From Azar to Shahrasb; evolution of a historic village
The Arg of Shahrasb in Abarkuh, Yazd Province, spans 17,000 square meters and exemplifies ancient residential complexes in Iran, where noblemen and common people coexisted, with class distinctions primarily reflected in the decorations of their homes.
Shahrasb is a historic and scenic village holding significant cultural and tourism value due to its long history and notable historical sites, ISNA wrote.
Historically, the village was known as Azar, a name that evolved over time to Shahrasb. This name is believed to originate from a period when a thousand horses (asb in Persian) were kept in the village, owned by local khans (nobles).
Additionally, Shahrasb may derive from one of the Iranian notables from the Hazaraspid tribe (Thousand Horses), mentioned in connection with the historical site Gonbad Ali.
Furthermore, Shahrasb is the name of a character in the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), who served as a confidant and guide to Tahmuras.
Throughout various periods, Shahrasb has been inhabited by different civilizations, preserving elements of earthen and desert architecture that make it particularly appealing to tourists and historical researchers.
As a prominent tourist destination in the country, the village presents significant opportunities for investment in the tourism sector and cultural research, serving as a gateway to discovering Iran's ancient heritage.
Among the most important attractions of Shahrasb are its adobe castles, old houses, and narrow, winding streets, all of which reflect the traditional desert architecture of Iran and its adaptation to climatic conditions. These adobe structures have withstood the desert's climatic changes and now symbolize the intelligent architectural methods of past generations.
One significant historical edifice in the village is Shahrasb Castle, which, according to existing evidence, was one of the residential complexes of ancient Iran.
This massive castle is constructed in the form of two concentric squares, making it one of the largest historical citadel in Iran after the Bam Citadel. The central castle dates back to the Safavid era, while the surrounding structures span from the Safavid to the Qajar period.
Interestingly, within the castle are graves that, contrary to Islamic tradition, are not oriented towards the qibla, suggesting that the castle may have been built on the remains of an earlier structure from the pre-Islamic era. Built from materials such as raw clay, mud, stone, wood, and baked brick, this castle is one of the few historical buildings in Yazd province where a significant portion of the structure remains intact.
The walls and towers are also made of adobe and mud, common in many historical buildings across Iran's central desert. The houses in Shahrasb were constructed from mud brick and featured domed roofs, as the use of adobe not only provided accessibility but also facilitated air ventilation and kept the buildings cool. The domed roofs allowed sunlight to consistently strike one side, reducing heat absorption.
In the Shahrasb citadel, local lords and peasants lived side by side, with class differences clearly visible in the intricate plasterwork and arches adorned with floral arabesques and muqarnas.
Registered as a national monument in 2005, the Shahrasb castle holds both historical and cultural significance, representing construction methods and lifestyles from past eras, making it especially appealing to those interested in Iranian history and architecture.
With its hospitable people and rich local culture, Shahrasb offers visitors a unique blend of historical, natural, and cultural attractions. Its ancient relics, desert landscapes, and high-quality agricultural and handicraft products have transformed this area into an attractive destination for culture and history enthusiasts, playing an important role in the sustainable development of tourism in Yazd Province.