Zoroastrian Towers of Silence

Meybod Caravanserai or popular as Shah Abbasi Caravanserai Meybod, built in 1689, sits in the city of Meybod, 56 km northwest of Yazd City. Properly preserved, Meybod Caravanserai is one of the numerous caravanserais of Iran, constructed in the Safavid era (1501-1726). It is neighbored by Kolar Water Reservoir (Ab Anbar) on its entrance, an Icehouse (Yakhchal) on its opposite, and a Pony Express (Chapar-Khaneh) on its side. Hence, Meybod sightseeing counts as one of the popular Yazd tourist attractions. Caravanserais were constructed along the highly commuted Silk Road and major trade or pilgrimage routes throughout history. During the Safavid Era, especially the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, 5th and influential king of Safavid Dynasty, numerous caravanserais were established to facilitate commutes as part of their growing international trade and relations policy, and pilgrimage routes to/from religious cities. Meybod Caravanserai, like its counterparts, did not just offer an austere place to stay the night, but it served travellers with full amenities such as equipped chambers and niches, freshwater access, animal stalls, etc. for a comfortable stay of several days. https://irantourismer.com/meybod-caravanserai/

The 19th-century Amir Chakhmaq Complex with its imposing three-story facade is one of the abundant tourist hotspots of Yazd, an oasis city in central Iran. Located on a square of the same name, the prominent complex is noted for its eye-catching rows of symmetrical sunken alcoves, which are perfectly lit up following the sunset. The structures that make up the complex include a mosque, a caravanserai, a bathhouse, a cold-water well and a tekyeh where Shiite Muslims come together for observing special religious ceremonies, all of which have been designed in accordance with traditional layout principles. The perfectly proportioned niches on the façade may seem at their best and most photogenic late in the afternoon, when towering exterior appears to glow against the darkening sky and copper-coloured sunlight is captured within each alcove. A pedestrianized square overlooking the complex is usually full of visitors. It is landscaped with a vast pool, illuminated fountains, well-manicured trees and shrubs that lend an attractive foreground to the splendid vista at night. http://yazd.today/yazd-amir-chakhmaq-complex-is-a-photogenic-destination-for-thousands-of-tourist/

Chak Chak Village is located in Ardakan County, 70 km north of Yazd city. The temple of Chak Chak is perched beneath a cliff, which is one of the holy Zoroastrian mountain temples in Iran when the avid Zoroastrians gather on special occasions to observe their rituals. While the temple is a man-made grotto in the cliff, historical beliefs and legends shrouds the sanctuary. The mystery of the history of Chak Chak Village is a folklore legend as it goes: After the invasion of Arabs to the realm of Sassanid Dynasty and the defeat of the last king, Yazdegerd III, the royal family took refuge in the current city of Yazd. By the time Arabs conquered Yazd, the family separated to increase the chance of survival. One of Yazdegerd’s daughters, Nikbanu, flees to the Ardakan mountain and Chak Chak Village. And prays to Ahura Mazda (what Zoroastrians call The God) to protect her from Arabs. In response of her sincere supplication, Ahura Mazda commanded the mountain to be opened and safe haven for the chaste lady. https://irantourismer.com/chak-chak-yazd-pir-e-sabz/

Pahlavanpur garden is one of the well-known and historical orchards of Iran. The orchard manifests Iranian and traditional architecture and has an eye-catching landscape. Located in Mehriz city, the orchard covers an area of roughly 5 hectares which is dated to Qajar era. Although the orchard was constructed in Qajar era, the hallmarks of the architectural styles, belonging to Zand dynasty are evident in different parts of this orchard. Historical buildings in this orchard have created a special bond between the nature and the art of architecture. The orchard includes a summerhouse, a winter quarter, janitor’s unit, the public bathroom and the kitchen Its architectural style is a blend of the architectural style of the summerhouse and the central courtyard. http://yazd.today/pahlavanpour-garden/

The Masjid-e-Jameh Yazd is the grand, congregational mosque of Yazd city. The 12th-century mosque is still in use today. It was first built under Ala’oddoleh Garshasb of the Al-e Bouyeh dynasty. The mosque was largely rebuilt between 1324 and 1365, and is one of the outstanding historical buildings of Iran. The mosque is a fine specimen of the Azari style of Persian architecture. The mosque is crowned by a pair of minarets, the highest in Iran, and the portal’s facade is decorated from top to bottom in dazzling tile work, predominantly blue in colour. Within is a long arcaded courtyard where behind a deep-set south-east iwan is a sanctuary chamber (shabestan). This chamber, under a squat tiled dome, is exquisitely decorated with faience mosaic: its tall faience Mihrab, dated 1365, is one of the finest of its kind in existence. The elegant patterns of brickwork and the priceless inscription of mosaic tiles bearing angular Kufic all create a sense of beauty. The main prayer niche, the one which is located below the dome, is decorated with elegant mosaic tiles. On the two star-shaped inlaid tiles, the name of the builder and the time of construction of the prayer niche sparkle beautifully. The two towering minarets dating back to the Safavid era measure 52 meters in height and 6 meters in diameter. http://yazd.today/yazd-masjid-e-jameh-the-12th-century-mosque-one-of-the-most-interesting-historical-monuments/

Dolat Abad Garden: Imagine a hot sandy desert. Sun is up and you can feel the high-temperature rays in your every cell. Neither wind nor breeze. Nothing but heat. Are you ready for a miracle to put you at leisure? Are you ready to get cool and relaxed? Dolat Abad Garden (Dowlat Abad Garden) is somewhere you’re looking for! Generally, the Persian garden style is a really unique one indeed. UNESCO has listed 9 of the Persian gardens of Iran and Dolat Abad Garden is one of them. The moment you enter the gate you are astonished with the nature you didn’t expect to see. A manmade waterway with small fountains, walled with tall trees leading you to the pavilion in the middle of the garden. As you walk down the path you can feel the cool breeze touching your skin and the shade of trees relieving you from the burning sun. We hope that you are feeling better than those heaty moments before entering the Dolat Abad Garden. https://irantourismer.com/dolat-abad-garden-in-yazd-bagh-e-dowlat/