Beautiful Iran (3) – Photos of Rayen Citadel

Rayen Citadel is an adobe castle in 100 kilometers south of Kerman Province, Iran. It is situated on the skirts of the Haraz Mountain. The medieval mudbrick City of Rayen is similar to the Arg-e Bam City (Bam Citadel) which was destroyed in an earthquake in December 2003.

Rayen displays all the architectural elements of a deserted citadel. It is extremely well preserved, despite numerous natural disasters that have destroyed similar structures nearby, and it is one of the most interesting sites in Iran.

Rayen Citadel was inhabited until 150 years ago and, although believed to be at least 1,000 years old, may have foundations from the pre-Islamic Sassanid era (224 -651 AD). According to the old documents, it was situated on the trade route, and was one of the centers for trading valuable goods and quality textiles. It was also a center of sword and knife manufacturing, and later on, also guns.

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