Arg Karimkhan Zand Shiraz

In the center of Shiraz city and northeast of Shohada Square, a magnificent building attracts attention, which is a valuable relic from the Zand era. Its name is Arg Karim Khan and it is distinguished from other parts of the city by walls, towers, and ramparts. Arg is a type of tall and enclosed building, with various examples seen in ancient architecture. This word in Dehkhoda dictionary refers to a small castle built within a larger fortress. Many believe that Arg Karim Khan is not a sign of other Arg structures like Bam. It is said that Karim Khan Zand, influenced by Safavid architecture, built a large square in Shiraz city and dedicated the western side of this square to his harem palace and a place for the royal family’s residence, which was mistakenly called Arg.

This Arg was once the residence of Karim Khan Zand and for this reason became famous as Karimkhani. Arg Karim Khan has endured the hardships of time and stood firm until today to become one of the most important sights of Shiraz and the most prominent relic of the Zand dynasty, attracting tourists.

The Arg Karimkhan Museum is also visitable at the Arg site.

National registration: This building was registered on 4 June 1972 with number 918 in the list of national monuments of Iran.