The Maranjab Caravansarai is a caravanserai in the Maranjab Desert, located to the north of Aran o Bidgol city in Isfahan province, Iran. It was constructed by order of Shah Abbas in 1603 and located along the Silk Road, between Khorasan and Isfahan provinces. [1]
Constructed along the Silk Road in 1603, the caravanserai was used by travelers from China and Europe for many years. It was also used as a fortress, with 500 soldiers to protect travelers against bandits and to fight against possible military attacks from countries to the east, such as Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. [2]
In 2000 Iran's historical heritage association instituted a project to repair the building, which continued until 2004. Since then it has been used as a tourist attraction. [3]
The 3,500-square-metre (38,000 sq ft) rectangular building has 29 rooms and is totally made of bricks.
The fortified exterior walls have six watchtowers for archers and scout troops. [4]
Being in the middle of a desert, the caravanserai attracts numerous desert lovers. The main tourist attractions of the area are off-road driving, astronomy and camel riding. [5]
Isfahan, historically also rendered in English as Ispahan, Sepahan, Esfahan or Hispahan, is a city in Iran. It is located 406 kilometres south of Tehran, and is the capital of Isfahan Province.
Qazvin Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It is in the north-west of the country, and its center is the city of Qazvin. The province was created in 1993 out of part of Tehran Province. The counties of Qazvin Province are Qazvin County, Takestan County, Abyek County, Buin Zahra County, Mobarakeh County, Alborz County & Avaj County. The largest cities are Qazvin, Takestan, Abyek, Alvand, Iran, Bidestan, Mobarakeh, Mohammadiyeh & Eqbaliyeh.
A caravanserai was a roadside inn where travelers (caravaners) could rest and recover from the day's journey. Caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information and people across the network of trade routes covering Asia, North Africa and Southeast Europe, most notably the Silk Road.
The Bazaar of Tabriz is a historical market situated in the city center of Tabriz, Iran. It is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East and the largest covered bazaar in the world. It is one of Iran's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Astara is the southernmost rayon in southeastern Azerbaijan.
Kashan is a city in the northern part of Isfahan province, Iran. At the 2017 census, its population was 396,987 in 90,828 families.
Jibāl was the name given by the Arabs to a region and province located in western Iran, under the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates.
Aran o Bidgol is a city and capital of Aran va Bidgol County, Isfahan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 55,651, in 15,556 families. It is one of the ancient desert cities of the province, close to Kashan.
Darreh Shahr County is a county in Ilam Province in Iran. As of 2016 census, the county's population is 43,708, in 12,012 households. It is the sixth-most populous county in Ilam Province. The county is named after Darreh Shahr as the seat. subdivided into two districts: the Central District and Majin District.
Kashan County is a county in Isfahan Province in Iran. The capital of the county is Kashan. At the 2006 census, the county's population was 297,000, in 81,816 families. The county is subdivided into four districts: the Central District, Qamsar District, Neyasar District, and Barzok District. The county has eight cities: Kashan, Meshkat, Barzok, Jowshaqan va Kamu, Damaneh, Neyasar, Qamsar & Kamu va Chugan.
A caravan is a group of people traveling together, often on a trade expedition. Caravans were used mainly in desert areas and throughout the Silk Road, where traveling in groups aided in defense against bandits as well as helping to improve economies of scale in trade.
There are 8-9 million tourists from abroad visiting Iran as of 2019. Tourism in Iran is diverse, providing a range of activities from hiking and skiing in the Alborz and Zagros mountains, to beach holidays by the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. The Iranian government has made concerted efforts to attract tourists to the various destinations in the country and arrivals have increased in recent years.
The 2011–12 Hazfi Cup was the 25th season of the Iranian football knockout competition. Persepolis were the defending champion but were eliminated by Esteghlal in the quarter-finals; The fourth consecutive wins for Esteghlal against Persepolis in official matches. The competition began on September 12, 2011 and was end on March 15, 2012. Esteghlal beat Shahin Bushehr 4-1 on penalties and was qualified for the group stage of the 2013 AFC Champions League.
Saint Mary Church, Holy Mother of God Church or Surp Mariam Asdvadzadzin Church is an Armenian Apostolic church in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran completed in 1785. It is the largest and oldest Christian church in Tabriz and a notable centre for Armenian national and religious ceremonies held by the Armenian community of Tabriz.
Visitors to Iran must obtain a visa from one of the Iranian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries eligible for a visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months. Admission is refused to women not wearing Islamic head cover, scarf, long sleeves and stockings. Citizens of Israel are totally banned from entry to Iran.
Zibad Rural District is a rural district (dehestan) in Kakhk District, Gonabad County, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 4,747, in 1,721 families. The rural district has 23 villages.
The Maranjab Desert is located in Aran va Bidgol, Esfahan province, Iran and 60 km (37 mi) north-east of Kashan.
Ferdows Hole-in-the-Rock is a natural geological formation 35 km (22 mi) west of Ferdows, South Khorasan Province, Iran.
Deir-e Gachin Caravansarai is one of the greatest caravansarais of Iran which is located in the center of Kavir National Park. Its unique qualities is the reason it is called “Mother of Iranian Caravansarais”. It is located in the Central District of Qom County, 80 kilometers north-east of Qom and 35 kilometers south-west of Varamin. This monument was registered in Iran's National Heritage List on September 23, 2003. The structure of this caravanserai belongs to Sasanian era, and restorations took place in Seljuk, Safavid and Qajar eras. Its current form belongs to Safavid era. This caravanserai is situated on the ancient rout from Ray to Isfahan.
The Izad Khast Castle is located in Izadkhast in the Fars Province, central Iran. The castle was built during the Sassanid Empire and functioned as fortified walled city on the ancient Silk Road that ran through central Iran. Izadkhast was the first castle in the world made from adobe. And it is the second largest adobe building in the world after Arg-e Bam.
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Also See: Caravanserais in Iran | ||
