Rayen Castle

Rayen Castle

ارگ راین
A view of Arg-e Rayen
Alternative name	Arg-e Rayen
Location	Kerman, Iran
Region	Rayen
Type	Castle
History
Material	Adobe
Site notes
Public access	yes

The Rayen Castle (Persian: ارگ راين Arg-e Rāyen) is a historic adobe fortress situated on the outskirts of the Hezar Masjed Mountains, about 100 kilometers south of Kerman, Iran. The castle and the mudbrick city it protects display numerous architectural elements and design strategies recognized as hallmarks of Iranian citadels. The complex is well preserved despite numerous natural disasters that have destroyed similar structures nearby, including Arg-e Bam, which was destroyed in an earthquake in December 2003.

Rayen is assumed to have been inhabited until 1868. Although believed to be at least 1,000 years old, it may have foundations dating to the pre-Islamic Sassanid era, with later additions and renovations during the Islamic period. According to contemporary documents, it was situated on an important trade route and was a centre for trading valuable goods and quality textiles, as well as for sword and knife manufacturing and, later, guns. During the reign of the Sassanian king Yazdegerd III, the Arabs failed to conquer the city presumably due to its high walls. Today, Rayen Castle is a popular tourist destination, with efforts being made to preserve its cultural significance and secure its proposed inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gallery

• 
  Castle's gate
• 
  Inside of the castle
• 
• 
  A tower of the castle
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
  View at night

See also

• List of Iranian castles
• Iranian architecture

External links

• Official website
• Report: "Arg-e Rayen tries to replace Bam"