The Maku Free Trade Zone in northwestern Iran, with an area of over 500,000 hectares, is a large free trade and economic zone with huge a number of visitors.
This city is located near the Iran-Turkey border in a valley where Zangmar River passes through and divides the city into northern and southern parts.
This region is bound to the Republic of Turkey to the north and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to the east. Therefore, it is a transit route for goods traded with Central Asia and Eastern Europe and one the most important zones in global trade.
Makuis Iran’s largest free zone. More than 300 historical sites, dozens of natural works and border markets have turned this city into one of the main destinations for tourists in the northwest of the Islamic Republic.
With its natural and historic attractions, Maku can make a memorable journey for tourists.
Following, you can see a selection of the best attractions of Maku, which has been published by IRNA:
Zor Zor Church or Holy Mary Church is located 15 km from Maku, near the Baron village and dam. The church, named as the smallest church in the world, was registered at the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.more
The village of Harand is a green area with a cold weather in the Maku Free Zone. The Sari Sou River, which originates in the mountains of Turkey, has created beautiful natural waterfalls in this mountainous regionmore
The castle of the Maku is known as the castle of “Ghapan”. It has a military and strategic significance and is located in the historical part of the city. It dates back to the Timurid period.
The historical city of Maku is full of small cafes where local people relax with tea and chatting with friends after work.
“Saaj Ghavourmasi” is a traditional dish in Maku that the tribes of the area serve their guests and tourists with it. “Saaj Ghavourmasi” or Saaj kebab is usually made on a large container called Saaj.more
View of the city from the castle of Ghapan
“Kara Kelisa” or the Black Church is the ninth Iranian site in the Maku Free Zone registered in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Church is widely believed to be the first church built by Christians in the world. According to the tradition of Apostolic Church, Saint Thaddeus, also known as Saint Jude, evangelized the region of Armenia and Persia. Thaddeus was matured in Armenia, according to the same tradition. Local people hold special religious ceremonies in this church every year in late July or early August on the martyrdom anniversary of Thaddeusmore
Women play a major role in the nomadic life of the Maku region. “Laleh” is the name Kurdish nomads of the region give to their grandmothers. Most of the nomadic population of Azarbaijan is living in the Maku Free Zonemore
The tomb of Seyyed Sadruddin in the city of Chaldoran is constructed as a hexagonal structure, and is located in a vast plain. This plain reminds tourists of the historical event of the Battle of Chaldiran and the great battle of Iranians and Ottomans in 920 AH. Seyyed Sadruddin was the commander of the Iranian corpsmore
Maku basalt columns are one of the unique examples of its type in the world that have been created after the freezing of volcanic lavas during the third period of geology. They are located 25 km from the Maku near the Maku-Chaldoran roadmore
The tranquility of the villages around Maku and the rivers flowing there has created a suitable place for storks and migratory birds
The Chaldoran Spa, in a village with the same name, is located in the central part of Chaldoran County in the West Azarbaijan province of Iran
A wedding ceremony in a Maku village. These ceremonies, hosted by the bridegroom, are held in the open air with the presence of villagers
The historical monument of the “Finance Department” of the city of Maku, which is currently under repair, dates back to the Qajar and Pahlavi periods
Rock climbing on the stone walls near the castle of Ghapan in Maku. This wall is said to be the world's largest stone cupola
The beautiful nature of the Maku-Chaldoran road
In the village of Baghcheh Jooq, two kilometres from Maku, there is a museum palace situated in a vast garden covering about 11 hectares (27 acres). This palace was built at the end of Qajar dynasty under the order of Iqbal-ol-Saltaneh Makui, one of the commanders of Mozafaredin Shah. Because of its unique construction features, it is one of the numerous options available for tourists travelling to Makumore
Breeding Armenian ram on a field called “Argali” in the Maku Free Zone. Breeding rams is one of the most prosperous and money-making businesses in the Free Zone of Maku
A view of the Baron Dam and village 12 km south of Maku. It is one of the attractions of this region
Maku’s Friday market
Maku’s Friday market
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