In the heart of Shiraz stands the Arg-e Karim Khan, the residence and fortress of Karim Khan Zand, who ruled much of Iran in the mid-18th century and famously called himself not shah but vakil — “regent of the people”. Four massive round towers decorated with patterned brickwork guard its high walls; one of them leans noticeably, settled over the centuries on the soft ground.
Inside, the walls enclose a courtyard garden of orange trees and a long pool, framed by living quarters with stained-glass windows, painted niches and a small private bathhouse. Exhibitions show the life of the Zand court and the history of the citadel, which later served as a governor’s residence and even a prison.
Highlights
- Patterned brick towers — including the leaning one
- Orange-tree courtyard and pool
- Stained-glass windows of the living quarters
- The small royal bathhouse
Gallery
