Bam Citadel, Bam

Bam Citadel, Bam 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 southern 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 storeyed structures which were most probabely constructed due to increased population. After the gateway entrance there is a main passage which leads to the second gate-way. A part of this route was the city bazaar. Remenance of a bakery, an oil extraction area and the mud made shelves of bazaar reveals the splendour of the city in that time. Running parallel to the main passage there were two other paths leading to the second gateway. The Hosseiniyeh or place for religious mourning comprised of a large area with a two storeyed symmetrical porch, a few chambers and three pulpits of sun baked bricks. The traditional gymnasium consisted of four porches, a dome and a low-lying area, surrounded by a higher platform. Bam Citadel The Bam citadel has two mosques,one is the Jame’ Mosque and the other the Hazrat Mohammad (AS) Mosque.There was also used to be a public bath in public section, which is unfortunately in a ruined state at present.

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 former southern gateway.Within the oval rampart there are two square plots, with uniaxis and different centers. In the centers of the southern square there is a lake and the northern square an ancient fire-temple respectively. Eivan-e-Khosrow is placed to the north western direction of the lake and to its southern side is Eivan – e- Garabaq- e – Khosrow. Takht-e-Soleiman was destroyed during the Roman conquest in 624 AD. In archeological surveysaround the area of the fire-temple a variety of coins , tiles and a huge copper cooking vessel (a remnant of the Islamic period) ,have been discovered. The Soleiman prison which consists of the remnants of a pre – historic and the Medes temple is included in this aggregate. Sites such as dormant vol canoes, thermal springs and streams around Takht-e-Soleiman are worth surveying .

Saint Stepanous Church, Jolfa

This church was erected between the periods of the 4th and 6th century AH. and is one of the important historical and religious structures of the city of Orumieh in the province of Azarbayjan.

This church is located in the famous Darreh or valley of ‘Sham’, 16 km. from Jolfa.

Koorush Kabir (Cyrus) Shrine, Shiraz-Esfahan Rd.

On the Shiraz – Esfahan Road and in the Morqab plains, this rectangular monument is built on a six-storey platform. On the top floor, which is 3 m. high, there are two tombs, one belonging to Koorush, and the other to his wife Kassandan mother of Kamboujieh. These two graves are interconnected by a meter long and 35cm. wide corridor.

Bistoon (Sheikh Ali Khan) Caravansary, Bistoon

This caravansary is located in Bistoon and has four porches. The same has been built by Sheikh Ali Khan Zanganeh. Its building is in a rectangular in form. In its rectangular courtyard there are 47 rooms for travelers.

The caravansary has 4 circular towers in four corners and 14 rooms along the entrance. With respect to the type of material used for construction, the structure dates to the Safavid era. But in its foundation, carved stones of the Sassanide period can be noted. In Bistoon other caravansaries constructed on different plans can be also observed. These are related to the late Sassanide and early Islamic periods.

Astan-e-Qods Razavi Aggregate, Mashad

The aggregates of tombs or mausoleums consist of constructions or buildings which are regarded as pilgrimage sites or tombs of prominent or religious personalities and the resting abode of persons of repute. Such establishments consist of the following structures:

The shrine structure, mosques, schools, libraries, caravansaries (or ancient inns), water reservoirs, monasteries (Khaneqah), hospitals and similar place. In the province of Khorassan two promenant aggregates of tombs which are of great importance are present .

This forms the axis of the holy city of Mashad and is one of the most important and greatest ‘aggregates’ in the world of Islam. Its importance is due to the presence of the shrine of His Holiness Imam Reza (AS), 148-203 AH, which contains valuable historical and artistic monuments from various centuries.

Hafiz Tomb, Shiraz

Hafiz is one of the most famous Gnostics and poets of Iran, who was born in Shiraz in 726 AH and passed away 65 years later. The tomb of Hafiz also known as Hafizieh is located north of Shiraz and comprises of two gardens Many people still come to pay homage to this master of poetry. The mausoleum itself is located in a lovely garden and has an atmosphere of peace and calm that is quite unique.

Chehel Sotune Palace, Esfahan

The Chehel Sotune Palace and its garden cover an area of approximately 67,000 sq. m.

This palace was constructed during the reign of Shah Abbas I. Shah Abbas II was also responsible for additions to this palace such as the hall of mirrors, the hall of 18 pillars and two large chambers facing the north and south. The spectacular hall of mirrors with its decorative mirror work, tile work and paintings, along with its majestic porches and pool which faces this hall, all add to its splendour.