Khowy, Iran

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Khowy, Iran

Region: Kermanshah

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Geographic Coordinates: 38.551900, 44.953600

Population: 198845

Language: Persian

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Khowy is a city in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran, Boasting a rich history dating back to ancient times. Its natural landscapes and cultural heritage are notable features, With an altitude of 1, 300 meters above sea level making it one of the highest cities in the region. The area surrounding Khowy is mountainous with peaks rising more than 3, 000 meters high. The historic bazaar is one of Khowy’s most prominent attractions. It has been operating for centuries and still retains much of its traditional charm.

Visitors can find all sorts of goods here from spices and textiles to jewelry and pottery. The bazaar also features several historic buildings that are worth exploring. The Jame Mosque is another popular attraction in Khowy built during the Safavid era featuring intricate tilework on its walls and ceilings. Visitors can also see several other historic mosques throughout the city. For those interested in nature, Khowy offers plenty to explore as well with great hiking opportunities surrounded by stunning views at every turn along with several waterfalls making for great day trips.

Khowy’s food scene is another highlight for visitors to experience while traveling through Iran’s West Azerbaijan province! Local dishes such as Ash-e Doogh (a yogurt soup), Qovurma (a stew made with lamb or beef), Dizi (a meat stew served with bread), Kabab Kubideh (grilled ground meat) are some must-try dishes when visiting this region! Overall, Khowy offers a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature and culinary delights that makes it an excellent destination for travelers looking to explore Iran beyond its major cities like Tehran or Isfahan!

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1. Khowy Castle: A historical castle built during the Ilkhanate era in the 13th century.
2. Khorshid Palace: A beautiful palace built during the Qajar dynasty in the 19th century.
3. Imamzadeh Jafar Shrine: A holy shrine dedicated to Imam Jafar Sadiq, a prominent figure in Shia Islam.
4. Shahr Yeri (City of Stone): An ancient city made entirely of stone that dates back to pre-Islamic times.
5. Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a complex of buildings and structures related to Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, a prominent Sufi leader.
6. Babak Castle: An ancient fortress located on top of a mountain that was used by Babak Khorramdin, an Iranian revolutionary leader who fought against Arab invaders in the 9th century.
7. Ghezel Ozan River: A scenic river that flows through Khowy and offers opportunities for fishing and boating activities.
8. Mount Sabalan: The third-highest peak in Iran located near Khowy which is popular among hikers and mountaineers for its stunning views and natural beauty.
9. Bazaar-e-Khowy (Khowy Market): A traditional market where locals sell various goods including handicrafts, spices, textiles, and food items like dried fruits & nuts.
10. Kurdish Nomad Museum: This museum showcases Kurdish nomadic lifestyle with their traditional clothes, tents, music instruments, etc.

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• The major industries and businesses in Khowy, Iran include:
1. Agriculture
• Focused on wheat and barley cultivation
2. Livestock farming
3. Handicrafts
• Carpet weaving
• Embroidery
4. Mining
• Copper
• Coal
5. Tourism
6. Small-scale manufacturing industries
• Textiles
• Food products
• Construction materials

