TEHRAN – The Amir Chahmak complex is located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed city of Yazd in central Iran and stands as a magnificent symbol of architectural splendor, cultural heritage and historical importance.
Featuring a plaza surrounded by ancient buildings, this magnificent complex has long been a center for social gatherings and celebrations, making it a must-see destination for locals and tourists alike .
Amir Chahmak Square and its associated buildings were first built during the Timurid period by Amir Jalal ad-Din Chahmak, ruler of Yazd, with the invaluable support of his wife Seti Fatemeh Khatun. This first facility transformed the area into a cultural and spiritual center. Over the centuries, additional features were added and renovations were made to maintain its charm and functionality. Today, it shines as a vibrant symbol of Yazd’s rich history, attracting countless tourists every year. We will introduce the main attractions within the complex.
Amir Chahmak Mosque
Known as the New James Mosque, it is one of the oldest and most important buildings in the square. It is famous for its stunning Persian and Islamic architecture, including intricate mosaic inscriptions, brick art, openwork, arabesques, and Koranic carvings.
The mosque is a testament to Yazd’s artistic and religious heritage and is considered the second most important mosque in the city after Yazd’s Jame Mosque, which was built several centuries ago.
Amir Chahmak Tekye
A tekie is a multi-roomed structure that was historically used for religious ceremonies and gatherings. Some rooms were reserved for city rulers and ladies.
Tekye’s iconic minaret once served as a platform for the Islamic call to prayer (adhan), adding a spiritual dimension to its architectural beauty.
Bazaar of Haji Gambar
This bustling bazaar is the cornerstone of Yazd’s economic and cultural life. Divided into two parts during the Pahlavi era, the bazaar is a vibrant commercial center selling textiles, sweets, gold, rugs, and more.
The oldest section, Haji Gambar Bazaar, is said to date back to the 9th century of the Islamic calendar and preserves Yazd’s traditional craftsmanship, such as sesame sweets and naturally dyed fabrics.
Amir Chahmak’s Historical Nahr
Located on the east side of the square, the historic Nakuru is a 450-year-old wooden structure that resembles a cypress tree.
This huge symbolic coffin is used in Muharram rituals in an event called Nakul Gardani, a tradition that honors the martyrs of Karbala. Nahr is intricately carved and holds a special place in the hearts of the residents of Yazd.
Seti Fatemeh Khatun Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Amir Chahmak’s wife, Seti Fatemeh Khatun, is also a notable building within the complex.
The green tiled dome and stunning interior design, decorated with mosaics and muqarnas against a stucco background, make it a place of historical and aesthetic importance.
water storage
The complex once had three huge reservoirs, but only two remain today.
These structures played an important role in Yazd’s water management system until modern piping was introduced about 40 years ago.
Other features
The complex also has public baths, caravansaries, fountains and ponds nearby. In recent years, the tomb of the unknown martyr of the Holy Guard was added, adding a solemn and spiritual atmosphere to the square.
Amir Chahmak Complex is more than just a historical site. It is a living proof of Yazd’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Its intricate design, vibrant bazaar, and spiritual elements combine to create a unique experience for visitors.
Destination listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In July 2017, the historical center of the provincial capital, Yazd, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yazd is consistently mentioned by almost all visitors as a fun place to stay or a ‘must-see’ destination. The city is filled with adobe houses with innovative badghirs (wind catchers), atmospheric alleys, and many Islamic and Iranian monuments that form an eye-catching cityscape.
Cultural heritage experts believe that Yazd is a living proof of the wise use of the desert’s limited resources for survival. Water is transported into the city by the qanat system. Each district of the city is built on a qanat and has a community center. Additionally, the use of earth in buildings includes walls and roofs through the construction of vaults and domes. The house is built with an underground courtyard, which feeds the underground area. Wind shelters, courtyards and thick earthen walls create a comfortable microclimate.
Yazd’s historic center is packed with adobe houses, bazaars, public baths, reservoirs, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, and centuries-old gardens. From a divine perspective, the city is home to three religions that coexist peacefully: Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism.
Yazd is home to many qanats that have provided water for agriculture and settlements for thousands of years. The human-carved underground qanat system relies on snow-fed streams flowing at the foothills of the surrounding mountains. The earliest water supply to Yazd is estimated to date back to the Sassanid period (224-651 AD). However, many other reservoirs have been continuously restored and used over time, and most of the remaining Abu Anbar (traditional adobe reservoirs) date back to the late Safavid and Qajar periods. You can.
morning