Ghaleh Kohneh (Old Castle) Neighborhood of Yazd

As one of the old cities of Iran, Yazd has old neighborhoods that are worth visiting and walking in their alleys will create a memorable feeling. For hundreds of years, these neighborhoods had been inhabited by people who lived there with sorrows and joys and left behind what are now considered historical and cultural monuments. The Ghaleh Kohneh Neighborhood is one of the traditional neighborhoods of Yazd, which used to be adjacent to the border wall of the city, but with the expansion of the urban area, is now located in the heart of the new city of Yazd.

Ghaleh Kohneh (Old Castle) Neighborhood and Its Historical Sites

In terms of age, Ghaleh Kohneh should be considered one of the oldest neighborhoods in Yazd. This neighborhood is surrounded by Mal Amir (Malmir) neighborhood from the north, Pir Borj neighborhood from the south, Waqt al-Sa’at neighborhood from the west, and Sarsang and Jooye Harhar neighborhoods from the east. In the past, the Ghale Kohne neighborhood was considered the border of the city. The remains of the old castle of Yazd City is a proof of this claim. Even now, the remains of this castle can be seen in this neighborhood.

In the eighth century AH (14th century AD), during the reign of Aal-e Muzaffar (Muzaffarid dynasty), when Shah Yahya ruled over Yazd, a castle was built on the present site of the neighborhood. Later, during the Timurid era (14th to 16th centuries AD), another castle was built in this neighborhood, which became known as the “Ghaleh Kohneh” (old castle) during the Safavid era (16th to 18th centuries AD). Today, a number of the administrative centers of Yazd are located in this neighborhood.

Shah Yahya Mosque

The presence of a mosque called “Shah Yahya” in the Ghaleh Kohneh Neighborhood strengthens the speculations about its foundation during the reign of Shah Yahya. Experts believe that the original building of this mosque is related to the 8th century AH. The mosque is currently located in the west of Imam Khomeini Street. This mosque has a winter and a summer section and a small courtyard. The height of the courtyard is lower than the surrounding passages and some rooms were built in it. The winter section in the south of the building has a shallow mihrab (niche) and an old wooden window can be seen on top of it. The summer section of the mosque, which covers half of its area, is newly built and has two floors. The evidence shows that this part of the building had a larger area, but parts of it were destroyed as a result of road construction.

Dar Al-Hokumah (lit. Governor’s Seat) of Yazd

This building is also known as “Arg Ghaleh” (Citadel), “Divankhaneh” (lit. court of justice), and “Narenj Ghaleh”, and it is located on Imam Khomeini Street. The building is a remnant of the Timurid era and its construction was completed in 1396 AD (799 AH). According to historical sources, it was during the rule of Amir Chakhmaq over Yazd that Divankhaneh and Dar al-Qur’an were constructed in this locality. Dar al-Hokumah of Yazd has a large courtyard, many rooms have been built around the courtyard and the inside is covered with plaster. A windcatcher, which is taller than other parts of this complex. The floor of the yard is covered with clay bricks. A mosque had also been built, which opens to the courtyard of Dar al-Hokumah.

Ghaleh Kohneh (Old Castle) of Yazd

It is said that a circular fence with four gates had been built around Yazd in the year 1040 AD. The purpose of this work was to prevent the invasion of bandits and enemies. A few centuries later, in the year, i.e. in 1346 AD, Amir Mubarizuddin, the famous ruler of Yazd, restored this fence and built 90 watchtowers in different parts of it. This structure was restored many times and perhaps the last serious restoration took place about two centuries ago. Thereafter, because of the expansion of the urban space, some parts of the castle were gradually eroded. Presently, except for the strong part of the castle, which is in the Ghaleh Kohneh Neighborhood, some parts of it in Fermandari Street and the tomb of Seyyed Golsarkh are still standing.

The Ghaleh Kohneh (Old Castle) of Yazd was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1975 AD.

As one of the old cities of Iran, Yazd has old neighborhoods that are worth visiting and walking in their alleys will create a memorable feeling.