Last Castle Village of Iran

Iran (IMNA) - This quaint settlement is uniquely distinguished as the only castle village in the entire country. Its strategic location, adjacent to the breathtaking Palangdareh protected area and west of the serene Qom River, adds to its allure and historical significance.

The village's crowning jewel is its majestic castle, a testament to the architectural prowess of the Qajar era. This ancient fortress, with its imposing structure and storied past, has stood the test of time, silently witnessing the ebbs and flows of history. Its walls, once a symbol of strength and resilience, now whisper tales of a bygone era to those who dare to listen.

In recognition of its cultural and historical importance, the Dolatabad castle was formally registered as a national heritage site in Iran in the year 2012, bearing the prestigious number 30553. This official acknowledgment not only underscores the castle's significance but also ensures its preservation for future generations to marvel at and learn from.

Its imposing structure, measuring 158 meters by 140 meters, stretches across the land with a majestic rectangular form, its north-south orientation a silent sentinel against the passage of time. Within its ancient walls, 70 houses nestle, each a tale of its own, some crafted from the earthy essence of mud and clay, while others rise with the modernity of newer materials.

The behemoth entrance door has stood steadfast for years, its grandeur a reminder of the stories it holds within. As one ventures deeper, the watchtowers rise like sentinels, their stairways winding up to rooms that whisper secrets of the past. The tall clay walls stand guard, while the old mud-brick houses tell tales of days long gone. Nearby, a mill and a water reservoir, relics of a bygone era, stand as monuments to the ingenuity of those who came before.

Opposite the main gate, a deserted caravanserai, known affectionately as the "Shotorkhan," stands as a testament to the transient nature of life. It is crafted from the same earthy materials as the castle itself, a blend of mud and clay that has withstood the whims of time. The shrine of Imamzadeh Sariyeh Khatoon, a place of reverence and peace, completes the tapestry of this village's rich heritage.

The history of this place is woven from the threads of nomadic tribes, the Kadkhodazadeh and Alimardani, who first made this castle their home after it was vacated by military forces during the Qajar era. These tribes would set up their tents outside the castle's walls for part of the year, their nomadic lifestyle a testament to the freedom of the open plains. The castle's security drew people from far and wide—Fars, Isfahan, and Bakhtiari—each bringing their own stories and traditions to enrich the fabric of this community.

In days past, the surrounding landscape was a verdant tapestry of fields, gardens, and orchards, with streams that sang their gentle melodies through the plains. Within the village, numerous wells were dug, their dry remnants now a reminder of times when water flowed freely. Today, aside from the homes that dot the landscape, an old mosque and a single shop stand as the village's heartbeat.

The agriculture here is a testament to resilience, limited to dry farming of wheat, barley, saffron, and roses—crops that thrive in the arid beauty of this land. Unlike the castles that dot the landscapes of Iran and beyond, built for military might and defensive strength, the castle of Dolatabad stands unique, a residential haven that has sheltered generations.

Since 2017, the castle has undergone a transformation, its ancient stones being restored to their former glory. The mill and water reservoir, recognized for their historical significance, are now national monuments, a tribute to the craftsmanship of those who built them. Upon entering through the main gate, a corridor unfolds, flanked by watchtowers that once housed the guardians of this place.

Originally, the castle was a bastion of military power, a control point for the local populace and a beacon of security in a turbulent world. It also served as a resting place for government troops and commanders on the ancient route from Qom to Isfahan. But as time passed, the castle was vacated by the military and transformed into a residential haven, its story evolving into the vibrant tapestry of Dolatabad village, a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.