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Archeological surveys reveal that the aggregate of structures and ramparts date back to the 3rd millennium B.C. These structures have been constructed by means of various architectural plans. These types of structures were utilized mainly for defense purposes and to confront attacks. Today the same are known as castles, there are innumerable castles in Qazvin Province, the most important of which are: Alamoot Castle, Qazvin The said structure is situated in the heights, surrounding by gigantic precipices and deep crevices. The only means of access to this castle is by a narrow trail to its north. The Alamoot Castle has an eastern and western sector, each of which comprises of two segments again. These are the lower and upper castles. The length of the structure is approximately 120m. and its width ranges from 10-25 m. in certain areas. The eastern rampart of the upper castle is constructed of stone and gypsum, and is about 10m. in length and 5m. in height. To the northwestern front of the upper castle, two chambers have been excavated in the rocks of the mountains in one of which is a small pool of water. At the foot of this chamber, and at a lower level than the structure, is the northern rampart with a length of 12 m. and width of 1 m. The same ending in a steep precipice. To the eastern section of the castle the guards and their dependants resided. The western rampart of this sector is still standing to an elevation of 2 m. Here there are three water reservoirs excavated in the breast of the mountains. Between the upper and the lower castles is an area surrounded by ramparts that divides the sector into two. Three towers in the northern, southern and eastern corners can still be observed. The only entrance and gateway to the castle is in the northeast. The path leading to the entrance is at the foot of the eastern tower, which is a few meters lower down. The various parts of the castle have been constructed with materials such as stone, mortar, gypsum, brick, tiles and earthenware. To the west of the castle is an ancient cemetery of Asb-e-Kaleh Chal. On an elevation near by, are remnants of a few brick kiln furnaces. According to records in the book Nishat-ol-Qolub by Hamdollah Mostowfi, the Alamoot castle is a construction of the 446 A.H., contemporary to the reign of the Abbasi caliph, Al Motevakel. Dokhtar (Qiz) Castle, Takestan The above mentioned is located in the mountains near the village of Abakloo. The structure extends from the three sides to a steep precipice, with its entrance being to the southern side. The structure is mainly a brick construction, and is probably a remnant of the Sassanid or Al Booyeh periods. Lambasar Castle, Qazvin The said castle is one of the magnificent structures of the province with the two rivers of Lomehdan and Mineh flowing on the two sides of it. From three sides, that is in the eastern, southern and northern directions, this castle prolongs towards deep precipices. Its southern and eastern ramparts can still be observed. The southern gateway of the castle comprises of two successive doorways with a 6m. difference in level. To both sides of the first doorway, are two towers each 6 m. in height. The walls and ceilings of the successive doorway are of sculptured stone. The vital structures of this castle were near the northern gateway, and the only relic is a tower. In the southern sector are 12 narrow chambers facing east, besides other with barrel shaped ceilings, constructed with the ramparts of the castle. An interesting aspect is the water canal that enters the castle from the north, terminating in the cubical water reservoirs excavated in stone. Besides these, there are other water reservoirs in the northern and eastern sides and so too the exterior of the ramparts of the castle. Nearing the end confines of the structure in a slopping area are a few water reservoirs close to each other, and extruded out of stone. The said castle is one of the most spectacular structures in Iran and related to the pre-Islamic period. Mohammad Zaman Khan-e-Reshvand Castle, Qazvin This castle is located in the northern part of Qazvin. The same was the residence of Mohammad Zaman Khan-e-Reshvand and was constructed by him. Materials utilized in the construction were stone, mortar and gypsum. For the towers colossal stones have been used. The castle has three quarters, i.e., the internal, external and the servants’ quarters, bath, mill and stable. The grand external hall of the castle still exists. The large water reservoir of the castle was made of large bricks and still is in use. Navizar Shah Castle, Qazvin The same is located on a mountain in northeast of the Garm Rood Village. The remnants of this structure are a few chambers and rooms, the main building and a part of its wall. In this area, ruins of other towers and castles such as Ilan, Sefidar and the castle of the Farandaj Village can be also seen. Most of these castles are located en route to the Almoot Castle. Samiran Castle, Tarom Village, Qazvin The said is located on a rocky elevation. Currently only some sections of its ramparts are left to be seen. According to the narration of Naser Khosrow, the said castle had three ramparts within each other. Presently the most intact portion is its northern rampart, placed between two circular towers. The towers and walls are made of slabs of stone, mortar and gypsum. To the west of the castle are remnants of a few structures. Scattered pieces of earthenware are found in a large radius surrounding the said castle, and related to the post-Islamic period. Besides being a structure of defense, the same has also been utilized as residential purposes. Sasan Castle (Large Tomb), Qazvin The same is situated in the heights of a hillock, in the Tarom village of the township of Takestan. From the three sides it has a steep gradient, thus gaining access to this structure is difficult. The structure is like an octagonal tower, and surrounding it are ramparts to the length of 6.5 m. and to the height of 2 m. Its window, doorway and elevated entrance are interesting characteristics. The gilded covering of the structure was aided by eight contortions and bends and thence adorned. This relic dates back to the early centuries of Islamic period and probably belongs to the Al Booyeh era. Other Castles, Qazvin Other castles of the province are: the Sangrood castle, Shirkooh castle and Eivan Niaq castle in Qazvin; Qestin Lar castle in Lar, Rashgin town and Meymoondej castle in the rural vicinity of Roodbar. |
