Maranjab Caravansarai

The Maranjab Caravansarai is a caravanserai in the Maranjab Desert, located to the north of Aran o Bidgol city in Isfahan province, Iran. It was constructed by order of Shah Abbas in 1603 and located along the Silk Road, between Khorasan and Isfahan provinces.[1]

    History

    Maranjab Caravansarai

    Constructed along the Silk Road in 1603, the caravanserai was used by travelers from China and Europe for many years. It was also used as a fortress, with 500 soldiers to protect travelers against bandits and to fight against possible military attacks from countries to the east, such as Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.[2]

    In 2000 Iran's historical heritage association instituted a project to repair the building, which continued until 2004. Since then it has been used as a tourist attraction.[3]

    Structure

    Watchtower

    The 3,500-square-metre (38,000 sq ft) rectangular building has 29 rooms and is totally made of bricks.

    The fortified exterior walls have six watchtowers for archers and scout troops.[4]

    Tourist attraction

    Being in the middle of a desert, the caravanserai attracts numerous desert lovers. The main tourist attractions of the area are off-road driving, astronomy and camel riding.[5]

    References

    1. ↑ "کاروانسرای مرنجاب". تیشینه (in Persian). Retrieved 2016-12-31.
    2. ↑ "قلعه مرنجاب". www.irandeserts.com. Retrieved 2016-12-31.
    3. ↑ "کاروانسرای مرنجاب, بنایی در قلب کویر". Aftabir.com. Retrieved 2016-12-31.
    4. ↑ "کاروانسرای مرنجاب, بنایی در قلب کویر". Aftabir.com. Retrieved 2016-12-31.
    5. ↑ "کاروانسرای مرنجاب". www.makanbin.com. Retrieved 2016-12-31.

    34°17′57″N 51°48′45″E / 34.2991°N 51.8124°E / 34.2991; 51.8124

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