Zandiyeh Complex
Krim Khan-e Zand complex whish is related to Zandiyeh period, is the most outstanding attraction of Shiraz in Zand street among the oldest streets of this city. Zandiyeh Complex includes: Arg e Karim Khan (Karim Khan Citadel), Vakil Bath, Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bazaar.
History
The complex was built as part of a complex during the Zand dynasty and is named after Karim Khan, and served as his living quarters. To build this citadel, Karim Khan invited some of the best local and international architectures to design the building.
He also ordered to use the best material of the time in Zandiyeh Complex construction. Building the monuments took about two years. The building initially used as the pavilion of Royal Family during the Zand Dynasty. However, in Qajar Dynasty the place was used as the official place of the governor, and later, it turned to a prison, in Pahlavi Dynasty. Today, this complex is a museum operated by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization.
Architecture
The Citadel is situated at the center of Shiraz at Shahrdari Square and covers an area of 4,000 meters square. The citadel is walled all around and the four walls connected to each other by brick towers with 14 meters height. Walls have 12 meters in height, and 3 meters in width at the base and 2.8 meters at the top. The architecture of the building brings a combination of military and residential architecture usage in mind, as it was the residential place of Karim Khan and the military center of the dynasty. The tile works at the entrance gate of the citadel were added during the Qajar Dynasty. 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.
Zandiyeh Complex
It comprises of Arg-e Karim Khan (Karim Khan Citadel), Vakil Bath, Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bazaar.
Karim Khan Citadel: It is a citadel located in the north-east of Shiraz that was built as part of a complex during the Zand dynasty and is named after Karim Khan, and served as his living quarters. In shape it resembles a medieval fortress. At times, the citadel was used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization. The Citadel of Karim Khan consists of four high walls 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.
Vakil Bath: It is a traditional Iranian bath that has turned into museum. In this museum which is full of statues, you will get acquainted with Iranian culture and traditional lifestyle of Iranians. This can be considered as a unique bath due to its symmetrical architecture.
Vakil Mosque: Near the Vakil Bath, a spectacular mosque had been constructed for the people of Shiraz to do their daily religious duties and say their prayers. It is a place of worship with beautiful design and forms that show the art of Iranian. The iwans and court are decorated with seven colors tiles which are a Shirazi handicraft. There is a famous marble pulpit which it is made in one level and it is uniform. Its shabestan or prayer hall consists of 48 monolithic pillars.
Vakil Bazaar: In the past, this bazaar is built in 11th century as part of a plan to make Shiraz into a prominent trading center for tourists and merchants as well as locals. The bazaar was main store center of Shiraz and today it has become preferable place for the youths to go shopping or have gatherings because it has still kept its traditional and old environment. This bazaar has old shops to buy all kinds of Persian rugs, spices, copper handicrafts and antiques.
Opening hours
This complex 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. At this complex you can see some Zandiyeh sites such as Arg- Karim Khan, Vakil Bath, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar.