INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN - The Amir Chakhmaq complex, located in the heart of Yazd, a UNESCO-registered city in central Iran, stands as a magnificent symbol
of architectural grandeur, cultural heritage, and historical significance.This magnificent complex, featuring a square surrounded by ancient
structures, has long been a center of social gatherings and celebrations, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and
tourists.The Amir Chakhmaq Square and its associated structures were initially built during the Timurid era by Amir Jalal Addin Chakhmaq,
the ruler of Yazd, with the invaluable support of his wife, Seti-Fatemeh Khatoon
That initial establishment transformed the area into a cultural and spiritual hub
Over the centuries, additional features were added, and renovations carried out to preserve its charm and functionality
Today, it shines as a vibrant symbol of Yazd's rich history and attracts countless visitors each year
Here are glimpses of key attractions within the complex:Amir Chakhmaq MosqueKnown as the New Jame Mosque, this is the oldest and one of the
most significant structures in the square
It is renowned for its stunning Persian and Islamic architecture, which includes intricate mosaic inscriptions, brick artistry, fretwork,
arabesque patterns, and Quranic carvings.The mosque stands as a testament to the artistic and religious heritage of Yazd and is considered
the second most important mosque in the city after the centuries-old Jame Mosque of Yazd.Amir Chakhmaq TekyehThe Tekyeh, a structure with
multiple rooms, was historically used for religious rituals and gatherings
prayer (Azan), adding a spiritual dimension to its architectural beauty.Bazaar of Haji GhanbarThis bustling bazaar is a cornerstone of
Yazd's economic and cultural life
Divided into two parts during the Pahlavi era, the bazaar remains a vibrant center for commerce, offering fabrics, sweets, gold, carpets,
on the eastern side of the square, is a 450-year-old wooden structure resembling a cypress tree.This giant symbolic coffin is used during
the Muharram rituals in an event called Nakhl Gardani, a tradition that honors the martyrs of Karbala
The Nakhl is intricately carved and holds a special place in the hearts of Yazd's residents.Seti-Fatemeh Khatoon mausoleumThe mausoleum of
Seti Fatemeh Khatoon, the wife of Amir Chakhmaq, is another remarkable structure within the complex.Its green-tiled dome and stunning
interior design, adorned with mosaics and muqarnas on a stucco background, make it a site of both historical and aesthetic
significance.Water storageThe complex once had three gigantic water reservoirs, of which only two remain today.These structures played a
vital role in Yazd's water management system until modern piping was introduced about 40 years ago.Other featuresThe complex also boasts
nearby public baths, caravansaries, fountains, and a pond
In recent years, graves of unknown martyrs from the Holy Defense have been added, lending the square a solemn and spiritual atmosphere.Amir
Chakhmaq Complex is more than a historical site; it is a living testament to the rich cultural and architectural legacy of Yazd
Its intricate designs, vibrant bazaar, and spiritual elements combine to create a unique experience for visitors.A UNESCO-listed
destinationIn July 2017, the historical core of Yazd, the provincial capital, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site
The city is full of mudbrick houses that are equipped with innovative badgirs (wind catchers), atmospheric alleyways, and many Islamic and
Iranian monuments that shape its eye-catching city landscape.Cultural heritage experts believe that Yazd is a living testimony to the
intelligent use of limited available resources in the desert for survival
Water is brought to the city by the qanat system
Each district of the city is built on a qanat and has a communal center
Furthermore, the use of earth in buildings includes walls and roofs through the construction of vaults and domes
Houses are built with courtyards below ground level, serving underground areas
Wind-catchers, courtyards, and thick earthen walls create a pleasant microclimate.The historical core of Yazd is chockfull of mudbrick
houses, bazaars, public bathhouses, water cisterns, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, and centuries-old gardens
From the divine point of view, the city enjoys the peaceful coexistence of three religions: Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism.Yazd is home
to numerous qanats which have supplied water to agricultural and permanent settlements for thousands of years
The man-carved underground qanat system relies on snow-fed streams flowing down the foothills of surrounding mountains
The earliest water supply to Yazd is estimated to date from the Sassanid era (224 to 651 CE)
However, many others have been continually repaired and used over time, and most surviving Ab-Anbars (traditional mudbrick cisterns) can
today be traced to the late Safavid and Qajar periods.AM
