{"id":83041,"date":"2024-08-31T13:26:31","date_gmt":"2024-08-31T08:56:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orienttrips.com\/mag\/?p=83041"},"modified":"2026-04-05T16:00:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T11:30:07","slug":"alexander-prison-yazd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orienttrips.com\/mag\/alexander-prison-yazd\/","title":{"rendered":"Alexander Prison: Myths and History Intersects in Yazd"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you are visiting Yazd<\/a><\/strong>, you sure want to explore a hidden charming piece of history lies within the ancient city: Alexander Prison<\/strong>! Located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Yazd called Fahadan<\/strong>. This historical construction is enveloped in tales and myths, making it a popular destination for travelers eager to uncover its secrets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is listed as National Heritage Site<\/strong> in 1960\u2019s 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\u2019s Prison is sure to be an unforgettable experience! You really do not want to miss out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Alexander's
Alexander’s Prison in Yazd, Iran<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The history of Alexander Prison<\/strong> (\u201cZendan-e Eskandar<\/strong>\u201d in Farsi<\/strong>) is a bit of a mystery. While the building is named for Alexander the Great<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> 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\u2019s expatriates used to be kept here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, at the other hand there are more accounts suggesting that this monument was an old school founded by the Razi family<\/strong> in 1233 (631 Hijri Calendar). The school was named Ziaiyeh school<\/strong> after the founder: Ziauddin Hussain Razi<\/strong>. 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Book Yazd Hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Click and explore<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>
\"Book<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Architecture of Alexander Prison in Yazd<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Architecture
Architecture of Alexander Prison in Yazd (photo by Wikidata)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Alexander Prison<\/strong> architecture is known as Azari<\/strong> or Mongol\/Iranian-Mongol style. The Azeri style was introduced by Master Pirnia<\/strong>, describes the Iranian architecture in Ilkhanid<\/strong>–Timurid<\/strong> eras. Azari style is a style of post-Islamic Iranian architecture that is attributed to Azerbaijan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can say that the only material used in this structure is mud-brick<\/strong> 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\u2019s Prison is no exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dome<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Dome
Dome of Alexander’s Prison in Yazd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This building has a huge dome of about 18-20 meters with minimal azure and gold plasters which is partially destroyed over the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wind Catcher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

And there is a huge wind catcher (Baadgir in Farsi) next to the main building, cooling the air to flow inside the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well & Basement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Praying Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is also a big praying hall (Shabestan<\/strong> in Farsi<\/strong>) with different alters in size and designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"The
The Museum of Alexander’s Prison<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location & Nearby Attractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This building is located in Fahadan neighborhood in Yazd which is home to other numerous landmarks. Nearby places to visit would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n