Karim Khan Citadel
Karim Khan Complex is one of the most popular and elegant architectural complex of Zand dynasty, which is include Vakil Bath, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Karim Khan Citadel, that located in the north-east of Shiraz. Arg-e Karim Khan is a military residential garden which located in the downtown Shiraz, southern Iran.
History
It was built as part of a complex during the Zand dynasty and is named after Karim Khan, and served as his living quarters. The design of the citadel combines military and residential architecture, for it was the home of Karim Khan and the military center of the dynasty.
When Zand dynasty ruling the country and Shiraz selected as the capital city, Karim Khan Citadel was constructed in 1697. Karim Khan Zand invited the most professional architects and artists to Shiraz and asked them to build this amazing structure. This citadel has had various functions in different historical eras. It was the living place of Karim Khan Zand in Zand Dynasty, living place of local rulers in Qajar Dynasty, and prison in Pahlavi Dynasty. For the time being, it is under renovation process to be transformed into a museum. In 1972, this citadel was registered in National Heritage of Iran.
Architecture of Karim Khan Citadel
The citadel is symbol of Zand dynasty architecture, which was the living quarters of the Royal family. Specific architectural style outside, Different Islamic architecture elements inside, geometrical site plan, and the night view of this historical area, make there one of the most touristic locations in Shiraz.
The citadel consists of four walls that are connected to each other by four 14-meter watch towers. The combination of military and residential architecture was applied to design the citadel in order to provide high security, as it was the residence of the King. Therefore, the exterior walls are very tall, with the height of 15 meters.
The towers around the Citadel has three floors, each floor includes two rooms; in the past, one of the rooms was used by soldiers to relax and rest, the other one for keeping weapons. The rooms which are interconnected, are decorated with Iranian artistic architecture.
The main gate of the citadel is decorated with a big tiling tableau, which is an image of the well-known Persian myth, Shahnameh. You can perceive the power of ancient architecture by visiting the site. It is very impressive, especially from the outside with an amazing intricate brickwork.
The residental building of this Citadel located on the northern, southern and western side, which contains a porch and six rooms with Islamic architectural elements in around. The rooms connected from the inside and trimmed with marvelous Islamic ornamentation such as Muqarnas. Moreover, the entrance to the citadel is on the eastern side which including the private bath of Karim Khan. Where royal family met and had themselves washed and massaged by the servants.
Opening hours
This historical citadel is open for visitors in spring, summer time from 08.30 am to 21.30 pm and in autumn, winter time from 07.30 am to 20.30 pm (every day). At courtyard of this citadel you can put on a traditional women's clothes and take a memorial picture.