Izad-Khast Castle

The Izad-Khast castle is located on the ancient Silk Road between Shiraz and Isfahan. The site is in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by a desert land. But a high singular bedrock overlooking a valley was an ideal location for the development of a fortified desert city in the middle of nowhere. == History ==

The history of the castle complex dates back to the pre-Islamic era of Iran. Izad-Khast is a castle built during the Sasanian Empire (224 to 651 AD) which ruled Iran (Persia) and many parts of the surrounding countries. == Architecture ==

from the castle.The castle's location and form of construction display unique characteristics. However, its materials are comparable to those found in nearby sites in Yazd and Kerman provinces such as Arg-e Bam and Rayen Castle. The architecture of Izadkhast castle is very similar to the more feted Arg-e Bam. The Izad-Khast castle like Arg-e Bam is a sand construction, made of adobe. The castle is a Sasanian (224 to 651 AD) structure, but the interior has seen modifications and new structures such as a mosque and a bathroom were added later. Most of the homes in the castle interior are built from wood and mud. Size limitations of the bedrock led to an agglomeration of smaller rooms and increase of floors. Some of the buildings inside the castle rose as high as five storeys. It is impressive in itself but becomes a remarkable architectural achievement considering the circumstances of its time. The Izadkhast Caravanserai was built during the Safavid era (1502 – 1736). ==Threats==

Many parts of the Izadkhast castle are crumbling due to erosion and flooding. Many homes even beside the castle front gate have been completely destroyed. The castle is also in danger from treasure hunters and vandalism. Inside the walled city, there are signs of damage from treasure hunters and graffiti on the walls. == Gallery ==

File:51 Chardin Izadkhast.jpg|Drawing by Jean Chardin, 1670s File:CH-NB - Persien, Jesdegad (Jäz-de-chast, Jesdichast)- Siedlung - Annemarie Schwarzenbach - SLA-Schwarzenbach-A-5-07-125.jpg|Phitograph, eraly 20th century File:Izadkhvast Castle 07.jpg File:The entrance of Izadkhast old castle - panoramio.jpg|Entrance of the castle. File:Iran - Fars - Old Historical Castle in Izadkhast - panoramio.jpg|part of the old castle. File:Izadkhvast ruins 01.jpg|Ruins of the old town File:Izadkhvast Castle 04.jpg|The drawbridge of the castle File:Safavid-period bridge, Izadkhvast 01.jpg|Safavid era bridge File:Izadkhvast Caravanserai 01.jpg|Samanid caravanserai near the castle of Izadkhast. ==See also==