Rayen Citadel
Adobe was considered the most important construction material in the desert areas of Iran. For thousands of years, the people of these regions had learned how to create the most beautiful structures with adobe.
Unfortunately, the Bam earthquake in 2003 severely destroyed the world's largest adobe building, the Bam Citadel. But in the same province of Kerman and near the city of Rayen, there is a building that is not only the second largest adobe building in the world, but also a symbol of the greatness and glory of the Sasanid dynasty. This building is called Rayen Citadel.
Where is the Rayen Citadel?
The Rayen Citadel is located in the southwest of the city of Rayen in Kerman province. This citadel and its city are located exactly between Bam and Kerman, which means that it is part of the old road between Iran and India.
All about the history of the Rayen Citadel:
Kerman and its surrounding areas were important during ancient Iran: firstly because of the existence of silk weaving workshops and secondly, being on the transit route of spices from India to the Roman Empire. Both of these cases were considered to be the most important sources of income of the Sasanid government, that is why the government built fortresses in these areas in order to become a market for trade in addition to providing security. The Rayen Citadel is also one of these structures, the architecture and objects found in it are proof of this. This 2,000-year-old citadel has gone through various battles and was considered one of the strong fortresses until the Zand era. Today, this building is considered one of Iran's tourism hubs.
What do you know about the architecture of the Rayen Citadel?
The citadel is about a 3-hectare square, around which 16 circular towers have been built to guard it. The citadel fence is about 10 meters high and 4 meters wide. Maybe it was for this reason that it was never captured. There is only one entrance to the castle, the architecture of which reminds you of Shapur Khast Castle. The citadel and all its internal parts are made of adobe. The ruler's house, the houses of the nobles, the market, the fire temple, the water and food storage, and the common quarters form different parts of the citadel. Due to its use in the Islamic era, elements of Islamic architecture can be seen in this unique building.
Everyone should see the Rayen Citadel up close once to get to know the original Sasanid architecture and how to secure the trade routes of the ancient world!!
Tags: Kerman Province, citadel, kerman Attractions, Citadels in Iran