INDEX

Castles

Narin Castle: The most important historical relic of Na'in is "Narenj" or "Narin" castle. The native architecture as well as the way of living of this desert community is very interesting and astonishing.

Bam Citadel:

To the north east of the Bam city, in the skirts of a gigantic rock is the foundations of a fortified castle, reputedly known as the Bam Citadel. This citadel was actually the old city of Bam. The city comprised of four sections and 38 watch towers. In the so uthern side of this structure there were four ramparts and to the north-eastern section there was also another colossal rampart. The citadel has been constructed of sun baked bricks, argyle and straw, but in some parts stone, brick and the barks of date palms have been utilized. The said citadel comprises of the entrance gate-way, a public sector, a military base and the central section or seat of power. The public dwellings were constructed alongside the elevated areas and on the ground level. Regarding the city construction planning its a complete aggregate. Its distinguished areas are the main passage or bazaar, Hosseiniyeh (or place for public religious rituals and mourning), mosque (fire temple) gymnasium for traditional sports, public bath and a religious sector pertaining to the Jews. Most of the common houses were constructed in such a manner that they were connected to each other and usually had interconnections. In some houses, private baths are seen. A few of these buildings are two storied structures which were most probably constructed due to increased population.

80% destroyed in earthquake in December 2003.

Rayen Castle: Rayen castle is an adobe castle in Kerman province. The well-preserved medieval mudbrick city of Rayen, is not unlike the Bam Citadel in Bam city which was destroyed in an earthquake in December 2003. Rayen displays all the architectural elements of a deserted citadel.Rayen castle have been well preserved, considering the numerous natural disasters that have been destroying similar Strctures nearby.

Arg-e Rayen was inhabited until 150 years ago and although

believed to be at least 1,000 years old, may infact have foundations

from the pre-Islamic Sassanid.

The Sassanid dynasty (also Sassanian) was the name given

to the kings of Persia, which includes much of present-day Iran. During the era of the second Persian Empire, from 224 until 651, when the last Sassanid king, Yazdegerd 3rd , lost a 14-year struggle to drive out the Umayyad Caliphate, the first of the Islamic empires. By the Sassanids, their Empire was called Iran or Eranshahr.The Sassanid era is considered to be one of the most important historical periods in Iran.

Babak Castle:

The castle is located 5 km. southwest of Kalibar is located 148 km. From Tabriz to the northeast of East Azarbayjan province ( 148 Km from Ahar ), at 2,600 m. above sea level. Surrounding the castle are valleys and only access to this structure is through a narrow track. It was from this castle that Babak Khorram Din and his followers fought against the Arabs for 22 years. Historical evidences show that this castle was the center of rule in the 6th and 7th century AH., of the territory. This castle has been repaired by The Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran.

Falak-Ol-Aflak Castle:

This palace (museum) is one of the historical structures related to the Sassanian era. The said is located on a hill in the midst of the city of Khoram Abad. A section of this palace was converted into a museum in the years 1976-1977. This museum comprises of two sections named as, an archaeology and an anthropology sector. In the year 1989, after under going repairs and the addition of yet another section that exhibited engravings and earthenware, the museum was re-opened. The original museum has begun its activities by the name of , "The Anthropological and Admiralty Metals Museum of Lurestan". In the above mentioned museum, exhibits such as, tomb - stones related to the 2nd - 7th centuries AH. Inscriptions of the Kashgan Bridge and the Jame' Mosque of the city, decrees related to the Safavid period engraved on marble, earthenware, admiralty metal, pictures and paintings of the famous personalities of Lurestan province.

Acropol Castle:

The Acropol or Shoosh castle was constructed by a group of French archeologists in the year 1897 AD in the highest region of the city. The same is very similar to the Bastille in France. This castle has been constructed by Dezful artists and by means of bricks obtained from Darius (Dariush) castle and some engraved bricks in the Kific script from Choqazanbil. This castle was in the hands of the French authorities before the Islamic revolution, after which it was utilised as the archeological center of Shoosh.Valuable and important relics such as the famous statue of Queen Napirasustoon, Hamurabi Code and famed buff earthenware glass of Shoosh with a wild goat drawing have been discovered from the Acropol Hill. It took a period of 15 years to build this structure which stood as a defense fort against the attack of local clans and tribes. During Iran-Iraq war this castle was under the bombardment of Iraqi troops, and later on came under re-construction and repair.

