Tehran – Immered in history and dotted with architectural wonders, Donggan in Iran’s Semnan province is a treasure trove for cultural travelers and history enthusiasts.
Located about 350km east of Tehran, the ancient city is not only famous for its high-quality pistachios (often called “smiles”), but also for its impressive collection of historic monuments, caravan seras, fortresses and places of worship.
Mystic and legendary city
Legend has its name rooted in the ancient Persian word “mogan,” and refers to practitioners of mystical art such as astrology, alchemy and other esoteric science. Originally known as “Dar Mogan.” It means “Ten Magi.” The name gradually evolved into its current form, Domghan.
Throughout its rich history, Donggan is an important city along the Silk Road and serves as an important trading hub connecting Merv to the Mediterranean coast, as mentioned in the international dictionary of historic locations. The city also provided a gateway to the Parthian capital of Hecatopirus, which became prominent following the conquest of the region after Alexander the Great collapsed.
Important attractions
Talikane is famous as the oldest standing mosque in Iran
Among Donggan’s most notable monuments is the Talicane mosque, still considered in its original form to be Iran’s oldest mosque, dating back to the century after the emergence of Iran. Located in the southeastern part of the city, this mosque, alongside the historic mosque of the Nine in Isfahan, is an unusual example of Seljuk’s Islamic architecture.
Built with the technology of the buildings of the Sassanid period, the mosque resembles structures like the Salveston Palace near Shiraz and the Aldecyl Palace in Firzabad. Some historians suggest that the mosque may have originally been a Zoroastrian fire temple.
The mosque features a spacious courtyard with porticos sandwiched between three sides, and an 18-row gallery facing the Qibla (direction of prayer). Crown with what is considered the oldest known tile inscription in Islamic architecture, the Seljuk Minaret further strengthens its historical significance. The name Talicane is a fusion of ancient Turkish terms of “empty” or “god” (Tali, Tengri) and the Persian (kane) words of “house” and can be translated as “home of God.”
Tepe Hessar: an archaeological treasure trove
Located just outside the city, Tepe Hessar is a very important archaeological site of historical importance. Unearthed in the 1930s by Professor Ernst Herzfeld and later Dr. Erich Schmidt, the site reveals multiple layers of civilization, from the 5th millennium BC to the era of Parthian and Sereuk.
The artifacts excavated from The Tape Hessar, date back over 7,000 years, provide a window into the area’s ancient past, along with evidence of settlements from Medes, Achemenid and subsequent dynasties.
Ancint’s walls and fortress
As stated in historical accounts, the remnants of the ancient fortress of Donggan still survive, once alive, large enough for the enormous walls and struggles to accommodate the tanks. Visitors can witness the lasting legacy of these defensive structures in the city’s northern and southern suburbs.
Architectural gems from the Seljuk era
The Seljuk era enriched Donggan with some amazing architectural works. Notable places include the shrine of Piruaramda, the Jame Mosque (congregation mosque), the iconic minaret, the village of Mansulk, the tower of Jafar’s tomb, and the impressive Cheherdottaranvoort. Seljuk introduced intricate brick decorations, breaking the monotony of early Islamic architecture and leaving behind a masterpiece of artistic craftsmanship.
Chehel-Dokhtaran Vault: The Spirit of the Permanent Family Ui
Located in the heart of Donggan behind Jafar’s tomb, the vault of Chehel Doctarlan (translated as “Vault of 40 Girls”), was built in 1087, according to its Kufic inscription. Surprisingly, despite the location of the Donggans on the seismic fault line, the Spirit US has withstanded the test of time without any serious structural damage.
With an onion-shaped dome, the vault features exquisite brickwork and inscriptions, reflecting the artistry of the Seljuk period. This structure, 14.8 meters tall, is used as a family spirit us, and the inscription evokes the mercy of God for the deceased.
Cheshmeh-ali: A picture-like oasis
About 30km north of Dongang, Cheshmeali is a lush, scenic spring that has been favoured since ancient times. During the Qajar era, this idyllic environment influenced the construction of several palace structures, including those built by Fath-Ali Shah and Aqa Mohammad Khan. In its own unique location, in the heart of two springs at the heart of the lagoon, the palace of Fass Ali Shah continues to attract visitors for tranquility and history.
Fortress of Ismaili: Mystical Echoes of the Past
To the north of Donggan, two Fortress of Ismaili stopped on a steep mountain. Located about five kilometers from the city, Gerdok fortress and Mernegar fortress on Mount Mansulk (22 kilometers north of Dongang), offers a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery and the strategic fuss of Ismailis.
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