Arg of Karim Khan

The Citadel of Karim Khan (Persian: ارگ کريمخاني - Arg -e Karim Khani ) is located in the north -east of the Iranian city of Shiraz. It was built as part of a larger complex during the Zand dynasty; the eponymous ruler Karim Khan served as a living area. In its shape it resembles a medieval fortress.

At times, the citadel was used as a prison. Today, it houses a museum that is operated by the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization.

History

The Citadel was built in 1766/67. Karim Khan invited the best architects and artists of his time, and earned the best materials from other cities and from abroad for the construction of the building, which was built quickly. During the reign of the Zand it was by the kings as a residential district, during the dynasty of the Qajar used as the seat of the governor.

After the end of Kadscharenherrschaft it was converted into a prison, the paintings were plastered over. In 1971 it was handed over to the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization ( Sazman Miraz -e Farhangi, Sanāje ' Dasti wa Gardes -gari ). The renovation of the building began in 1977.

Description

The Citadel of Karim Khan is located at Shohada Square. It covers an area of 4,000 m²; The building consists of four high walls ° angle are connected together with four 14 meter high round brick towers in the 90. The walls are 12 feet high and 3 feet at the base, above 2.8 meters thick. The design of the citadel combines military with residential architecture, it was the residential building Karim Khan as well as the military center of the dynasty.

The British travel writer James Edward Alexander, described in 1827 the Citadel as a " deep, wet ditch " ( "deep wet ditch" ) surrounded.

Tile work depicting mythical stories were added during the Qajar at the front gate.