Tehran – The Caravansaray of Deiro Egachin, located 80km northeast of Kom, is widely known as the “mother of Karavansela, Iran.” The impressive memorial, strategically located along the historic Silk Road and the ancient Leiz-Kum route, is now located on the vast expanse of Kabir National Park.
Recognised for its architectural and historical importance, Deyr-e Gachin is one of the 54 Iranian caravanseras compiled in 2023 on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title “The Persian Caravanserai” is.
These structures once served as important roadside accommodations, providing shelter, food and water to caravans, traders and pilgrims. Despite its appearance nowhere, the Caravanserais placement was carefully determined by water sources, geographical features and security considerations.
Get a glimpse inside
Upon entering the main gateway, visitors will face a vast courtyard surrounded by single door rooms in a single-storey arrangement, along with mosques, baths and factories. A northeastern alcove and special rooms with three open doors on the outside further enrich the diverse architecture of the site.
Centuries of heritage
Several sources suggest that the origin of Deyr-E Gachin dates back to the Sassanid period, and that historical accounts link to Ardeshir I, who ruled from 211/2 CE to 224.
For centuries, Caravanserai was repaired during Seljuk, Safavid, and Qajar periods, maintaining its grandeur and function.
The wonders of architecture
Spreading over 12,000 square meters, Caravanserai is roughly found in the form of a giant chahartak. Technically speaking, Chahar Tak is an ancient square brick room covered with a domed roof.
Caravanserai has a variety of structural elements, such as gateways and towers. More precisely, four rectangular towers and two half-tauer adjoin the entrance. A mosque with 300 square meters of prayer space. Amenities include a stone factory, bathhouse, two front yards and over 40 rooms. Two wells guarantee access to freshwater and a staircase leading to the rooftop.
Beyond the Caravanserai are additional structures such as the Western Fire Temple, fortress, brick ki, water reservoirs and cemeteries. Additionally, the surrounding fortified walls are over 5 metres tall, 1 metre thick and 80 metres long, and come with defensive cranes.
The highlight is the brick craftsmanship of the Sassanido era with intricate details. Some of these bricks were later reused for restoration of the Seljuk dynasty, maintaining the authentic appeal of the site.
Persian Caravanesalei
Caravanserai or Caravansary is a compound word that combines “Caravan” and “Sara.” The former represents a group of travelers, while the latter means a building. They often had a huge portal supported by the rise of the load-bearing wall. The rooms were built around the courtyard and the stables behind them, with doors in the corner of the garden.
For centuries, Caravanserais constituted an important part of the rich circuit of travel and trade by providing shelter, food and water to caravans, pilgrims and other trekkers. For many travelers, staying and visiting a centuries-old caravansaray can be a wide range of experiences. They have the opportunity to feel the past and time travel back to a forgotten age.
The earliest caravansera in Iran was built during the Achemenid period (550-330 BC). Centuries later, when Shah Abbas assumed power from 1588 to 1629, he ordered the construction of a network of Karavanseras across the country. Such roadside accommodations were once built along ancient caravan routes in the Islamic world, evacuating people, their goods and animals. The former Silk Road may be the most famous example of Caravanserais scattered around it.
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