TEHRAN - Restoration of the western wall of the historical Belqeys Castle in Esfarayen, North Khorasan, has officially commenced, according to the cultural heritage site’s director. 

“The restoration effort follows the collapse of the citadel’s western wall in February due to heavy rainfall,” Hossein Rahmani elaborated.

Some amount of budget from national funds, he indicated, has been allocated for the restoration of Shahr-e Belqeys where is renowned as the second-largest adobe monument in the county after Arg-e Bam.

The director emphasized that archaeological studies and excavations have highlighted the significance of Belqeys Castle, making it a crucial cultural heritage site which needs special attention.

Spanning an impressive area of over 180 hectares, Belqeys fortress is a remarkable example of early Islamic architecture, believed to have been constructed during the Sasanian era.

Its strategic position on a flat plain, surrounded by a deep moat, indicates its historical importance as a defensive stronghold on the ancient Silk Road.

In its heyday, Belqeys Castle was a three-story architectural marvel, fortified by 29 towers each standing at about 11 meters high. These imposing structures highlight the castle’s role as a formidable barrier against invasions, safeguarding the bustling trade route that connected the East and West. Although time has reduced the castle to a mud shell, the remnants evoke a sense of the grandeur and strategic importance it once held.

Located about three kilometers southwest of the present-day city of Esfarayen in North Khorasan province, the castle is part of a larger historical complex that includes a variety of fascinating structures. Visitors can explore the remains of a caravanserai, which once provided refuge for weary travelers and traders. The ancient bazaar, a hive of commerce in centuries past, offers a glimpse into the vibrant market life of the time. The pottery kiln showcases the advanced craftsmanship in ceramics, featuring a furnace and intricate niches and domes.

One of the most intriguing parts of the complex is the Sharestan, the public section of the ancient city. Enclosed by a brick wall, Sharestan was home to various neighborhoods, industrial workshops, and workers’ quarters. Historical sources point to Tappeh Menar as the most significant public area, believed to have functioned as the city mosque. The discovery of a large brick water reservoir in the southern part of Sharestan underscores the advanced urban planning and infrastructure that supported the city’s inhabitants.

XF/AM