rumi who speaks to the literati at this divine meeting. He has no feeling of intimacy with those people who are the prisoners of the earthly world and satanic temptations.”

“Every nation has its due to enjoy the heavenly fertile source of this culture in all its fields. Rumi scholar [Reynold Alleyne] Nicholson with all his passion [about Persian literature] dedicated his entire wonderful life to praise the teachings of this book [the Masnavi-ye Manavi]. Professor [Henry] Corbin’s profound studies on Islamic mysticism and Iranian cultural thought, and the endeavors of Turkish experts on Rumi and Shams in Konya, and the efforts that people have made in Russia, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Armenia to promote the Persian language and cultural luminaries such as Rudaki, Ferdowsi, Nasser Khosrow, Khaqani and Nezami are appreciated.”

At the end of his message, Rouhani said that Iran is ready to help other countries promote the Persian language.

The two-day meeting has been co-organized by the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies in Khoy and the custodians of the Mausoleum of Shams.

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Latest studies on Rumi and mentor Shams-i Tabrizi will be discussed at the conference, the secretary of the conference, Yusef Mohammadnejad, said in a press release on Sunday.

The experts will also hold talks about the cultural and political situations in the formation of the character of Shams, his education, his thoughts and behaviors.

Co-organized by the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies in Khoy and the custodians of the Mausoleum of Shams, top three articles will be awarded at the end of the conference.

Persian poet and mystic Molana Jalal ad-Din Rumi (1207-1273) Rumi undertook one or two journeys to Syria, during one of which he met the dervish Shams.

However, he was deeply influenced by Shams during their second visit in Konya on November 30, 1244.

For months, the two men constantly interacted, and as a result, Rumi neglected his disciples and family, who could not tolerate the close relationship.

One night in 1247, Shams disappeared forever. This experience turned Rumi into a poet. The Divan of Shams is a true translation of his experiences into poetry.

Photo: A bust of Shams-i Tabrizi near his tomb in Khoy

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