The founder of this structure and garden was the late Adl-ol-Sultan who belongs to the recent centuries. This edifice has historical value. Besides, Reza Khan the first Pahalavi king stopped there for a while during his last journey on the way to exile.
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The above mentioned is located at a distance of 6 km. from Mahan, and was constructed under the orders of the governor of Kerman. This structure is related to the late Qajar period. Built in the traditional style, and is a garden with pools in a terraced fashion.
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To the north east of the Bam city, in the skirts of a gigantic rock was the foundations of a fortified castle, reputedly known as the Bam Citadel. As mentioned before, on December 26, 2003, a devastating earthquake stroke the city of Bam and completely destroyed this ancient heritage of Iran which had long been registered in the UNESCOs List of World Heritage Sites.
This citadel had actually been the old city of Bam. The city comprised of four sections and 38 watch towers. In the southern side of this structure there were four ramparts and to the north-eastern section there was also another colossal rampart. The citadel was constructed of sun baked bricks, argyle and straw, but in some parts stone, brick and the barks of date palms were utilized. The said citadel comprised of the entrance gateway, a public sector, a military base and the central section or seat of power.
The public dwellings were constructed alongside the elevated areas and on the ground level. Regarding the city construction planning it was a complete aggregate. Its distinguished areas were the main passage or bazaar, Hosseiniyeh (or place for public religious rituals and mourning), mosque (fire-temple in the past), gymnasium for traditional sports, public bath, and a religious sector pertaining to the Jews. Most of the common houses were constructed in such a manner that they were connected to each other and usually had interconnections. In some houses, private baths could be seen. A few of these buildings were two storied structures which had most probably been constructed due to the increasing population.
After the gateway entrance there was a main passage which lead to the second gateway. A part of this route was the city bazaar. Remnants of a bakery, an oil extraction area, and the mud made shelves of bazaar reveal the splendor of the city in that time. Running parallel to the main passage there were two other paths leading to the second gateway. The Hosseiniyeh or place for religious mourning comprised of a large area with a two storied symmetrical porch, a few chambers and three pulpits of sun baked bricks. The traditional gymnasium consisted of four porches, a dome, and a low-lying area surrounded by a higher platform.
The Bam Citadel had two mosques, one was the Jame' Mosque and the other the Hazrat Mohammad Mosque. There was also used to be a public bath in the public section. After the second gateway were the stables, rampart, and the sentry picket. The third gateway led to the garrison, the commanders residence, and a wind mill. In the midst of the citadel, a three-storied edifice remains which was used to be the seat of the ruling power. Alongside this structure was a private bath of the commander, and a drainage conduit. This citadel was constructed by Bahman Esfandiyar, and dates back to the pre-Islamic period. The Bam Citadel underwent several repairs before the earthquake hit.
Soon after the earthquake of December 2003, an ad-hoc committee was established by the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran to renovate and reconstruct the palace of Bam. Although great efforts have been taken by specialists to rebuild this palace in a way that it looks exactly the same as it was before, experts claim that the Bam Citadel will never regain the glory of its past.
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This castle has been built of reddish marble and is located on an elevation, east to the city of Jiroft. The upper walls are approximately 1,000 sq. m. and are made of rocks and natural precipices. In parts where the enemy could have launched an attack, there are high walls with two entrances in the northern and southern sides with twelve watch towers. To an elevation of 200 m. above the castle is another stony rampart and this surrounds the castle itself. Within these walls was an area for the horses, and a relatively deep well still holds good after the passing of centuries. Its mode of construction is really marvelous.
There are also two pools in this castle which collect the rain water. The brick walls of these pools have been delicately covered with a mixture of sand and limestone. This structure is related to the pre-Islamic times, but has been repaired in the early Islamic era. During the Saljuqi period, this castle was a reputed one.
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Other castles in the province are named as Dokhtar Castle in Kerman, The Sang Castle in Sirjan, Jashar, Sa'eed Khan, Manujan, Kohneh, Dastugan, Tal Atashi, Zakht, Gabrha and Rostam Castles, etc. in Jiroft and Roodbar.
