on UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2007
The Complex of Izadkhast is located in Izadkhast in the Fars Province of Iran, roughly 135km south of Isfahan. It is a historical complex listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.[1] The complex consists of the Izad-khast Castle and old ruined town, the Izadkhast Caravanserai roadside inn, and a Safavid-period bridge. The complex is located on a natural base with the castle built on a bedrock to protect it from foreign attacks. The architecture of the complex displays unique characteristics to Izadkhast.[1]
The Complex of Izadkhast of was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on August 9, 2007, in the Cultural category.[1]
Izad-khast Castle
Izad-Khvast Castle in August 2018
The Izad-Khast Castle is the most important section of the complex. It is unique to Izadkhast and the only comparison to its building materials are found in sites of the Izadkhast region. The works within the castle displays different architectural styles and date back to the Sassanid and Qajar dynasty periods.
The castle is built on a singular bedrock in a sand construction, close to the valley of Izadkhast. The smallness of the bedrock had led to an increase of castle floors. It also led to an agglomeration of small built rooms. The castle was only accessible from a bridge and a gate built in the most accessible part of the complex.[1]
Izadkhast Caravanserai
The caravanserai in Izadkhast
The Izadkhast Caravanserai is an ancient caravanserai or roadside inn where caravaners and travelers rested and recover during their journeys.
The Izadkhast Caravanserai is one of 25 caravanserais on the UNESCO List of Persian Caravanserai. It was selected from hundreds of caravanserais from all over Iran under the name of Persian Caravanserais.[2]
Ruins of the old town
Drawbridge of the castle
Safavid-period bridge
Samanid caravanserai in Izadkhast
Iran portal
