The city of Jolfa is a land of historic landmarks and unique natural landscapes. Many historical structures, such as Khaja Nazar Caravanserai, the hisktoric Zia-ol-Molk Bridge, which is said to be a remnant of the Urartian period, had various periods of restoration and finally named Zia-ol-Molk Bridge. St. Stephen’s Church, Shepherd’s Church, Naneh Maryam Church, the metal bridge commemorating the three Iranian border guards, and Aras Geopark are tourist attractions in this area.
The historic garmabeh (public bath) of Jolfa, which has been turned into Jolfa Museum, because of the richness of Jolfa, both from the historic and natural attractions point of view, contains several relics and documents. These include newspapers and journals of that time, letters related to that region, parts and ornaments of the native people of the region, as well as taxidermy examples of the animals of that area due to the lush nature and existence of various types of animals.
In part of this museum, relics of the martyred border guards related to the iron bridge are displayed, plus other works related to the history and culture of this region of the country.
Jolfa is located on the south coast of the Aras border river, 135 km north of Tabriz, 65 km north of Marand, and 135 km northwest of Varzaqan in East Azerbaijan province.
Commemorating the death of three Iranian border guards in the city of Jolfa
In Shahrivar 1320 (1941), when the Allies decided to occupy Iran, three brave border guards were responsible for guarding the northern borders of Iran. After the Russian army approached the Jolfa Nakchivan iron bridge, the only and best spot to cross the raging Aras River in this area, and enter Iran, the 2-day resistance of these three brave men began. The brave border guards of Iran’s borders, standing across the bridge, grounded the entire Russian army for two days, and the Russians, who had no choice but to cross this bridge, were not able to attack the other side of the bridge despite their heavy artillery. In the end, after the courageous sacrifice of Gendarmerie Sergeant Malekmohammadi, Seyyed Mohammad Rasi Hashemi, and Abdullah Shahriari, the Russian army entered Iran. The heroic persistence of these three soldiers had such an impact on the aggressor army that their bodies were respectfully buried in the same place of resistance.
Shepherd Church
St. Stepanos Church, or Holy Stepanos, is considered one of the most extraordinary churches in Iran and even the world regarding its longevity, architecture, position, and importance. Every year, on one of the days of Shahrivar, several Christians from Iran and other countries gather in this church and pray.
St. Stepanos Church
Khajeh Nasir Caravansary
Zia-ol-Molk Bridge
Photos by Farhad Rahbari