Alamoot Castle ( Eagle Nest):

The said structure is situated in the heights, surrounding by gigantic precipices and deep

crevices. The only means of access to this castle is by a narrow trail to its north. The

Alamoot Castle has an eastern and western sector, each of which comprises of two

segments again. These are the lower and upper castles. The length of the structure is

approximately 120m. and its width ranges from 10-25 m. in certain areas.The eastern

rampart of the upper castle is constructed of stone and gypsum, and is about 10m. in length and 5m. in height. To the northwestern front of the upper castle, two chambers have been excavated in the rocks of the mountains in one of which is a small pool of water. At the foot of this chamber, and at a lower level than the structure, is the northern rampart with a length of 12 m. and width of 1 m. The same ending in a steep precipice. To the eastern section of the castle the guards and their dependants resided. The western rampart of this sector is still standing to an elevation of 2 m. Here there are three water reservoirs excavated in the breast of the mountains.Between the upper and the lower castles is an area surrounded by ramparts, that divides the sector into two. Three towers in the northern, southern and eastern corners can still be observed. The only entrance and gateway to the castle is in the northeast.The path leading to the entrance is at the foot of the eastern tower, which is a few meters lower down. The various parts of the castle have been constructed with materials such as stone, mortar, gypsum, brick, tiles and earthenware. To the west of the castle is an ancient cemetery of Asb-e-Kaleh Chal. On an elevation near by, are remnants of a few brick kiln furnaces. According to records in the book Nishat-ol-Qolub by Hamdollah Mostowfi, the Alamoot castle is a construction of the 446 AH., contemporary to the reign of the Abbasi caliph, Al -Motevakel.

Lambasar Castle:

The said castle is one of the magnificent structures of the province with the two rivers of Lomehdan and Mineh flowing on the two sides of it. From three sides, that is in the eastern, southern and northern directions, this castle prolongs towards deep precipices. Its southern and eastern ramparts can still be observed. The southern gateway of the castle comprises of two successive doorways with a 6m. difference in level. To both sides of the first doorway, are two towers each 6 m. in height. The walls and ceilings of the successive doorway are of sculptured stone.The vital structures of this castle were near the northern gateway, and the only relic is a tower. In the southern sector are 12 narrow chambers facing east, besides other with barrel shaped ceilings, constructed with the ramparts of the castle. An interesting aspect is the water canal that enters the castle from the north, terminating in the cubical water reservoirs excavated in stone. Besides these, there are other water reservoirs in the northern and eastern sides and so too the exterior of the ramparts of the castle.Nearing the end confines of the structure in an slopping area are a few water reservoirs close to each other, and extruded out of stone. The said castle is one of the most spectacular structures in Iran and related to the pre-Islamic period.

Mohammad zaman Khan Castle:

This castle is located in the northern part of Qazvin. The same was the residence of Mohammad Zaman Khan-e-Reshvand and was constructed by him. Materials utilized in the construction were stone, mortar and gypsum. For the towers colossal stones have been used. The castle has three quarters, i.e., the internal, external and the servants quarters, bath, mill and stable. The grand external hall of the castle still exists. The large water reservoir of the castle was made of large bricks and still is in use.

Navizar Shah Castle:

The same is located on a mountain in northeast of the Garm Rood Village. The remnants of this structure are a few chambers and rooms, the main building and a part of its wall. In this area, ruins of other towers and castles such as Ilan, Sefidar and the castle of the Farandaj Village can be also seen. Most of these castles are located en route to the Almoot Castle.

Samiran Castle:, Tarom Village, Qazvin

The said is located on a rocky elevation. Currently only some sections of its ramparts are left to be seen. According to the narration of Naser Khosrow, the said castle had three ramparts within each other. Presently the most intact portion is its northern rampart, placed between two circular towers. The towers and walls are made of slabs of stone, mortar and gypsum. To the west of the castle are remnants of a few structures. Scattered pieces of earthenware are found in a large radius surrounding the said castle, and related to the post-Islamic period. Besides being a structure of defense, the same has also been utilized as residential purposes

Sasan Castle

The same is situated in the heights of a hillock, in the Tarom village of the township of Takestan. From the three sides it has a steep gradient, thus gaining access to this structure is difficult. The structure is like an octagonal tower, and surrounding it are ramparts to the length of 6.5 m. and to the height of 2 m. Its window, doorway and elevated entrance are interesting characteristics. The gilded covering of the structure was aided by eight contortions and bends and thence adorned. This relic dates back to the early centuries of Islamic period and probabley belongs to the Al Booyeh era.

Other castles of the province are: the Sangrood castle, Shirkooh castle and Eivan Niaq castle in Qazvin. Qestin Lar castle in Lar, Rashgin town and Meymoondej castle in the rural vicinity of Roodbar.

