Cultural significance of Chaleshtar Castle
The Chaleshtar Castle in Shahrekord symbolizes the fusion of Iranian-European architecture and stone carving art, according to the deputy head of the provincial Cultural Heritage, Handicraft, and Tourism Organization.
Qodratollah Valizadeh-Kaji noted that the castle comprises two separate buildings from the Qajar era, constructed in 1905 on an 8,000-square-meter plot, with a built area of 3,000 square meters, chtn.ir wrote.
He elaborated, “The architecture of Chaleshtar Castle represents a blend of styles from the Qajar period, combined with European architectural influences, featuring 40 standing stone columns and bas-reliefs crafted through intricate stone carving.”
He mentioned that, according to the elder residents of Chaleshtar, there were once 22 circular towers with four gates facing each direction, as evidenced by existing documentation and aerial photographs.
He reminded that the castle originally boasted a grand entrance and gates, many of which have since been lost. Currently, the surviving remnants are at risk due to ongoing urban development. The official described the castle’s tower and walls as constructed from brick and adobe, standing six meters tall and three meters wide, with origins that may trace back to the Safavid period.
Valizadeh-Kaji noted, “The rooms of Chaleshtar Castle are adorned with designs in the London painting style, which blends Iranian and European artistic traditions. This style peaked during the Qajar period and features motifs of flowers and vases, as well as narratives such as the legend of Layla and Majnun, the tale of Bahram Gur, and Islamic motifs like the story of Joseph and Zuleikha, often accompanied by inscriptions of Quranic verses.”
He highlighted that the stone bases within the castle underground display designs of plants, grape clusters, abstract trees, winged angels, and intricate vases. He added, “Chaleshtar Castle is embellished with turquoise blue and white tiles, while the inner ceilings exhibit frames and windows for the various rooms and doors, all crafted and decorated with geometric woodwork sourced from walnut trees.”
Valizadeh-Kaji pointed out that six museums currently operate within the historical and cultural complex of Chaleshtar Castle. He further mentioned that numerous valuable cultural and historical works, including the Grand Mosque, Sotoudeh House, Azadeh House, the castle’s grand entrance, the Painting Room, the Anthropology Museum, the Stone Museum, and the Bathhouse Museum of Chaleshtar, have been officially registered as national heritage sites in Iran.
Lastly, the oficial emphasized that the historical and cultural complex of Chaleshtar Castle is recognized as a national heritage site, dating back to the Qajar era.