Rayen Citadel

Iran, a land rich in history, has always faced invasions from various governments throughout the ages. At the entrance of Persepolis, there is an inscription from 2,500 years ago where the King of Kings prays to God, asking Him to protect their land from enemy attacks. This shows that Iran has always been under threat, and Iranians have consistently strived to defend themselves against these invasions. Their success in this regard is evident, as the name Iran has remained intertwined with Iranian identity for 2,500 years. Iran is a hot and dry country, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 60 degrees Celsius in the shade. As a result, the vegetation is sparse, often limited to a few thorny bushes. What you see is mostly endless stretches of soil and sand. Because of this, many of Iran's defensive structures, built from earth and clay, have either been destroyed or deteriorated due to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. What remains today is like a jewel that has survived at the borders of this land, and we must do our best to protect it. The existing citadels are among these treasures.

Rayen Citadel

A citadel is essentially a large area enclosed by high defensive walls, where not only military forces but also ordinary people can live and thrive. The main difference between a citadel and a military fortress is that a citadel has two sections: one for military personnel and another for ordinary citizens, who live peacefully alongside each other. The historical Rayen Citadel is currently recognized as the largest, most complete, and well-preserved citadel in Iran, especially after the destruction of Arg-e Bam due to an earthquake. This adobe and clay citadel reflects the authentic culture of Iran, built on the foundations of patience and hard work in the heart of the Iranian desert. Rayen Citadel is located in the tourist city of Rayen and features sixteen watchtowers. This citadel dates back to the powerful Sassanian dynasty and is situated in Kerman Province, southwest of the current city of Rayen. While Rayen Citadel is much smaller than Arg-e Bam, it bears a striking resemblance and is perched on a hill. With an area of over 22,000 square meters, it is recognized as the largest citadel in Iran that remains intact.

History of Rayen Citadel

The origins of this grand citadel date back to the Sassanian era, confirming the existence of Rayen before the advent of Islam. Historical records from Kerman mention Rayen Citadel in the first century AH (Islamic calendar). Besides this citadel, there were other fortresses and citadels in the region, but unfortunately, many have been lost due to enemy attacks or natural disasters.

Rayen Fortress

This fortress is roughly square-shaped, covering an area of 22,000 square meters and featuring sixteen watchtowers. It is surrounded by walls over 10 meters high. The only entrance is from the eastern side, leading into the inner courtyard through a grand entrance. Key elements of the fortress include a marketplace, the governor's residence, luxurious houses, four storage facilities, a fire temple, and neighborhoods for ordinary citizens. The fortress has both public and elite residential areas, with architectural spaces catering to the needs of the people, such as schools and quarantine buildings. The primary material used is raw clay, which was relatively resistant to the weapons of its time. Although the size of Rayen Citadel is only one-eighth that of Arg-e Bam, it serves as a suitable alternative in its absence. Currently, after renovations in 1995, Rayen Citadel is open to the public, and visitors can access most parts of it. Rayen Citadel has a history of about 1,000 years, and until recently, some people lived there until it was completely vacated about 200 years ago and began to deteriorate. If you plan to visit Iran and Kerman, it's a great idea to include this historical site in your travel itinerary—you definitely won't regret it!
Rayen Citadel is considered one of the important tourist attractions in Kerman, and any investment in it is bound to be profitable. The revenue generated from tourism can provide the means to expand this citadel and other tourist sites in Rayen. If you have any questions about this, it's best to visit the Sana Persian website to get the latest information. We hope to welcome you soon in Iran, Kerman, Rayen, and Rayen Citadel. Looking forward to that day!