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The historical water reservoir of Ali Mardan Khan (the offspring of Ganj Ali Khan) is in the Ganj Ali Khan aggregate of Kerman. Its fantastic architecture draws the viewer's attention. An inscription affixed here notes the date 1209 A.H. as the year of its construction. The entrance of the structure is worked in tile and some of the stones are sculptured. This water reservoir used to store about 2 million liters of water. The various sections of this reservoir are the reservoir, air-vent, staircase, foot bath and its decorative entrance.
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This old bath is located in the midst of the Ebrahim Khan Bazaar in Kerman. The same consists of two sections, the cloak room and the main bath. This bath has been utilized since 1321 A.H.
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This bath has been decoratively adorned with arches, tile and plaster work and also paintings. The entrance of this bath has been artistically painted with ornaments of the Safavid era, and its architectural facets were performed by Ostad Mohammad Sultan Yazdi. The bath consists of two sections named as, cloak room and the hot bath itself. The most interesting feature of its architectural finish is that the sculptured stones of the ceiling coincide with that of the flooring.
The cloak room of the bath has been divided into six sections and each pertains to a special category of society or guild. Currently in each one of these sections, two statues portray this scene. The main bath comprises of a cold water pool with a ceiling similar to that of a tent supported by eight beautiful pillars. Its water inlets and fountains of the bath have been so meticulously designed that its strange phenomena is astonishing!
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The said bath was constructed in unique style and adorned just as skillfully in the year 1280 A.H. Its architecture being relative to the Zandiyeh-Qajar reigns. Its walls and floorings are finished in ceramic and tiles. The bath comprises of two sections, the cloak room and the bath itself. In the recent decades this historical structure has been converted into a traditional tea-house, and its entrance was repaired in 1990. A part of the hot bath toDay is a restaurant where regional dishes or food is being served.
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Other baths in Kerman province are named as Baq-e-Shazdeh Bath in Mahan, Tah-e-Baq-e-Lellah and Mirza Esmail Vazir baths in Kerman, Negar bath in the Negar Village of Kerman and the Seyed Abbas Bath in Bam.
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The said structure is made of brick and has a polygonal dome, with double arches externally. This structure has 9 porches. The entrance of the southern sector connects to the frontal section by two halls and spiral stair ways lead to the double covered dome. Under the dome is a marble tomb stone which is 2 m. in length and 1 m. in width. This is most probably a relic of the 11th century A.H. which is on historical record.
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This tomb is situated in Daulat Abad, Esfandaqieh and is a relic of the Safavid era. This structure comprises of a dome, porches, arched ceilings and corridors. Internally, the structure is four-sided, but higher up it changes to an octagon with coinciding ceilings. Narrations and memoirs can be seen in numbers within the structure besides a few marble tomb stones dating to the years 1002 A.H., 1012 A.H. and 1082 A.H. The said structure has been beautifully designed with plaster and Indian design in addition to the Shah Abbasi patterns. The above mentioned tomb is on historical record.
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This dome is also known as the Gabri Dome and is located in Kerman, and the structure is octagonal. The dome has been constructed of brick, though the building is of stone and gypsum, and its architectural affects have been inspired from the Sassanid period.
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The same is located in the south east of the vicinity of the bazaar mosque. The structure is a remnant of the Saljuqi period in the 6th century A.H. This structure has been adorned with plaster and brick works, both internally and externally. Its interesting features are the Kufic and Thulth scripts. The ceiling of this mausoleum had caved in, but was repaired by the Cultural Heritage Organization, and the structure is on historical record.
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The same is a relic of the Safavid period and is located in Esfandaqieh of Jiroft. The structure resembles a dome with eight external porches. Internally, the dome is four-sided, but higher up in its structure converts to an octagon. A marble tomb stone can be noted within.
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This structure is located in the Sharif Abad village of Sirjan. This structure is square in shape, with external and internal dimensions of 9 m. and 7 m. respectively. It has been erected with cobbled stones and gypsum. At a height of four meters this structure converts to an octagonal shape, and thence spherical with a dome on the top. Internally, it is adorned with inscriptions. The remnants of the plaster work dates back to 751 A.H.
It is believed that this structure was formerly a temple related to the pre-Islamic or early Islamic period, and that during the reign of Mohammad Mobarez, the first Amir of the Al Mozaffar Family, the same was renovated into a mosque.
