Historic charm of Mir Gholam Hashemi Castle in Darreh Shahr
Darreh Shahr is regarded as one of the historical cities in the western part of Iran, situated near the foothills of Kabir Kuh, part of the Zagros Mountain. This city lies on the southern bank of the Seymareh River in the southeastern region of Ilam Province.
Darreh Shahr is bordered to the east and southeast by the provinces of Lorestan and Khuzestan, while to the north, northwest, and southwest, it connects with other cities of Ilam Province. The presence of Kabir Kuh at the city’s edge has created a forest cover that significantly influences the local climate, providing a unique beauty during late winter and spring, according to IRNA.
Due to the Seymareh River and its location at the foot of the Zagros Mountains, many past governors of Ilam have constructed historical castles in this area. Hashemabad, a picturesque tourist village located 10 kilometers from Darreh Shahr, is also 10 kilometers from the historical city of Seymareh and 126 kilometers from Ilam, the provincial capital. Known for its pleasant climate and advantageous geographic location, this charming village attracts numerous tourists and nature enthusiasts each year. The Mir Gholam Hashemi Castle, situated within this village, is considered its most significant historical attraction.
This fortress is designed in the four-ivan style, resembling historical buildings from the Sassanid era, and served both military and residential purposes. The history of this ancient castle date back 1924, and it has been registered on Iran’s National Heritage List.
The materials used in the construction of this fortress contribute to its remarkable strength, with numerous interconnected rooms built in a nested fashion. The Mir Gholam Hashemi Castle features 35 interlinked rooms, along with two watchtowers located in the northeastern and western sections. Additionally, there are three guard rooms above the entrance archway on the western and northern sides, which were used as observation points. A parapet approximately one meter high has also been constructed around the entire fortress and along the roof for protection.
The exterior of the castle is made from mud and plaster, leaving no empty spaces visible between its walls. In the central courtyard of the castle, there is a square pool, similar to those found in other fortresses, supplied with water through a channel leading from the river.
Holes in the walls of the fortress were used for ventilating the air inside the tower. The entrance area of the structure protrudes from the main facade, facilitating easy identification. This entrance is higher than the adjacent walls and, due to additional spaces like the throne room and guard room, has been constructed in two levels.
The architecture of this castle adheres to the four-ivan design characteristic of Sassanid-era structures, making it exceptionally solid and durable for its military and residential functions.
This historical castle was built by Mir Gholam Hashemi, one of the nobles of Darreh Shahr, during the Pahlavi era, in the Sikan Valley near the river. It was transferred to the Ilam Province’s Cultural Heritage Organization by the daughter of Hashemi in 1997.
Darreh Shahr is recognized as the largest ancient city in the western region of the country and is considered the historical hub of Ilam Province due to the richness of its historical resources. Its proximity to Kabir Kuh and the ruins of the ancient city of Madaktu enhances its significance, establishing it as a center for tourism in western Iran.