Chehel Dokhtaran Castle, Nik Shahr

In the upper Sookhteh Valley and in the wide bed of the Hamoon, to the southwest of Nik Shahr is the ruins of a structure reputedly known as 'Chehel Dokhtaran'. The same comprises of a tall castle and a minaret on the entrance which faces the east. The form of this minaret reveals that on each side of the entrance two chambers were present, and this (minaret) may be related to the minarets of 'Sar-o-Tar' and 'Chehel Borj'.The Chehel Dokhtaran structure has been constructed on a platform comprising of large slabs, cemented together with clay. There are a row of light sutures on the upper portion which have aided in the protection of the stone walls.

Iran Shahr Old Castle, Iran Shahr:

The said castle was a seat of power or command in the past in Baluchestan. It is a brick construction, built during the reign of Naseredin Shah by Firooz Mirza in the year 1264 AH.
Saam Castle, Zahedan:

The said castle is located within a distance of 28 km. in Zahedan - Zabol Road, and its structure is in a form of an irregular trapezium. This castle has two entrances, one to the north, and the other to the south with a watch tower. This relic belongs to the Parth period and has been made of sun baked bricks. The said structure has 36 watch towers, 9 of which stand in each corner of the castle, and 28 watch towers surround the structure itself.

Sarbaz Castle, Iran Shahr:This structure is one of the famous castles of Baluchestan, located in the Sarbaz Village. The same is related to the Islamic period and was built by the rulers of the time.

Teimoor Castle, Zahedan: The same is a relic of the Mongol and Safavid eras. The structure is located to the southwest of the old city of Zahedan and in the Posht Ab vicinity of Zabol.

Other castles in Sistan Va Baluchestan province are as follows: Zaboli Castle related to the Qajar period, and located within a distance of 125 km. from Saravan; The ancient castles of Peesheen, Daman, Espidej and Saeid Abad in Iran Shahr, the ancient Qadami Castle at a distance of 153 km. of Chabahar - Nik Shahr, the ancient Qasr-e-Qand Castle within 34 km. of Chabahar, Peep Castle 142 km. of Iran Shahr, Mian Kolangi Castle in north Zabol, Doost Mohammad Khan in north east Zabol, Seh Kooheh Castle in the district of Sheeb Ab Zabol, Firooz Abad Castle Rasak, 190 km. south of Iran Shahr, Chanof and Bampour Castles in Bampour, Namrud Castle in south of Zabol, Haridook castle 130 km. of Iran Shahr, Bazman Castle on the Iran Shahr - Bazman Road, Zahak Castle and the Seeb Castle 47 km. of Saravan. Heydar Abad Castle in Khash.

Charoo Castle, Lar: It is considered to be a well-known castle because of the Esmaili influence (the followers of Hassan Sabah). It is 15 km west of the Barm-Shoor Lake and located on top of the Chero Mountain. The antiquity of this castle goes back to 5th century.

Dokhtar Castle, Firooz Abad :Dating back to the 3rd century, this historical site is found in a mountainous area overlooking the Firooz Abad plain. Many tourists come to visit this site. Tourists can reach the summit by existing mounting facilities.

Eizad Khast Castle, Abadeh : the ruins of this ancient castle are at a distance of 141 km from Esfahan. In this castle small houses and narrow alleys dating back to the Sassanian period can still be distinguished. The sqaure building which in the Sassanian era was supposed to be a fire temple and praying quarter was later on, in the 9th century AH. changed into a mosque.

Ejdeha Peykar Castle, Lar: This castle is built on a hill to the west of the Lar township. The structure is composed of three sections: The stone wall, the upper tower and the middle tower. It dates back to the pre-Islamic period. It’s been inhabited until the 20th century and was bombarded at the time of Reza Shah.

Estakhr Castle, Marvdasht :The Estakhr Mountain is to the extremity of the southwest of the Marvdasht plains. On top of which the famous Estakhr Castle was constructed in the Azododoleh-ye-Deilami period. In this place a large pool (Estakhr) was made, but unfortunately at present, only a very tall ancient cypress tree dating back to a century can be seen among the ruins of the stony building of the castle.

Kaka Castle, Mamasani :This castle is located 8 km. from the hilly village of Kalgeh and is surrounded by the Ena and Sejak Gorges from which the Fahliyan River crosses by. It is believed that this castle once belonged to the Esmailians and it's antiquity dates back to 6th century AH. This castle is situated in the Mamasani township.

Karim Khani Citadel, Shiraz :It used to be the main residential palace of Karim Khan-e-Zand and his dynasty in Shiraz. Surrounded by high brick walls, there are four towers, each at a corner of the complex. This place was used as a prison for thirty five years until 1971. Although damaged as a result of misuse, renovations are taking place. This monument is a good representative of the architectural style which was typical of the Zand period.