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This dome is located in the Moshtaqiyeh sq. in Kerman and was constructed during the Qajar reign. Three domes have been constructed on three tombs belonging to Moshtaq Ali Shah, Sheikh Esmail and Kowsar Ali Shah. Moshtaq Ali Shah was a Gnostic of the 13th century A.H. and was stoned to death in the year 1206 A.H. due to his personal beliefs. He was condemned because of reciting the Holy Qoran with a string instrument called the sitar. The dome on his tomb was constructed in the year 1260 A.H.
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This structure is located in Shahdad (Kerman) and is also known as Khaneqah-e-Aqoos, Aqoos Kelisa (church) or Peer-e-Mosafer. The same comprises of walls, a court-yard, entrance and a domed chamber.
This mausoleum is a relic of the 7th century A.H. In an ancient book written in the 10th century A.H., a vicinity by the name of Aqoos and its structures has been mentioned. This book has also mentioned a personality by the name of Baba Mosafer Konji, who had come to Shahdad anonymously and had lived there. Moreover, it has been stated that the tomb of the above mentioned is in the Khaneqah constructed by Hazrat Khajeh Ekhtiyareddin Abdol Qader Kermani. The structure of the mausoleum is on historical record.
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This mausoleum is a relic of the 7th century A.H. in Bardseer. Externally the structure is square shaped, but internally it is octagonal. The dome of this structure is made of brick, and adorned with arches, plaster work, tile work depicting a flowery pattern, and Kufic script. The above mentioned is on historical record.
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This structure dates back to the 7th century A.H., and is a remnant of the Qara Khta'iyan School and tomb in Kerman. At present only the entrance of the school remains. Also, the ceiling of the porch has seen damages in an earthquake, but was later on repaired. The most beautiful portion of the porch is its arched tile work, along with its columns on the two sides.
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The same is located within a distance of 5 km. south east of the Qal'eh Sangi of Sirjan. This structure is octagonal and has a dome with a spectacular arched design. In the midst of the structure is a tomb 2.5 m. in length, 63 cm. in width and to the height of 40 cm. People believe that this is the resting abode of Abu Kalijar-ebne-Azidodowleh or his offspring, who on eating meat after a hunt, passed away and was buried in this vicinity. There is a strong possibility that this relic is of Eilkhani period (8th and 9th century A.H.). The same has been under repair in the recent years.
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Shah Nematollah-e-Vali was the head of the Ellahiyeh (730-834 A.H.), and was one of the reputed Gnostics of the first half of the 9th century A.H. His tomb and Khaneqah (or a kind of monastery) is located in the town of Mahan (Kerman). The Hezar Shah Structure is the axis of this aggregate, and its primary construction dates back to the year 840 A.H. Ahmad Shah Bahmani (of the Bahmaniyeh Dynasty) was responsible for the expenditure. Sections were added to this in later periods.
The Vakil-ol-Molk court-yard is opposite this mausoleum, and was constructed in the Qajar era. The structure displays a Mongol type of architecture (of the Eilkhani and pre-Safavid periods) and its porch pertains to the Esfahani mode of architecture, and is one of the wonderful pieces of art works in desert area of Iran.
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The said tomb is situated in the Jowpar district of Kerman, and this pilgrimage site is relative to the Safavid period. It was repaired and completed during the Qajar period. There is also a caravansary in its vicinity. The structure comprises of a courtyard, sepulcher, dome and a porch. The same is on historical record.
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The Bazaar-e-Bozorg (Grand Bazaar) of Kerman lies between the Arq and Moshtaqiyeh squares of Kerman city. The bazaar comprises of various rows or alleys such as Arg, Ganj Ali Khan, Ekhtiyari, Sardari, Vakil, Attari, Qadam Gah and Mozaffari Alleys. Any part of this bazaar had been constructed during the rules of one of the commander or rulers in this territory. Some of the characteristics of the above Alleys in bazaar are as follows:
Arg Alley: This Alley begins at the Arg Sq. and ends at the crossing of Ganj Ali Khan. This Alley is divided into two parts, known as Naqareh Khaneh and Saraji, a part of the latter is roof-less. In the past this portion thrived but is not so toDay due to substitution of horse, etc., by vehicles.
