[IRAN] Shiraz - Arg of Karim Khan

17:23 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

Built in 1766 during the Zand Dynasty, the Arg of Karim Khan or the Karim Khan Castle was used by the king as his living quarters. At times, the citadel was used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran’s Cultural Heritage.

Walking towards the main attraction of Shiraz, Arg of Karim Khan.

Arg of Karim Khan is located at the Shohada Square right in the heart of downtown Shiraz.

The high walls features ornamental brickwork and has four attractive 14m high circular towers at four corners. The castle sure looks like a fortress.

At the south eastern corner of the citadel, a tower is leaning and it has been for years. It has to be reinforced to stand on its place.

The entrance to the citadel.

The tiles above the entrance gate depicts the scene of Rostam’s battle against a demon. Rostam is the protagonist character of Shahnameh, the epic poem book of Ferdowsi. The tiles were added during the Qajar period where the citadel was used as the governor's office.

The entrance fees to visit the interior of the citadel is 150,000 rials per person.

Inside the Arg is a open courtyard with citrus trees and a long pool running down the center of the courtyard.

The garden is big, covering up to approximately 80% of the area.

A souvenir booth inside the castle.

The main rooms of Karim Khan citadel is now converted into a museum.

A big stained glass window.

These wax statues revive the setting inside the court of Karim Khan where he met with officials and ruled over the territories under his domination. During his reign, relations with Britain were good.

Unfortunately, the explanation inside is in Farsi. Well, the top picture is of course Karim Khan himself.

On the south eastern corner of the courtyard, is the door that leads to the Arg of Karim Khan’s bathhouse, Hammam.

Marble floors and seats inside the bathhouse.

The plasterwork decorations on the walls of the bathhouse.

The pools are insulated and there are clay-made pipes for heating beneath the floors and transferring water.

Another section of the bathhouse.

The plasterwork decoration on the wall implies the love in flowers and nature.

From 1925 till 1971 the Arg served as the city prison and the paintings were covered with plaster and the rooms and hallways were converted into small prison cells.