Citadel in Shiraz, Iranian national heritage site
The Arg of Karim Khan (, "Arg-e Karim Khān") or Karim Khan Citadel, is a citadel located in downtown Shiraz, Iran. It was built as part of a complex during the Zand dynasty. It is named after Karim Khan, and served as his living quarters. It is rectangular in shape and resembles a medieval fortress. In the past, the citadel was sometimes used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization.
History.
Karim Khan citadel is located at the beginning of Karim Khan Zand (Shiraz) street on the corner of the Municipality Square (Shahrdari). Karim Khan was influenced by Safavid architecture when his government was established in Shiraz. After visiting Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square, he decided to build a large square in northern Shiraz. This field was known as the Artillery Square. To the north of the square, Divan Karim Khan Square was located and to its east, Vakil Bazaar and several inns. To the south of the square, Vakil Bathhouse and Vakil Mosque were located. On the southwest, there was a garden, and to the west, the Arg citadel. After the conquest of Shiraz by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, he decided to demolish Karim Khan's buildings in hostility to Karim Khan. Following this decision, a number of Zand era buildings were demolished, including the border fence built around Shiraz by Karim Khan. Fortunately, the Arg citadel was protected from demolition and was used as an emirate court appointed by the central government to Amiri and the Fars governorate. 
After the fall of the Qajar dynasty it was converted into a prison and the paintings were plastered over. In 1971 it was given to Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization. The renovation of the citadel began in 1977.
Description.
Karim Khan Citadel is located at Shahrdari Square. It has a land area of 4,000 m2 and is in the center of a 12,800 m2 compound. It consists of four high walls connected by four 14 m round brick towers at a 90-degree angle. Each 12 m wall is 3 meters thick at the base and 2.8 meters at the top. The design of the citadel combines military and residential architecture, for it was the home of Karim Khan and the military center of the dynasty.
James Edward Alexander in 1827 described the citadel as being surrounded by a "deep wet ditch".
References.
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