Ganj Ali Khan Alley: This Alley is a remnant of the Safavid era and is located to the north of the Ganj Ali Sq. The historical Ganj Ali bath is also in this vicinity, apart from the shops.
Vakil Alley and Aggregate: The Vakil aggregate Alley is located at the end of the Ekhtiyari Alley and was constructed by Mohammad Esmail Khan Vakil-ol Molk and his son. This Alley comprises of a caravansary, alley, public bath and a mosque. This is a replica of a traditional bazaar alley or Alley, each guild having an appointed location.
Qadam Gah Alley (Raji Kerman): The said is a part of the Kerman bazaar and the shops to the right side of it are a recent construction, many are boutiques; whereas the shops on the left are from the past. There are 121 shops in this Alley.
Qalleh Alley (Mahmood): This Alley is located in the southern most part of the bazaar of Kerman, and is approximately 500 m. in length. In the past this Alley was an important trading center, though even toDay the iron mongers are busy with their trade here.
Maidan Qal'eh Alley: This Alley begins in the Imam Khomeini Avenue and ends at the crossing of Ganj Ali Khan. The same has a length of 600 m. and comprises of shops to do with quilt making, carpets, groceries etc.
Attari Alley: This Alley begins at the entrance of the Vakil Alley and terminates opposite the entrannce of the Jame' Mosque, situated in the Qadam Gah Alley. This Alley has about 19 shops.
Mesgari Alley: The same is in the Ganj Ali aggregate and comprises of a west and northern Alleys. The former covers an area of 236.5 sq. m. and the latter 588 sq. m.
Kollah Mali Alley: The same lies between the Mesgari (copper - smiths) and the Kafashan (shoe-makers) Alleys and has 13 shops. This Alley is not of much importance.
Zargari Alley (Qeisariyeh Ebrahim Khan): This alley is part of the Ebrahim Khan aggregate and has 47 shops. Over 90% of the same are gold- smiths. This alley is secured with wooden doors for added protection.
Kafashan Alley: This Alley begins at the end of the Kollah Mali Alley and terminates in the beginning of the Haj Aqa Ali Alley. This covered alley has over 160 shops and chambers and 95% of these are shoe makers.
Haj Aqa Ali (Rafsanjan): This alley begins at the end of the Kafashan alley and continues till Shariyati Avenue opposite the Aziz Bazaar. Besides its chambers and caravansary it has 86 shops.
Aziz Alley: The same is in the northern most portion of the bazaar and comprises of 70 shops. This Alley continues till the Gabri Gate-way. There is a Khaneqah or a type of monastery here by the name of Nematollahi.
Hadj Aqa Abdollah (Attarha) Alley: The same is located to the left of the bazaar and comprises of ware houses and work shops, and is in two sections. Its chambers amount to 27 and date back to 1,500 years ago.
Koozehgarha Alley: This Alley is in two floors and is utilized as a warehouse for carpet weaving materials such as wool and cotton. Its entrance has a wooden door which is of interesting design.
Chahar Sooq Ganj Ali Khan-Kerman: In the past this vicinity held great importance in respect to the bazaar, and was considered an axis of the same. At the same time it was a vital area of the city too, and constituted as one of the main cross-road of the city. The internal section of the dome is adorned with plaster work and beautiful paintings from the Safavid era (1005-1034 A.H.). Besides, they display portraits of important personalities of the times. Around the dome are sky-lights to regulate the lighting within.
Maidan Arg Alley (Towhid): This Alley lies in the west of the bazaar of Kerman, and has approximately 140 shops, the majority of which deal in apparel. Its surrounding facade dates to over a century.
Other Alleys of the bazaar of Kerman are named as the Ekhtiyari, Sardar and Mozaffari Alleys.
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This school belongs to the Sheikhiyeh Sect and comprises of sections such as the class rooms, library, mosque, utility rooms etc. The main structure has a hall, altar, porches and cubicles alongside. Internally, the structure has been adorned with tile work in seven colors with flower patterns, in addition to other pieces of art works and plaster works. The tile work dates to 1230 A.H. Its roof displays a beautifully constructed air-vent. The eastern porch and watch tower has also adorned with tile work.
