Alexander Prison: Myths and History Intersects in Yazd
Uncover the Mysteries of Alexander's Prison
When you are visiting Yazd, you sure want to explore a hidden charming piece of history lies within the ancient city: Alexander Prison! Located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Yazd called Fahadan. This historical construction is enveloped in tales and myths, making it a popular destination for travelers eager to uncover its secrets.
It is listed as National Heritage Site in 1960’s despite of the legends. While the true history of the prison, or as some would call a school, may be lost to time, the myths and stories that surrounded it are just as captivating as the structure itself. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or just a good narrative, a visit to Alexander’s Prison is sure to be an unforgettable experience! You really do not want to miss out!
Contents
History
The history of Alexander Prison (“Zendan-e Eskandar” in Farsi) is a bit of a mystery. While the building is named for Alexander the Great, there is no concrete evidence that suggests he had anything to do with its construction. Some believes that Alexander the Great built this prison after he attacked the ancient Persia and chose Yazd for the location because Yazd at that time was a remote city and quite deserted compared to the larger cities, it is widely believed that Alexander’s expatriates used to be kept here.
But, at the other hand there are more accounts suggesting that this monument was an old school founded by the Razi family in 1233 (631 Hijri Calendar). The school was named Ziaiyeh school after the founder: Ziauddin Hussain Razi. In 1305 his sons named Majd e-ddin Hassan and Sharafoddin Ali completed it. They built great houses and high windcatchers around this building. Back in the time there was a bathroom and a library across the school.
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For centuries it was a place of teaching and hosting scholars. After years have gone by, there was a large well appeared in one part of the building on the ground, which was thought to be a dungeon, reinforcing the idea that it may have been a prison. An investigation prior to the renovation determined that the cause of the hole was the construction of an underground water pipe network. Anyhow, some still think that the school was transformed into a prison and that parts of it were used as a dungeon.
Architecture of Alexander Prison in Yazd
Alexander Prison architecture is known as Azari or Mongol/Iranian-Mongol style. The Azeri style was introduced by Master Pirnia, describes the Iranian architecture in Ilkhanid–Timurid eras. Azari style is a style of post-Islamic Iranian architecture that is attributed to Azerbaijan.
Material
You can say that the only material used in this structure is mud-brick and clay. The entire city is famous for its houses built with this material and having domes and windcatchers. Yazd is nearly a completely dry city, so the structures’ construction had to take cooling the homes into consideration. The Alexander’s Prison is no exception.
Dome
This building has a huge dome of about 18-20 meters with minimal azure and gold plasters which is partially destroyed over the time.
Wind Catcher
And there is a huge wind catcher (Baadgir in Farsi) next to the main building, cooling the air to flow inside the building.
Well & Basement
Then, there is this 2.8 meters well which leads to a cellar with almost 5 meters depth. The cellar or basement (Sardaab in Farsi) was used to take shelter in the heat and to keep food and water cool. You can get inside by taking less than 40 steps on a staircase down the ground!
Praying Hall
There is also a big praying hall (Shabestan in Farsi) with different alters in size and designs.
The Museum
Although the whole site is a mystery and you can learn a lot about the history, the legends and the architecture, numerous tomb stones and tablets are collected in a museum inside the building. It is believed that some of them are related to the Razi family; the founders. It is worth a visit.
Location & Nearby Attractions
This building is located in Fahadan neighborhood in Yazd which is home to other numerous landmarks. Nearby places to visit would be:
- Amir Chakhmaq Complex
- Lariha House Museum
- Jame Mosque of Yazd
- Dowlat Abad Garden
- Yazd Water Museum
- Boq’e 12 Imam
How to Get to Alexander Prison
Travelling by your car or taking public transportation, the easiest way to find the location to Alexander Prison is to find the Clock Tower in Fahadan neighborhood! Take a 15-minutes’ walk toward north on Rakhtshoor Khane St. and voila! You got there! The neighborhood is historical and it is suggested to take walk and enjoy the sight instead of using a vehicle.
Plan to Visit
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You can allocate 1 hour to visit Alexander’s Prison in the morning – any day of the week from 8:00 a.m except for the national holidays- and continue your journey to visit other attractions in the same neighborhood till afternoon.
Then you can have a break in a nearby café or have your lunch in a restaurant. You will be amazed by how the cooling system AKA the wind catchers in the buildings would work even in hot summer days! But the best season to visit the dry Yazd would be the Winter to escape from cold in other cities in Iran!
FAQs
Where to eat near Alexander Prison?
You can find many good quality restaurants and choose one to enjoy a local meal. Some options would be Emarat Vakil, Tahmoures Historical restaurant, and Karizma Café.
How many years did it take for the monument to be built?
It took almost 75 years that 2 generations of the Razi family finished building the whole structure. The sons have expanded the building by adding new parts.
Where to buy souvenirs near Alexander Prison?
There is a handicraft shop on site where you can find some good memorial options.
