Arg of Karim Khan

Arg of Karim Khan – A Fortress Fit for a King

Karim Khan Citadel is a stunning example of Zand dynasty architecture. The founder of this dynasty, Karim Khan Zand, made Shiraz the capital of Iran and decided to establish his residence in a convenient and secure part of the city. He invited the finest craftsmen and architects to construct his residence. Karim Khan Citadel was built within a year.

Architecture of Karim Khan Citadel

As part of the royal court, Karim Khan Citadel had terraces and living quarters inside, a fountain and a garden outside, as well as service rooms and traditional bathhouses.

The high walls of the citadel, with moats dug around them, served as a defensive structure. On the outside they were decorated with brickwork and surrounded by four round towers, each 14 metres. The south-eastern tower is visibly tilted towards an underground reservoir that served as a bathhouse. For this reason, it is ironically referred to as the Iranian "Leaning Tower of Pisa".

A landmark of Shiraz

Karim Khan Citadel, which was built back in 1767, has been beautifully preserved to this day. Today, there is a museum with various exhibits, an open courtyard with citrus trees, and a pool inside the citadel. In the near future, it is expected to be transformed into a major museum of Fars Province and become one of the most impressive attractions in Shiraz.