Qabr Castle, Jahrum: This castle is located 50 km. from Jahrum city, at the top of a mount in an altitude of 400 m. To the west of this castle is a small spring. Beside the spring there is a narrow zigzag route, which terminates to the tower of the Qabr Castle.

Qadamgah Castle, Lar :Located northwest of the ancient city of Lar, this castle is built on a platform surrounded by steep slopes. It dates back to the pre-Islamic period and was used for defense purposes. Today only ruins (the northern wall and two smaller towers) remain as in the Safavid period, this place was destroyed.

Sefid Castle, Mamasani: This castle is located 15 km. north of Noor-Abad, it dates back to the

Elamite era. It is believed that in 5th century, it was one of the famous castles of Esmailians

and in the year 654 AH it was destroyed by Holakoo Khan the king of the Mongols.

Zahak Castle, Fasa: On top of a hill near Fasa, there exists a castle belonging to the Sassanian period. Ceramic objects have been found at this site.

The other historical castles of the province include: Mohrak and Tabar (Khorsheh) Castles in Jahrum, a building known as grave the of Nader Shah's mother in Lar,Gahvareh-ye-Deev in Shiraz,Dimeh Mil of Jahan Ahmad Shah in Noor Abad, Soleiman Prison Tower in Shiraz and Rooy Reneh (Rooineh).

Bakhshi Castle, Orumieh:This castle is on a deformed conical shaped mountain near the coast of Lake Orumieh overlooking a green plain. To the east of the said mountain there is an inscription written in the Elamite script. In excavations made in this castle some earthenware, copper and metal vessels have been discovered. Some huge pots have also been discovered which were used at that time to bury the dead bodies in them.

Bardook Village Castle, Orumieh :This castle is 6 km. from the village of Bardook in the

vicinity of Somay-e-Baradoost and has a defense rampart in three sections. The defense

rampart is made of stone slabs with semi-circular columns. The entrance a square shaped

doorway has been placed in the deperation of middle side of the castle. In the centeral portion of the castle the remnants of a few structures are visible. At the peak of the mountain the relic of a watch tower can also be noted.

Bastam Castle, Qarah Ziyaedin: This fort dates to 7th century BC. and is located in the village of Qarah Ziyaedin. The said fort has been constructed in three places within a duration of 50 years. Built with strong stony walls, at the top of a high rock, it overlooks the surrounding area. The fort has three storeys.

Boloor Abad Castle, Qarah Ziyaedin :This castle is on the fringes of the northern plains of Qareh Ziyaedin village. This castle is triangular in shape with an inner rectangular rampart. The width of the main rampart being 3 m. In front of the main wall, another one has been constructed having a width of one meter. At intervals, vertical walls have been constructed between the first two so as to fortify the fort.

Dom Dom Castle, Orumieh: This castle was constructed in the year 1018AH., on the Dom-Dom Mountain, 18 km. southwest of Orumieh. The castle stands at a great height and is composed of 5 sections.

Esmail Aqa Castle, Orumieh :This castle was built in the second half of the 19 century. It is located on a mountain, 18 km. west of Orumieh, on fringes of Nazloo Chay river. This castle is related to the Qajar era. The remnants of this fort consists of a crypt of stone from the Orartoie period, with regular engravings, an entrance, porticos, a gateway with a stony framework and a chamber. Besides these evidences there are ramparts and tombs belong to Safavid period.

Sang-e-Kazem Khan Castle, Orumieh: This is a rock 350 m. in height. The rock has been cut out to form a pathway right to the peak, where there is s strong sentry post with a marble doorway. This castle is in two storeys and was utilized by the household of Kazem Khan. This castle has only one door opening out on a paved road. In the 7th century AH., Hollakoo Khan renovated the structure. It is believed that Hollakoo Khan is buried here, thence known as Goor Qaleh or Grave Castle.

Siyah Castle, Maku: This castle lies 36 km. east of Maku. It is constructed on a flat land created by cooled melted material (volcanic soil). The turreted walls of the castle give it on additional beauty. This castle was a palace of one of the Orartoie kings in the 7th and 8th centuries BC. for defense purposes. Top

Takht-e-Soleiman Castle, Takab :The aggregate of the Takht-e-Soleiman monument is placed on a natural high land, about 20 m. above the surrounding plain. All the structural relics have been constructed within an oval shaped rampart. The exterior rampart with 5 m. thickness, 14 m. height and outer circumference of 1,200 m. has 38 conical defense towers.The outer wall is a remnant from the Sassanian period. During the Ilkhanan reign, a new gateway had been constructed adjoined with the