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This structure is located in the Ganj Ali Khan sq. in Kerman, and was a reputed school in the past. Later, it was converted into a caravansary. On an epigraph affixed to the entrance, the date 1007 A.H. (coinciding with 1598 A.D.) can be observed. Its architect was Mohammad Sultani Yazdi, and its beautifully designed chambers are in two floors. Currently, the same is in the hands of The Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran and the Jehad. Both the facade and internal areas display arched tile work which reminds us of the Safavid era.
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The caravansaries of Iran are relics from the past and display a traditional architecture of the times. These structures besides being temporary resting areas or similar to inns for weary travelers, were also a political, economical and social axis. Alike the other provinces of Iran, the Province of Kerman too, has its own share of this valuable and historical vestige.
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The said caravansary is located in the Saraji Bazaar near Ganj Ali Khan. This caravansary has two entrances, one leads to the Saraji Bazaar and the other opens out into the Qal'eh Bazaar. This caravansary is a double storied building.
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This structure is situated in the Ekhtiyari Bazaar. The ground floor has 50 chambers, whereas the upper floor comprises of 37 chambers. The same was repaired in the year 1370 A.H.
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This double storied caravansary was constructed by Haj Seyed Javad, the FriDay prayer leader of the time, in the year 1771 A.D. It was named due to presence of Indians and their activities during the Qajar reign. There is a relic of a Hindu Temple with its original architecture to the north of this caravansary which comprises of two sections.
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The same is also known as the Deymari Caravansary and is situated alongside the bazaar. This caravansary has 12 chambers which are utilized by quilt makers. The said caravansary dates back to approximately a century.
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It is one of the oblong caravansaries of Kerman, which is a two storied structure. This traditional caravansary has 55 chambers. One of its entrances lead to the gold smith section of the bazaar, and the other two entrances give way to other parts of the bazaar.
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This double storied traditional caravansary is located in the Vakil Bazaar of Kerman. Its construction began under the orders of Mohammad Esmail Khan Vakil-ol-Molk, and was completed in the times of Morteza Qoli Khan in the year 1287 A.H. Eighty one chambers were constructed on the ground floor, and thirty nine on the upper floor. The structure is adorned with plaster and tile works.
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Other caravansaries of the province are named as Mirza Ali Naqi, Haj Mehdi, Aqa Ali, Haj Aqa Abdollah, Ganj Ali Khan, Sardar, Jur, Teemcheh-ye-Lahafdoozha and Kuzehgarha Caravansaries in Kerman. Sang Nou and Khaneh Sorkh Caravansaries on Kerman - Sirjan Road, Surach and Harrooz Abad Caravansaries on Kerman - Ravar Road, Qal'eh Cheshmeh Caravansary on the Bam - Zahedan Road, Chah Karoo and Robat Caravansaries on Kerman - Mashad Road, Mahan Caravansary on Kerman - Mahan Road, Baqein Caravansary on Rafsanjan - Kerman Road, and Khorgur Caravansary on Kerman - Sirjan Road.
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This structure is constructed and beautifully adorned with bricks. The same was a land mark of the times, so as to guide the caravans in the region of Bam and Fahraj en route Zahedan to Kerman. It is said that the same was constructed under the orders of Nader Shah in the years 1149-1160 A.H.
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The same is one of the artistically constructed towers that is a relic of the Saljuqi period on the Baft - Zanjan route. It has been built and adorned with brick works. There is also an inscription here in the Kufic script worked in blue tile.
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The same is located near the city of Rafsanjan, and the founder of this structure was Haj Aqa Ali Rafsanjani (the founder of the aggregate of Haj Ali Kermani). This structure comprises of a tall rampart with an ice reservoir constructed of sun dried bricks, and also displays decorative affects. This structure is on record.
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Around this oval square some elements of the city have taken shape so that, to the three sides of the square stands the Bazaar of Kerman; in the other side is the Ganj Ali Khan School. The presence of a bath, water reservoir, mint, bazaars and Chahar Sooq, amass to form a complete aggregate. The architectural affects displayed around the square are also a source of fascination. This square covers an area of 5,346 sq. m. (Its length and breadth being 100 x 54 m. approximately).
