Arg of Karim Khan

Arg of Karim Khan is a magnificent historical building full of orange trees which was the house of one of the iranian greatest men in past. Learn more about this beautiful building.

Arg of Karim Khan’s history

Karim Khan Zand became Vakil-o-roaya, after Nader’s rule. Shiraz was his Capital during his fifteen years rule, and he provided the context for build some important buildings in it. Shiraz Vakil’s complex and Arg of Karim Khan are part of these buildings. Arg of Karim Khan has been the seat of government and the life of the Zand family, which has changed a lot during the time. It was used after zandie dynasty during the Qajar period as a residence of Qajar rulers but since the design and role used in this building was not favorable to the Qajars, many of the paintings on the walls were destroyed and replaced by other decorations. In 1310, after the change of the usage of the building to the prison, the most destructions took place in Arg of Karim Khan.

Arg of Karim khan’s architecture

Arg of Karim Khan is built on land plot of 128000 square meters with infrastructure area of 4000 square meters. It’s a rectangle land and there are four rounded three floor towers in four corners. The height of each tower is approximately 15 meters. In the old days, there used to be ditch all around the Arg so that the Arg was free from the four sides and had no contact with other buildings in the city. The walls of the Arg are made of brick and up to 12 meters high. There are various jags and turrets with beautiful pictures, on the edge of walls. These spaces were used to watch and protect the Arg in the old days.

Arg of Karim Khan’s entrance and internal area

The entrance to the Arg has a Hashti that runs on the one hand to the interior and on the other to a backyard. (Hashti is an Indoor space connected to the alley and House’s courtyard or space after the entrance, which often comes immediately after the door.) the Arg’s entrance shows the battle of Rostam and white demon with colorful tiles. The big courtyard inside the building contains many trees and various fountains. The spirit used in this building, more than the symbol of architectural ambitions, it is a matter of satisfaction and enjoyment of the present moment. The design of the building like other palaces of this era, consists of a two-column porch with a hallway in it and the rooms around it.Building’s wooden columns are beautiful and admirable. There are not many places that you can see one column like these. Pool is also one of the most important features of Iranian architectures which we can see it an Arg of Karim Khan. The pool has built around the courtyard.

Colorful Orosis, dance of color and light

The halls are decorated with grille wooden windows and colored glasses, which Shirazian people call them Orosi. Glasses used in building, bring the outside’s beauty in and dance of light and color makes inner space beautiful and spectacular. One of the main features of building’s decoration in this era, is using multiple colors. Today there are few samples of ceiling’s painting.The colored glass windows of building is a very beautiful subject for photography. If you’re a photographer, come here in the hours of the day, which there’s the perfect light for photography and enjoy the game of light and color on these windows.

Arg of Karim Khan’s tilt

One of Arg’s towers has been tilted during the time and its tilting is not less than pizza tower’s tilting. The Tilt’s reason is not exactly clear. Some people believe that this happened due to the presence of bath over time. And some believes that tilting was due to the presence of ditch around Arg.

Arg of Karim Khan’s bath

The Arg’s bath is in the corner of the entrance of building. The walls of the bath are decorated with beautiful tores. The dressing room is made like an octagonal shape. This bath is also the place where you can make most of it and if you think you have singing talent, you can show your talent here. However you’d better practice traditional songs.

Arg of Karim khan’s campus

At night there is lighting around the Arg of Karim Khan with such a beautiful view. Arg’s campus is spectacular especially in Nowrooz days. The presence of small music groups with various instruments at this time, has given a special exhilaration to this place. If you have come across, remember to visit the famous ice cream and Faloode behind the Arg of Karim Khan and don’t miss Shiraz’s traditional ice cream.

Arg of Karim Khan’s address

Arg of karim Khan is located on the Zand street and beside Shohada square, in the center of Shiraz city. Arg of karim khan is so close to Vakil complex and after visiting Arg of Karim Khan, you can also visit Vakil complex.