Bakhtak Castle of Leylan

Leylan is the southernmost county of East Azarbaijan province, which was recently separated from Malekan County. This area is located 163 km southwest of Tabriz and 678 km away from Tehran. Bakhtak Castle is one of the most important historical monuments of this city.

The Geography of Leylan

Leylan County was recognized as independent in 2023. Being situated in the southeast of Lake Urmia, this Leylan has access to suitable sufficient water sources. Unlike many regions of East Azarbaijan province, Leylan is a vast plain and very few mountains can be seen around it. This fertile area has been a suitable place for human habitation since long ago.

Leylanchay seasonal river, which originates from the Sahand mountains, is one of the natural attractions of Leylan. After passing through the city of Kharajo, this river flows through the southeastern part of Leylan and heads towards Lake Urmia.

The people of Leylan speak Azari Turkish, follow the Shiite School of Thought, and most of them engage in agriculture and horticulture. Grapes are the main product of this city.

History of Bakhtak Castle of Leylan

According to experts, the longevity of Bakhtak Castle dates back to the Prehistoric times of ancient Iran. This castle surrounded the ancient city of Leylan like a fence, and in this sense, it is one of the largest castles of Iran. The area of this castle is 63 hectares and it was used during the Parthian and Sassanid era (3rd century BC to 7th century AD). There are dozens of ancient mounds in the areas surrounding the Leylan Castle, most of which are located in the east of the castle. The number of these mounds stands at 56 and “Allah Qoli” and “Chaman” hills are considered the most important of these mounds.

Many explorations have been conducted in Bakhtak Castle in recent years and some restorations have also taken place in certain parts of this castle. The discoveries made in the course of these explorations included military tools and equipment related to the Sassanid era. Of course, keeping in view the fact that there is no stone inscription or definite proof of the castle’s age, it is not possible to correctly determine the time of its construction. Natural phenomena such as earthquakes have damaged many parts of this huge castle over time.

The existence of certain ruins, which according to experts are related to several caravanserais, strengthens the possibility of the Silk Road passing through Leylan. Thus, this city was considered a resting place for caravans and it received many travelers every year. The existence of the remains of some watchtowers and military fortifications in the eastern heights of the present city of Leylan confirms the historical importance of this city to a great extent.

Features of Bakhtak Castle of Leylan

Bakhtak Castle of Leylan has thick walls made of clay and mud. These walls greatly reduced the possibility of enemy penetration. The general shape of the castle is a trapezoidal oval. According to some archaeologists, the ancient city of Shiz, mentioned in historical sources, was located inside this castle. This theory claims that this ancient city was considered the winter capital of the country and there was a big fire temple in it.

The city of Shiz was the summer residence of Khosrow Parviz, the twenty-fourth king of the Sassanid dynasty. He ruled Iran from 590 to 628 AD. It has been recorded that during his glorious reign, Khosrow Parviz had many palaces and luxurious buildings constructed. He also paid a lot of attention to music such that his court was the place where some of the most famous musicians of ancient Iran attended. Nevertheless, Khosrow Parviz is reported to have been a hot-tempered and ruthless man and it was due to these characteristics that he destroyed the vast territory of Iran and the valuable heritage of his fathers and caused the downfall of the Sassanid dynasty.

According to available historical texts, the city of Shiz was located near Lake Urmia, in between Maragheh and Tabriz, and because of housing an oil well, the fire temple of Azargoshasp fire temple was built there. This city was considered as the capital of ancient Azarbaijan.

Bakhtak Castle of Leylan was inscribed on the list of Irab’s national heritage in the year 2000.

It is believed that the ancient city of Shiz, which was one of the most important cities of ancient Iran, was located within the vicinity of Bakhtak Leylan Castle.