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Noteable History

1. Battle of DimDim: In 1609, the Battle of DimDim took place between the Safavid Empire and local Kurdish tribes. The Kurdish forces were led by Amir Khan Lepzerin who had established a semi-independent state in the region. The Safavid army was commanded by Abbas I, who eventually defeated Lepzerin’s forces.
2. Sheikh Hassan-e-Khuyi: Sheikh Hassan-e-Khuyi was a prominent Sufi saint who lived in Khowy during the 17th century. He was known for his piety and spiritual teachings, which attracted many followers.
3. Qajar Dynasty: During the Qajar dynasty (1785-1925), Khowy served as an important center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on trade routes connecting Iran to Turkey and Iraq.
4. Ziya Gökalp: Ziya Gökalp was a prominent Turkish writer, poet, sociologist, and political activist who lived in Khowy during his early years (1886-1891). He later became one of the leading intellectuals of his time.
5. Iranian Revolution: During the Iranian Revolution (1979), Khowy witnessed several protests against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s regime.
6. Maku-Khoynanagar earthquake: In 2012, an earthquake measuring 6.4 on Richter scale struck near Khowy causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in surrounding areas.
7. Ebrahim Hamedi (Ebi): Ebrahim Hamedi is an Iranian singer who was born in Tehran but grew up in Khowy where he started his music career at local events before becoming one of Iran’s most popular singers.
8. Mohammad Ali Jafari: Mohammad Ali Jafari is an Iranian military officer who served as the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 2007 to 2019. He was born in Khowy in 1957.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Khowy Castle is an ancient castle from the 8th century and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
2. The Khowy Museum of Anthropology showcases the cultural heritage of the region, including traditional clothing, household items, and more.
3. The Imamzadeh Ibrahim Shrine is a beautiful shrine dedicated to Imamzadeh Ibrahim, who was a descendant of Prophet Muhammad.
4. The Khowy Grand Mosque is one of Iran’s largest mosques with stunning architecture and intricate details.
5. Gheisariye Bazaar offers visitors a chance to experience local culture and shop for souvenirs in its bustling atmosphere.
6. Qareh Kelisa Church is located just outside Khowy and believed to be one of the oldest Christian churches in Iran.
7. Zangeneh House Museum showcases life in rural Iran during the 19th century through beautifully restored traditional houses.
8. Shahriar Park provides peaceful surroundings with walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of surrounding mountains.
9. Bostanak Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction located just outside Khowy that’s perfect for hiking or picnicking activities.
10. Sheikh Ali Khan Water Reservoirs were built over 400 years ago but are still used today to irrigate local farms and orchards as historic water reservoirs.

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Sports Teams

1. Unfortunately, I do not have access to current information about sports teams and their histories in Khowy, Iran.
2. However, you can try searching for local news sources or contacting local sports organizations for more information.

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Cultural Events

1. Norouz: Persian New Year is celebrated on March 21st or the first day of spring.
2. Ashura: This religious event commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and falls on Muharram 10th according to the Islamic calendar.
3. Jashn-e Sadeh: This festival celebrates fire and light as symbols of purity and enlightenment. It takes place on January 30th.
4. Tirgan Festival: Celebrated annually during July, this festival honors water as a symbol of life and purification.
5. Yalda Night: Celebrated on December 21st or winter solstice, this festival marks the longest night of the year with feasting and storytelling.
6. Qarabaghlar Traditional Music Festival: A music festival featuring traditional Azerbaijani music held annually in Qarabaghlar village near Khowy city.

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, some events may be canceled or postponed until further notice.

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Cuisine

• Kebabs: Kebabs are a popular meat dish in Iran. In Khowy, there are many restaurants that serve kebabs such as Shandiz Restaurant and Haji Baba Restaurant.
• Dizi: Dizi is a traditional Iranian stew made with lamb or beef and chickpeas. It is served with bread and sometimes yogurt. You can try this dish at Dizi Sara restaurant in Khowy.
• Ash Reshteh: Ash Reshteh is a thick soup made with beans, noodles, herbs, and spices. It is commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch in Iran. You can find this dish at Mirza Reza restaurant.
• Baghali Polo: Baghali Polo is a rice dish cooked with dill and broad beans (baghali). It is usually served with lamb or chicken kebab on top of the rice. This dish can be found at Alborz Restaurant.
• Tahchin: Tahchin is a layered rice cake made with saffron-flavored rice mixed with yogurt and eggs then layered over cooked chicken (or meat) filling baked until golden brown crust forms on top. You can try this delicious food at Shahre Farang restaurant.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Khowy Park: A popular park located in the city center with green spaces and walking paths.
2. Qareh Chay River: A scenic river that runs through Khowy, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.
3. Hiking trails: There are several hiking trails around Khowy that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. Skiing: The nearby Sahand Ski Resort is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
5. Cultural events: Throughout the year, there are various cultural events in Khowy such as music festivals, traditional dance performances, and art exhibitions.

Please note that this information may be outdated or incomplete as it was gathered from online sources. It’s always best to check with local authorities or travel guides for current information on parks and recreational activities in a specific area.

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Go Where The Road Takes You.

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