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This mint is to the north of the Ganj Ali Khan Sq. and is an octagonal structure with a ceiling, four porches and four cubicles set in four sides. Materials used in the construction are brick and gypsum, and has been decorated with plaster works. This building at present is the Coin Museum.
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This is a circular structure made of sun baked bricks and clay. The same resembles a huge dome. This structure located in the city of Kerman, is surrounded by lush greenery and is a site for tourists.
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This mosque belongs to the Sheikhiyeh sect, and was completed in the year 1286 A.H. by Haj Aqa Ali Rafsanjani. The same has 40 pillars each sculptured from one piece of stone. Its surrounding areas also add to the beauty of the said mosque
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This structure is in the north eastern corner of the Ganj Ali Khan aggregate of Kerman. Actually it is like a small museum, exhibiting decorative Islamic arts such as tile and plaster works as well as calligraphy. This mosque was built in the year 1007 A.H. and entails 14 shops. The above mentioned aggregate is an endowment of this mosque.
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This mosque is a part of the Mozaffari aggregate and was completed in 750 A.H., by Amir Mobarezeddin Mohammad-e-Mozaffari-e-Meybodi Yazdi. The mosque is one of the most ancient structures of the country, and a remnant of the Iranian monarchs after the Al-e-Booyeh dynasty. The mosque has a tall gate-way in its eastern sector, and the same has been adorned with beautiful tile work. A clock tower aids in the enhancement of this entrance. The structure has been constructed in a symmetrical fashion and has a winter and summer porch.
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This mosque is a construction of the 5th century A.H. (the Saljuqi period). Various portions of this mosque, specially the main platform was constructed in the times of Vakil-ol-Molk (1285 A.H.), and the eastern porch was repaired in the last century by the late Deylamqani which is a remnant of the Saljuqi period. There is the brick tower in the north eastern section, which was formerly in a state of ruin, but has ever since been repaired. Besides which there are three altars worked in plaster.
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Other old mosques of the province are named as the Vakil-ol-Molk Mosque, Paminar Mosque and Imam Zaman Mosque in Kerman.
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This structure is a construction of the Safavid era in Joopar. The same lies in verdant surroundings and has a unique architecture.
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The same is one of the pilgrimage sites of Kerman (Shahdad). Imamzadeh Zeid is said to be a descendent of Imam Reza (P.B.U.H.). The oldest part of this structure is its porch made of sun baked bricks that was most probably built in the 7th century A.H. The structure has undergone the necessary repairs and is on historical record.
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The rivers flowing here are namely Fahraj Rood and Tahrood. Its other tributaries are Lalezar, Rood Shoor, Rafsanjan Kusak, Chari, Mahrang and Kask.
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The Hamoon Jazmoorian Lake is an important lake of Kerman Province, with a variable capacity of water. The same does not account as a permanent lake of this region. The Halil Rood and Bampour Rivers flow into this lake from the west and east respectively. The Challeh-ye-Loot which is located in the northeast of the mountains of Kerman can also be considered as one of the lakes of this vicinity, being one of the driest lakes of Iran. The Rood-e-Shoor River in the north of Birjand and the Shoor Gaz River to the south of the lake are important factors for the nature of the said lake. This lake is located between the provinces of Sistan va Baluchestan and Kerman, and the western section of its basin encompasses the townships of Baft, Kahnooj and Sabzvaran. The Jazmoorian Lake is actually a basin in evaporation, and forms an area for the drainage of various rivers present in this realm. This lake only has water if the outcome of the annual water capacity proves good, and that also for a short period or else it is absolutely dry.
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The same covers an area of 8,300 sq. km. and comprises of the rivers that flow into the Hamoon Jazmoorian Lake. The most important of which is the Halil Rood River, with main tributaries like the Zardasht from the Gufar, Baft from Lalezar, Rabar from Al Fath, Teel from Hezar Kooh and Esfandaqeh from the heights of Esfandaqeh flow into this basin, after irrigating the territories of Jiroft and Kahnooj, enter the Hamoon Jazmoorian. Dam lake of Jiroft is one of the recreational areas here.
