Historical Places in Iran

Ja’ameh Mosque of the city of Kerman
Ja’ameh Mosque of the city of Kerman is one of the tourist attraction sites of this city, which is considered as an integral part of Iran’s culture and civilization. In this sacred site, the art of architecture coupled with faith in God has led to development of a valuable monument, which is the sign of grandeur of thoughts and creativity of the artists of this region. This mosque was constructed by Amir Mobarez Ed-Din Mohammad Mozaffar in 750 AH. Based on historical evidences, this mosque was initially located outside the city of Kerman. However, gradually with the expansion of this city, it was located within city of Kerman’s boundaries. This mosque has four balconies; a magnificent gateway; and a historical inscription. It is also decorated with tile work and is considered as one of the valuable buildings in the city of Kerman. The ayahs of Holy Qoran have been engraved on the marble stones of the altar of this mosque. This mosque has been renovated in different historical periods of time.
Jabaliyeh Dome is another tourist attraction site of city of Kerman, which is enlisted among the most beautiful architectural works of Iran. It is situated on foothills, and based on its architecture; it was a Zoroastrian temple, built during the reign of Sassanid Dynasty. This dome is octagonal in shape, with a 20-meter altitude. It has gateways, each of which is two-meter wide. The dome is made of bricks, and in construction of its walls, construction materials such as mortar and limestone have been used. This dome was enlisted among Iran’s national historical monuments in 1937, and was renovated in 2004. One of the most ancient inscriptions of this dome has been engraved in Kofi language on a piece of stone. Also, the smallest gravestone discovered in Kerman Province is kept in this historical monument.
There are magnificent and outstanding orchards in the city of Kerman, among which Harandi Orchard is highly popular in this city, because it is home to the museum of archeology and museum of traditional musical instruments. This orchard dates back to late 13th Century AH and has been registered among Iran’s national heritage in 1975.
Currently, the ground floor of the building of this orchard is the museum of traditional musical instruments, while the first floor of this premise is the museum of archeology.
The goal behind construction of the museum of archeology is the introduction of Kerman Province ancient and historical civilizations and their historical bonds with neighboring historical regions. Historical works of Shahdad civilizations and Kerman Province are at public display in this museum. Based on archeological excavations, industrialists lived in Shahdad throughout the 3rd and 4th millenniums BC, who by importing raw materials developed stone-made and metallic tools, exporting them to a number of regions; including Turkistan, southern coastlines of Persian Gulf, and Mesopotamia.
Moreover, the museum of archeology has displayed gray-colored porcelain works with unique patterns, which date back to at least 5,000 years ago. Also, a number of historical works, dating back to the era of rule of Achaemenian Dynasty are at display in this museum.
The museum of traditional musical instruments was inaugurated in the year 2002. The goal behind establishment of this museum is to familiarize the visitors with Iran and its neighboring countries’ indigenous and traditional musical instruments. About 250 different musical instruments are kept in this museum in three sections of national, local, and international musical instruments. These musical instruments are unique and have been made by the most skillful experts in this domain.
The Shazdeh Orchard of Kerman dates back to a century ago. It is engulfed by Hezar Mountains and is one of a kind among Iran’s current orchards. This orchard was built by a Qajarid prince in 1880 AD and is home to two buildings, located in eastern and western corners of this orchard. Several ponds and fountains link these two buildings together. A small bathroom is also located in the southern corner of this orchard. The tall trees of the orchard and the rivers running through it have created a scenic landscape. This orchard was renovated in 1991 and is currently one of Kerman’s valuable tourist attraction sites, hosting scores of tourists, who travel to the city of Kerman.
Another attraction site of Kerman is the tomb of Iranian mystic and literary figure and poet of the 8th Century AH, Shah Nematollah Vali, which dates back to seven centuries ago. It has been constructed in 1436 AD.
Several thousand Zoroastrians and a Jewish minority live alongside the Muslim people of Kerman city. In this city, religious minorities freely perform their religious ceremonies and festivities. Sadeh historical festivity, which is one of the major festivities of Zoroastrians, is held in the city of Kerman every year. Given the presence of Zoroastrians in Kerman, there are a number of Zoroastrian temples in this city. The only museum of anthropology of Zoroastrians in the world is situated in the city of Kerman’s Zoroastrian temple. This museum was officially inaugurated in 2005.

Caravansaries: Historical Iranian Inns
For hundreds of years, Iranians accommodated foreign and domestic merchants as well as pilgrims at elaborate rest-houses called caravansaries, which were built along major roads and in cities.
The word â€کcaravansary’ is a combination of Persian words â€کcaravan’ and â€کsara’, which means dwelling place or enclosed courts for caravans.
The development of Iran’s road system increased export to Europe, China and India, which in turn gave rise to the need for more trade routes and caravansaries.
Apart from the numerous roadside caravansaries, there were also many caravansaries in major cities where travelers could rest and recover from the day’s journey.
Some of the prominent caravansaries are featured below:

1- Khanat Caravansary
Khanat Caravansary in Amin-ol-Sultan Square embodies the historical heart of Tehran. The date of its construction is not known, but its location is marked by the name Roghani Sara on the first map of Tehran commissioned by Nassereddin Shah in 1302 AH (after hegira).
Khanat Caravansary is one of the rare cultural monuments of the capital still intact after at least a century.
It is one of the first caravansaries built in Tehran, preserved mainly by the private owners of this unique historical site.

2- Sa’d Al-Saltaneh Caravansary
The caravansary of Sa’d Al-Saltaneh is a large inn located in the city of Qazvin.
Built during the Qajar Era, the caravansary is one of Persia’s best preserved urban caravansaries. The builder of this large caravansary was a person named Sa’d Al-Saltaneh Isfahani.
The caravansary is built on a square plan, has four porticos facing a courtyard. The rooms for travelers are situated one meter above the courtyard.

3- Robat-e Sharaf Caravansary
This caravansary is located in Razavi Khorasan province between Marv and Nishabour. Built in the 12th century, the building looks like a fortified rectangle from the outside.
The courtyard and four- portico floor plan is that of the traditional Iranian mosque. The caravansary, which consists of two inter-related four-portico courtyards, is famous for having some of the most diverse and beautiful brick decorations in Iranian architecture.

4- Qaleh Sangi Caravansary
The caravansary is located on the Qom-Rey Road, 35 km to the northwest of Qom. The building has been planned on a four-porch style. The structure is made mainly of stones and dates back to the Safavid Era. The dilapidated structure has four semi-circular towers on the western and eastern sides.

5- Shah Abbasi Caravansary
Shah Abbasi caravansary is located in Damghan city in Semnan province. This is a relic from the Safavid Era located in Shahid Fallahi Avenue. The building has a high doorway, vast hall and various rooms. There is a porch at the top of the entrance.