Alishah Citadel of Tabriz

One of the valuable historical attractions of Tabriz is the Alishah Citadel or Tabriz Citadel, which we will learn more about in this article.

Introduction:
The Alishah Citadel was once the tallest building in Tabriz. It is also considered one of the oldest and highest historical walls in Iran.
The Tabriz Citadel was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran in 1310.
Tabriz Citadel of Alishah

History:
The Alishah Citadel is 700 years old.
This citadel was built between 716 and 724 AH during the Ilkhanate period and by order of their minister, Tajuddin Alishah Jilani.
Before the construction of the building was completed, Alishah died of natural causes. Alishah’s body was buried next to the Alishah Citadel.
This historical complex included a school, a mosque, and a khanqah.
This building has been used in various ways in different historical periods.
During the Qajar period and during the Abbas Mirza era, this building was used as a military ammunition and grain warehouse. At the same time, a fence was built around the building and it was named Arg. At the same time, the Kolah Farangi mansion was added to the building.
During the wars between Iran and England and Iran and Russia, this place was used as a military stronghold. An artillery house, barracks, and a foundry were added to the building during this period.
During the Constitutional Era, this building was also used as a stronghold for the Constitutionalists. The Nejat School and the Opera Hall were added to this historical building at this time.
After the Second Iran-Russia War, which took place between Tabriz and the Russian army in 1290 AH, and during the defeat of Tabriz, the Russian army bombarded the walls of the Arg with cannons.
Before the Islamic Revolution, the area of ​​the Alishah Arg had become Mellat Park and a public promenade.
Today, this place is used for Friday prayers.

Architecture:
The Tabriz Citadel was much larger than what we see now. Over the years, many parts of the building have been destroyed due to wars and earthquakes, and only a high wall remains. This monolithic brick building has a U-shaped plan.
As mentioned, this building was very large and had many parts. The most important parts were the opera theater and the Nejat School, one of the first schools in Iran.
The wall that remains today is part of the southern altar of the mosque of the building, which shows a corner of the building’s grandeur.
Despite many events that have happened to this building throughout history and the damage that has occurred to the building, this building is still known as a strong fortress. Materials such as mortar were used in its construction to strengthen the building.
The architect of this building was Master Falaki Tabrizi, and he built this building in the Azeri style, which is also known as the Mongol or Iranian-Mongol style.
The building that can be seen today is like a porch with three long walls. The height of the building is 26 meters and its width is 30 meters, and it is said that 7 meters of the walls of this citadel are underground.
The large arch of this building is wider than the Kasra arch, which is one of the reasons why this building is different from other historical buildings in Iran.
Considering the tiling, stucco, inscriptions and columns in the building, it can be concluded that this building was once used as the Alishah Mosque.

Other information:
Address: Tabriz, city center, south side of the intersection of Imam Khomeini and Ferdowsi streets

Visit hours: from 10 am to 5 pm

If you want to get complete information about the tourist attractions of Tabriz, follow Asan Tour.