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The Province of Kerman in respect to its relief and natural terrain encompasses elevated plains and vast desert spaces. Some of these such as the plains and summer residing quarters are taken advantage of as recreational areas. The plains of Shahdad, Bam and Jiroft are low-lying plains, and reach a maximum elevation of 2,100 - 1,300 m. The extensive Loot Desert and its salt marshes occupy the major extent of the north east of the province; salt marshes also form a large section of the northwest of the province. The deserts of Iran bear spectacular and interesting features, with a tolerable climate for at least six months of the year.
A star lit sky, which is a wonderful and breathless sight, a pregnant silence, panoramic views, mirages, the black and white sands, and salty earth are some of the characteristics that one can witness only in desert regions. Furthermore, this mystic hold increases in the other facets that the desert upholds. These are the historical vestiges, such as the caravansaries or ancient and traditional inns, palaces, water reservoirs, water conduits, pilgrimage and religious sites have all amassed in these extensive, mysterious sands revealing the life-style of man in the past.
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Deh Bekri is located in the township of Bam, in the skirts of the Sheer Mountain and Barez Range. The mountain sides are covered with wild pistachio, almond and wild almond trees. Deh Bekri is situated in a cool and verdant valley covered with walnut, almond, spruce and other trees. In this village, modern villas or country houses have been constructed that draw hordes of people to this vicinity during the summer months.
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The same lies in a part of the Zarand township, and has a pleasant climate, coupled with natural beauty. "Marco Polo" has mentioned about large mirrors which have been made in this vicinity. Koohbanan is connected to Tehran and Kerman by a railway line, and one can get there by vehicle from Zarand and Kerman. Koohbanan is at a distance of 80 km. from Zarand and 160 km. from the centre of the province.
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The above mentioned garden is located at a distance of 40 km. from Sirjan and is in the Bulurd Village. This garden has been constructed by a deaf and dumb person. In this vicinity of the garden he has tried to express his innermost feelings of discomfort in a strange way. This garden has been set up in the forlorn surroundings of a former garden, where all the trees have dried up. To these trees stones have been hung with the aid of wires or ropes.
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This summer resort is situated at a distance of 72 km. from Jiroft and Baft. It is called by this name because of the wild rue that grows there which is famous for it. An ancient and historical tomb is present here, known as the tomb of Mir Heydar which is a relic from the Safavid period. The mineral water of this vicinity is reputedly known as Ab-e-Baad Geshiki and is affective for the skin and joint disorders.
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The summer residing quarters of Joopar is located to the south of Kerman, and has beautiful parks and gardens. The mausoleum of Imamzadeh Hossein, the offspring of Imam Moosa-ebne-Ja'far (P.B.U.H.) is located here. This is an extremely pleasant town, and famous for its grapes.
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This vicinity is in the east of Kerman, and comprises of 400 villages, the center of which is known as Koohpayeh. On the slopes of this mountainous region, there are a large number of sweet-water springs and a waterfall. The Ministry of Education has constructed a camp alongside this beautiful waterfall.
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The city of Mahan is located in the southeast of Kerman. At a distance of 6 km. from the south of Mahan, is a beautiful and large garden with a spectacular structure in the premises. It is called 'Shazdeh Baq'. The structure is from the the Qajar era. Various pools are constructed in the garden that is sheltered with fine trees. In the year 1991, the premise was completely renovated because of the commemoration ceremony of Khaju Kermani. A traditional guest house has been constructed in the city center for the use of tourists and visitors.
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Close to the vicinity of The Old citadel (Arq-e-Qadeem) of Bam, is located a new tourist complex known as the new citadel (Arq-e-Jadid). This is a modern tourist resort with recreational areas and all the latest facilities for the welfare of visitors and tourists. The constructions in this vicinity covers an area of approximately six hectares and comprises of residential facilities and services in this desert area, and in keeping with its traditions, including a number of Iranian gardens with recreational sites that have increased the popularity of the areas.
