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Karim Khan Citadel
ارگ کریم خان زند
Arg of Karim Khan2007.jpg
Arg of Karim Khan in 2007
Former names Arg of Karim Khan
General information
Type Castle
Architectural style Iranian architecture
Location Shiraz, Iran
Construction started 1766
Completed 1767
Height 14 m
Technical details
Structural system Imperial resident, Military.
(later prison)
Size 4.000 m2
Design and construction
Architect Karim Khan Zand
Engineer A team of engineers all from Zand territories

The Karim Khan Citadel (also called the Arg of Karim Khan) is a big, old fortress in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It looks like a medieval castle! It was built a long time ago by Karim Khan, who was a ruler from the Zand dynasty. He used it as his home.

In the past, the citadel was sometimes used as a prison. Today, it's a popular museum. It is managed by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization.

A Look Back in Time

The Karim Khan Citadel was built between 1766 and 1767. It was part of a big building project by Karim Khan. He wanted to make Shiraz a grand capital city. He was inspired by the beautiful buildings he saw in another city, Isfahan.

Karim Khan built a large square in Shiraz. The citadel was built on the west side of this square. Other important buildings were also nearby. These included the Divan Karim Khan Square, Vakil Bazaar, and Vakil Mosque.

After the Zand dynasty ended, the citadel was used for different purposes. It was even turned into a prison for a while. During this time, some of its beautiful paintings were covered up.

In 1971, the citadel was given to Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization. They started to fix up the castle in 1977. Now, it is a protected historical site and a museum.

What Does It Look Like?

The Karim Khan Citadel is located in Shahrdari Square. It covers an area of about 4,000 square meters. That's roughly the size of a football field!

The citadel has four tall walls. These walls are connected by four round brick towers. Each tower is 14 meters (about 46 feet) high. The walls are 12 meters (about 39 feet) high. They are also very thick, about 3 meters (10 feet) at the bottom.

The design of the citadel is special. It mixes military features with parts for living. This is because it was both the home of Karim Khan and a military center for his dynasty.

Gallery

  • Arg of Karim Khan - outside view

    Exterior

  • Arg of Karim Khan, Shiraz 02

    Entrance

  • Arg of Karim Khan ارگ کریم خان زند در شیراز 03

    Interior

  • Arg of Karim Khan (45)

    Interior

  • Arg e karim khan (2)

    Windows

See also

  • Batonis Tsikhe
  • Iranian architecture
  • List of castles in Iran
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