Khoy-Konya Partnership Focuses on Spiritual Tourism, Strengthening Their Future Iran-Turkey Cooperation for its Cultural Exchange and Sustainable Development Growth

Published on December 16, 2025

In a historic step in the field of spiritual tourism, the cities of Khoy in Iran and Konya in Turkey have agreed to partner in a Memorandum of Understanding in a bid to promote cultural and tourism ties. This follows a ceremony in which the mayors of the two cities and delegates from the Asian Mayors Forum (AMF) attended, and is expected to boost tourism linkages between two cities that have deep-rooted ties in Islamic mysticism and spirituality as a key aspect of spirituality. This partnership in the field of tourism appears to be a result of the rising demand in the field of spiritual tourism at the Khoy-Konya partnership.

A Step Towards Deeper Future Tourism Cooperation

The Khoy and Konya taking significant steps toward deepening their cultural and tourism relations. This partnership is expected to set a new precedent for future tourism cooperation, as it blends the spiritual heritage of both cities with modern tourism infrastructure. By enhancing cooperation between the two countries, it will contribute to the growth of spiritual tourism in the region and make the cities attractive multi-destination hubs for pilgrims and cultural tourists.

Both cities share the rich spiritual legacies of Shams Tabrizi and Jalal al-Din Rumi, two central figures in Islamic mysticism, whose teachings continue to influence millions worldwide. By promoting the shared mystical heritage through tourism exchanges and cultural events, Khoy and Konya aim to create a seamless travel experience for visitors, fostering a deeper cross-cultural understanding and strengthening their tourism economies.

Future Tourism Growth: Expanding Opportunities for Pilgrims and Tourists

As the partnership progresses, the future of tourism cooperation between Iran and Turkey looks promising. The cities plan to develop joint tourism packages, offer cultural exchange programs, and host shared events focused on mysticism, history, and religion. These initiatives will boost tourism inflows and provide more opportunities for both domestic and international visitors.

The increased tourism exchange will also bring economic benefits to Khoy and Konya, particularly by creating more tourism-related employment, boosting local economies, and driving demand for tourism infrastructure such as accommodation, transportation, and tour guides. The long-term impact on local businesses and the cultural tourism sector will be significant, as the cities attract more visitors interested in exploring their spiritual and cultural heritage.

Sustainable Tourism Development for Future Generations

A critical aspect of the future tourism cooperation between Khoy and Konya is the focus on sustainable tourism. Both cities are committed to preserving their rich cultural heritage while developing tourism in a way that benefits local communities without compromising the environment. This will include the use of eco-friendly practices in tourism services, sustainable transport solutions, and conservation efforts to protect historical sites.

As spiritual tourism continues to grow, Khoy and Konya aim to establish themselves as leading destinations for eco-conscious travelers. By promoting responsible tourism, they will help set global standards for sustainable travel, ensuring that future generations can experience these invaluable cultural landmarks.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Through Tourism and Culture

The partnership between Khoy and Konya is also a model of how tourism cooperation can foster diplomatic and cultural ties. As Iran and Turkey deepen their engagement through tourism, both nations stand to benefit from enhanced people-to-people connections, fostering mutual respect and understanding. The focus on spiritual tourism, in particular, will play a key role in bridging cultural divides and strengthening bilateral relations.

Future collaborations between Khoy and Konya could extend to areas beyond tourism, including education, business partnerships, and shared cultural projects. The tourism cooperation lays the groundwork for broader collaboration in areas such as historical preservation, international exhibitions, and the promotion of Islamic mysticism on a global stage.

The Long-Term Impact of Spiritual Tourism on the Region

The partnership between Khoy and Konya reflects the growing significance of spiritual tourism in global travel trends. The region is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for meaningful travel experiences, where tourists seek both cultural enrichment and spiritual growth. As more people travel for spiritual enrichment, the Khoy-Konya partnership is set to play a leading role in shaping the future of spiritual tourism.

The ongoing tourism cooperation between Iran and Turkey not only promotes cultural understanding but also offers a shared platform for both countries to lead the way in sustainable tourism practices, tourism development, and cultural exchange in the Middle East and beyond.

A Bright Future for Khoy-Konya Tourism Cooperation

The agreement between Khoy and Konya represents a hopeful start to the future of tourism collaboration between Iran and Turkey based on their common spiritual heritage represented by Shams Tabrizi and Jalal al-Din Rumi, and will enable both cities to carve out a prominent place for themselves as hubs for spiritual tourism in the coming years based on the parameters of cultural exchange and economic development.

In view of the increasing levels of tourism cooperation, Khoy and Konya cities would not only enhance their tourism sectors but also find their place in enhancing Iranian and Turkish cultures in the future due to their newfound opportunities for shared experiences and mutual respect.