Kerman

Kerman province

This province was known as " Botia " in the Achaemenids period and in the Islamic era was counted as an important cultural center. It was under foreign domination many times. This province with an area of 186,422 Kms is located in south-east of Iran and enjoys a changeable climate, cold in mountainous areas and warm in plains. Carpet, Cumin-seed, Pistachio, date, mineral reserves and traditional footwear are part of this province's wealth.

Kerman

Kerman is the legendary site of many ancient monuments all dating back to the 3rd century B.C. As the largest brick-laid complex in the world, situated 190 Km away from the city, the citadel of Arg-e-Bam has deservedly earned the honor of being a remarkable tourist attraction which also ranks among the top-ten Iranian historical monuments. Its main fortress, encompassing a 6 ha area, is now the site of modern tourist center called " The new Arg " - a tourist complex suitably designed to be accommodated one million potential tourist annually.

Kerman's Historical Sites:

Jame' Kabir or Mozafari Mosque is the largest mosque, which was built in the 8th century AH.during the reign of the Al-e-Mozaffar kings.

Imam Khomeini ( Malek ) Mosque was built during the reign of Seljuk Touran Shah. It has numerous " shabestan " ( verandas ) , a large courtyard and aqueducts built in the second half of the 5th century AH.

Ganj Ali Khan complex, which includes a school, bath, caravansary, market, water reservoir and a square was built by Ganj Ali Khan. The complex is unique for its architecture and tile work.

1 - Ganj Ali Khan bath is located in the southern part of the square and was in use until half a century back. An exquisite blunt of art and architecture, this building has a staggered entrance which opens into six spacious apses.

True- to- Life wax figures bring back the memory of every day scenes from the past. All garments and exhibited objects are period pieces: razors, phials for rose perfumes and long-stemmed pipes to be enjoyed after the bath. Sunlight pours in from the roof overhead, creating superb light effects.

2 - Ibrahim Khan Zahiruddauleh's complex includes a school, bath, and rulers hall .

3 - Jebalieh Dome's fire temple is believed by archaeologists to date the Seljukian era.

4 - The green Dome (Gonbad-e-Sabz ), erected in the 9^th century AH, is the resting place of the Qarakhtanian.

5 - Qaleh Dokhtar (Girl's Fortress) is located on the lofty eastern hills of Kerman city, built during the Sassanid era, it is believed to have housed the Anahita fire temple.

6 - Moshtaghiyeh Dome, built during the qajar era, is the resting place of Moshtaq ali shah.

7 - Kerman market is one of the most interesting historical sites of Kerman, It includes the Mesgari bazaar, the Ganj Ali Khan bazaar, the Ekhtyari bazaar and the Vakil bazaar. Takht darya Qoli Baig, the Sirjan Ston fort, Mausoleum of Sheik Ahmad Baba, Ilaj Aqa Ali, all mosques and Vakil mosque are some of monuments of Kerman

Mahan

Mahan has some of the most beautiful minarets in Iran. The tomb of Shah Nur-eddin Nematollah Vali, poet, sage, Sufi and founder of an order of dervishes, has twin minarets covered with turquoise tiles from the bottom up to the cupola.

The mausoleum was built by Ahmad Shah Kani. The rest of the building was constructed during the reigns of Shah

Abbas First, Mohammd Shah and Naser-ad-din Shah.

Bam

Bam is located 193 Kms, to the southeast of Kerman in the plain, between the Jebal-e-Barez and Kabudi Mountains. Bam is 1050 meters above sea level, has an area of 19,480 sq., Kms and a population of about 200,000.

The oldest sign of civilization are found in the Bidroun hills located 10 Kms to the west of the city. Archaeological survey indicates that Bidroun hills date back to 4^th millennium BC. People have lived in Bam and its vicinity from 6,000 years ago. In ancient times, people lived in a citadel which is now known as Arg-E-Bam.

Arg-e-BAM : Arg is a gem of Iranian historical sites and is one of the most beautiful buildings of the Ashkanian era.It is the largest adobe building in the world, like a glorious fort. Arg, admeasuring 6 sq., Kms, is located on a 61-meter high stone hill.

Historical accounts, sometimes verging into legends, abound. Arg-e-Bam has been attributed to Bahman Pour Grashasb, who is the Achaemenian who lived in Iran circa 312 BC., during Alexander's rule, lip to 180 years ago, people lived in Arg-e-Bam.

The buildings inside are made from clay, bricks and clay mortar. There is only one entrance, which is similar to the Sassanid era's arches. The towers at the sides and the vestibule are thought to have been added during the Safavid era . Relics of another gate can be seen in the northern section of the Arg.

Arg has a main gate from the south to the ruler's palace, two parallel passes and a few rows of shops on the eastern and western sides. 60 meters of the main road to the market was roofed and a portion of its road was paved with stones.

The Jame' mosque, the prayer house, water reservoir square, school, bath, a site of recreational sport, shrines and number of ancient houses are recognized unites of Arg.

From the second gate, one can see the ruling quarters located on the top of mountain.

The rulings quarters consist of two buildings called " Chahar Fasl " and the " Khane Hakem " (ruler' s house ) a central watch tower, bath, pond and water well. Until 80 years ago, the ruling quarters were used to accommodate the Gendarmerie and served as headquarter to arm forces.