Arg of Tabriz: A Glimpse into Persia’s Royal Past!
Offering Insights Into Persian Architecture and the Region's Cultural Heritage
The Arg of Tabriz remains one of the tallest historical structures in the city. This Arg or citadel was once a huge mosque, but many parts have been destroyed due to earthquakes, wars, and human intervention. Now, only a high wall remains of this building.
In its heyday, the Arg of Tabriz was considered a unique example of Iranian architecture. Due to its high altitude, it was visible from all parts of the city. This article introduces this magnificent structure.
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The Introduction of Arg of Tabriz
The Arg of Tabriz is one of the tallest and oldest historical structures in Iran, dating back 700 years, and is one of the most essential attractions in the beautiful city of Tabriz. According to the writings and notes of historians and historical tourists, The Arg of Tabriz is the only high building in Tabriz that can be seen even from afar.
The Arg of Tabriz is a unique architectural complex. It was originally built as a huge mosque, which was largely destroyed over time due to the many earthquakes and wars that have occurred in Tabriz. Currently, only a part of this building remains as a high wall, which is called the Arg of Tabriz.
The History of Arg of Tabriz
The Arg of Tabriz was built by the order and efforts of Taj al-Din Alishah Gilani, the minister of the Mongol Ilkhanate, between 716 and 724, aiming to make a large tomb in the mosque’s courtyard. It is worth noting that the southern part of this mosque had a large arch. Alishah asked the architects of that time about the size of the Kasra arch and ordered that it be built 4 yards (each yard is equivalent to 104 centimeters), which is more significant than it.
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It is interesting to know that the Arg of Tabriz is a valuable monument to natural damage and historical events of the past. Despite these damages, it has always been a dominant stronghold for Tabriz.
It is better to know that the Arg has had different uses and applications, depending on the characteristics of each period. For example, during the Qajar dynasty, this mosque and its grounds were used as a grain warehouse and a military ammunition depot, and a fence was built around it, so its name was changed to the Arg.
Architecture of Arg of Tabriz
The Arg of Tabriz is considered one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture, and its grandeur and splendor are unparalleled in Iranian architecture. It is an example of an Islamic building. The architectural style of the Arg is the Azeri style, a style in post-Islamic Iranian architecture attributed to Azerbaijan, whose architect is Master Falaki Tabrizi. The Azeri style is also called the Mongol or Iranian-Mongol style.
Interestingly, mortar and durable building materials were used to construct this building, which became popular during the Ilkhanate period. Like other historical monuments, the Arg of Tabriz was not spared from the devastating earthquake of the 10th century in Tabriz. A large part of the Citadel complex collapsed due to this natural phenomenon, and a large fracture appeared in the body of the Arg from this earthquake.
Sightseeing Places Near The Arg of Tabriz
- Municipality Palace of Tabriz: The Municipality Palace of Tabriz was built on a land area of 9600 square meters and has an infrastructure of about 6500 square meters. This three-story building was built between 1314 and 1320 AH on the site of the “Abandoned Moi Nobar Cemetery.” The building has a clock tower 30.4 meters high. This clock has been working continuously for the past 70 years, and a beautiful melody can be heard from it every 15 minutes.
- The Iron Age Museum: The Iron Age Museum is another attraction near the Arg of Tabriz, located on an ancient site. This ancient site is located northeast, north, and northwest of the Blue Mosque of Tabriz. It includes a cemetery of some pottery artifacts from the Iron Age. Archaeologists have discovered 38 graves in this old cemetery in which the bodies were buried in the fetal position. The stonework around the bodies originally symbolized the wall of the womb. For this reason, the bodies were buried in a squatting or fetal position.
- Behnam House: Behnam House is a notable attraction in Tabriz, located near the Arg of Tabriz in the Maghsoudieh neighborhood. Built during the late Zand and early Qajar periods, it now serves as the administrative wing of Tabriz Islamic Art University. Renovated first during Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar’s reign, it features beautiful paintings. Recent renovations have also revealed several Iranian frescoes that are currently under restoration.
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Conclusion
The Arg of Tabriz is one of the city’s important historical monuments. The city has witnessed difficult times over the years and has been a base for freedom fighters in every era. Those who travel to Tabriz should also dedicate time to visiting the Arg to see the traces of wounds that have left scars on its body and to get to know the painful history of this city a little more.
There are many places to visit in Tabriz. These historical places constantly strengthen our connection with the past of this land. When you see the grandeur and height of the Arg, you will realize the skill and ability of the architects of that era. It is incredible how they built this building without advanced tools.
FAQs about Visiting the Arg of Tabriz
In which city is the Arg of Tabriz located?
The Arg of Tabriz is located in East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz city, on the southern side of the intersection of Imam Khomeini and Ferdowsi Street, near the Municipality Palace of Tabriz area.
How old is the Arg of Tabriz?
The construction of the original Structure began between 716 and 724 AH with the aim of building a large tomb in the courtyard of the mosque.
What is another name for Arg of Tabriz?
The Arg of Tabriz is also known as the Arg of Alishah.
Do we have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Arg of Tabriz?
There is no need to pay an entrance fee to visit the Arg; visiting this important historical monument is free.
