Khoy’s Expansion from Early Islam to Late Qajar According to Historical Documents

Khoy, one of the major cities in the west Azarbaijan province is known for its nature, military, border positions, proximity to the Silk Road, including many different cultures and overall is one of the important settlements in the area. This essay investigates Khoy city’s expansion, from early Islam until late Qajar (Fourth - Fourteenth century) according to historical documents. This article has been completed, by the help of different types of historical written sources, itineraries,documents and maps (Matrakiminiature and Russian map). This article also illustrates how the location of the town citadel has frequently changed during centuries. In the Fourth century (AH), the citadel was located in the west of its current position but unfortunately in the fifth and sixth centuries it has had an ambiguous location and eventually sometimes in the Seventh oreighth century was shifted to its today’s location. Next centuries (eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth) until 1941AD/ 1360AH, location was in current position. Also destruction of khoy is mentioned 4 times in sources.

Keywords:

Khoy’s expansion , Early Islam , Late Qajar , Historical Documents