Julfa is one of the ancient cities of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. Its establishment dates back to the 6th century according to some historical sources.

The word Julfa is proposed to originate from the name of a trade organization of the Middle Ages. Some sources mention Julfa as Djulagh.

The ruins of ancient Julfa are 3 kilometers away from the present day city. The settlements, tower walls, caravan palaces, the ruins of market and religious establishments as well as ancient cemeteries were discovered there.

The archeological digs in the Julfa city of 1939-1940 revealed the monochrome and polychrome clayey dishes, bronze dagger, arrow and javelin heads, mace, bracelet and necklace.

Julfa that situates on the transit caravan road has always been of great importance and the economic role of the region also increased. The handicraft and trade even expanded in Julfa in the 9-12th centuries. It started to play an important role in the international silk trade in the second half of the 11th century. At that period nearly 3000 houses existed in the district (with the population of 15-20 thousand people).

The merchants of Julfa maintained silk trade relations with Russia, Eastern countries, Venetia, Marcel and other European cities.

The district was confirmed as the administrative district of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan in 1930.