TEHRAN - The ruins of Sheikh Makan castle, located six kilometers southeast of Darreh Shahr, Ilam, are slated to undergo restoration.

The project will focus on the protection, repair, and structural reinforcement of this historical edifice, a local official said on Sunday.

“The project will be implemented under the supervision of the Technical Council of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Ilam province.”

Nestled on the hillside of Kabirkuh within the village of Sheikh Makan, the three-story structure, also known as Pour Ashraf castle, spans an area of 1,470 square meters, featuring a semi-square form and a single-style patch.

The facade of the building is adorned with three levels of stone inscriptions framed in plaster, featuring Nastaliq-scripted poems that provide details about its construction and the builder's name.

According to the inscription, the monument was constructed by Mohammad Khan Pour Ashraf, who was bestowed the title Asharaf ol-Ashayer by Ahmad Shah Qajar.

The entrance on the north side of the castle includes three doors, with two now sealed that once led to stables, and one open for public access. Visitors pass through a rectangular corridor and hall to reach the central yard. The first floor embraces administrative and military sections, while the second floor serves as the residential area for Mohammad Khan's family. The southwestern side of the castle included a kitchen, rooms for military forces, restrooms, and stables, with a detention center located in the basement.

In 2003, Sheikh Makan Castle was inscribed on Iran's list of national cultural heritage, ​underscoring its cultural and historical significance.

The restoration project, according to the provincial touris​m directorate, aims to preserve the castle's rich heritage for future generations and promote it as a notable tourist attraction in the region.

AM