Travel Guide Julfa

Located on the banks of the river Araz, the town of Julfa is the only official point of contact with Iran. The Iranian city on the other side of the river has the same name.As the stage of the caravans flying between Iran, Georgia, the Khanate de Shirvan and Dagestan, Julfa was an important shopping centre in the Middle Ages, also known for its people skilled craftsmen, mainly Christian. In 1604, Julfa was partially destroyed by the troops of the Persian Emperor Shah Abbas, who also deported the majority of local craftsmen to his new capital, Isfahan. The city therefore began its decline. However, Julfa and its surroundings have preserved some interesting remains, including those of the castle of Alinja, a little further north on the road to Khanaga. The city is also an obligatory base for travellers wishing to continue to Iran.