Izadkhast Historical Complex; The First Multi-Storied Building of the World

Located in the northernmost point of Fars province, Abadeh County houses a historical site that can be considered an outstanding example of the ancient art of Iranian urban planning. The historical complex of Izdkhasat is one of the most important ancient monuments of Iran was built a few thousand years ago during the Sassanid era and comprises a fort, a fire temple, a caravanserai, and a dam.

The historical complex of Izadkhasat is located in the east of the Isfahan-Shiraz highway, and it is the first historical site that can be seen in Fars province.

The Fort

As a military structure, Izadkhast Fort was built in a place overlooking its surroundings. This fort is located on a rock with cliffs on three sides and it can only be entered only from the southern side of the fort making it difficult to penetrate it.

The striking similarity of the fort of the historical complex of Izdakhash with the Bam citadel is very remarkable. The height of the castle is about 22 meters from the ground and it has been built on five floors using clay bricks and mud. There was a small residential area inside this complex, the houses of which were stacked on top of each other in such a way that the roof of each house was the courtyard of the house above it. This method of urban housing system can also be seen in several parts of Iran today. This model of housing system was one of the characteristics of the Sassanid architecture, which was used especially in places where there was a limited area for constructing residential areas. Because of the way the houses are designed, Izdakhat can be considered the first experience apartment way of living in the world.

Also known by other names such as "Sarsang Castle" or "Old Castle", a quadrangle inside of Izadkhast complex as well as the entire complex were inscribed on the list of National Iranian Heritage in 1948 and 2003 respectively.

Fire Temple of the Historical Complex of Izdakhat

One of the most important buildings specifically designed and built in Izadkhas was its fire temple. This building was considered a place of residence for priests of the time. After the advent of Islam in Iran, this fire temple was changed into a mosque.

The Dam

Due to its historical importance, this dam was inscribed on the list of Iran’s National Heritage in 2003. Designed in the form of an arch, the Izadkhasht Dam is located in the southern part of the Izadkhasht complex. The designing method of this dam can be considered unique among the dams that were designed and built in ancient Iran. Considering the computing and engineering facilities of that period, designing and implementing an arched dam required high skill.

The 42-meter-long and 15-meter-high Izadkhasat dam had been built with the aim of curbing seasonal floods and supplying the water needed by the residents.

The main material used for the construction of the dam was limestone, and its exterior was covered with stone and mortar. After more than two thousand years since the construction of the dam, parts of its bridge have been destroyed and only the western and eastern parts of it remain. The middle part of the bridge, where the valve, spiral staircase, and overflow area were located, are the parts destroyed.

The Caravanserai

The Caravanserai of this complex was built in the 17th century by order of the Safavid king, Shah Abbas I. The strength of this structure is very high, and its various parts include a porch, a foyer, and a beautiful hall.

Located over an area of four thousand square meters, this caravanserai has 20 rooms of 6 sq. meters that were used to accommodate travelers. The caravans traveling between Isfahan and Shiraz used to rest in this caravanserai. This caravanserai was inscribed on the list of Iran’s National Heritage in 1975.

Located in the northernmost point of Fars province, Abadeh County houses the Izadkhast historical monument that can be considered an outstanding example of the ancient art of Iranian urban planning.