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Rabar is situated at a distance of 24 km. from Baft and is the summer residing quarter for tribes. It has a pleasant climate and a picturesque view. In addition to which there are many springs present here. Moreover, this vicinity encompasses interesting historical relics from the Parthian and Sassanid eras. The center of this resort is in the skirts of the Kooh Shah Mountains that have an elevation of 4,200 m. and it is because of this that it experiences a cool, mountainous climate. Cheshmeh-ye-Aroos is one of the sight-seeing spots here.
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Rayn being a vicinity experiencing a pleasant climate, accounts for one of the famous summer spots of Kerman. Rayn lies on the slopes of the Hezar Mountains (4,450 m. in elevation). This mountain is snow clad for a good part of the year, and also has a beautiful waterfall. The mountain valley is covered with trees.
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These are the other summer residing quarters of the province: summer resorts in the Bam - Jiroft road, 'Delfard' and 'Dar-e-Behesht' summer resort in Jiroft.
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This river takes its source in the mountainous region of Hezar, 96 km. North West of Jiroft in the Sarmashk Village and flows south west. The length of this river is 387 km. The Halil Rood is not only one of the important rivers in Kerman, but is also responsible for irrigating the alluvial plains of Jiroft. This river ultimately flows into the Hamoon Jazmoorian from its western fringes and 110 km. southeast of Kahnooj.
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Other rivers in this province are Ab Bakhshah in Bardseer, Ravar in the vicinity of Ravar, Khobar in the vicinity of Khobar, Baft and Tangu'yeh (Palangi) river in Sirjan.
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This spring is located in the Abareq Village of Kerman. The water of this spring is composed of multiple of minerals and is semi warm, useful in gastro-intestinal treatments and joint pains.
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This spring is located in the vicinity of Jooshan of Kerman, contains a number of mineral compounds. The water is used for bathing purposes and affective in joint pains and gout.
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The Hossein Abad Spring is located in Rafsanjan and its water is affective in dispelling uric acid, therefore having a positive result on the gastro-intestinal system and nervous disorders.
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The said spring is located in the vicinity of Rayn in Kerman and its water is of sodium bicarbonate composition; thus revealing positive therapeutic results in the gastro-intestinal disorders.
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This spring is located in the Qasem Abad Village of Rafsanjan, and the water is of a chloro-sodium and magnesium category; effective on the gastro-intestinal and respiratory systems in addition to providing energy.
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The said spring is located in

 of Kerman and the water of this spring is heavy and of a bicarbonate classic type.
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The said spring is in the Jooshan Village of Kerman. The water of this spring is warm and of a chloro-sodium and bicarbonate (gaseous) type, effective on nerves and joint pain disorders.
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Other mineral water springs of the province are namely, Bujan, Bisheh, Hauzeh Abad, Hauz-e-Nou, Pachenar in Kerman, Reza Abad in the Gazak Village (Kerman), Tangol in Zarand (Kerman) and Gol Avang Spring in Sirjan.
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The heights of the Province of Kerman are the continuation of the central mountain ranges of Iran. These are the volcanic folds beginning in East Azarbayjan, and stretching out till Baluchestan. These comprise of the branch mountain Bashagard and Koohbanan, the tallest heights of the region, in addition to providing scope for mountaineering and winter sports.
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The said mountain is located in the Rayn Village of Bam, and has an altitude of 4,465 m. This region extends over an area of 900 sq. km. and comprises of the Sarboneh and Sarmashk that adjoin the Lalehzar and Bahr Aseman Mountains. The Marqzar and Tah Rood Rivers segregate these mountains from the Barez Ranges. The Garchidan and Gishigan Rivers take their sources in the eastern skirts of these mountains, flowing into the Tah Rood River. From its northern front, the Kashak River and other overflows run towards the northwest. In the south and south western skirts of these mountains the Roodrou and Halil Rood Rivers form their sources.
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This mountain with an altitude of 4,135 m. is located in Kerman, with a length of 57 km. and its width ranges from 10 to 24 km. Its tallest peaks are Sesakh Bozorg being 4,200 m. in height and Baluchi 4,000m. in elevation, which are situated in Mahan. The rural areas of Joopar and Mahan are in the north and north-eastern skirts and other such settlements are on the southern slopes.
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The mountainous region of Polvar stretches out to a length of 147 km. from the northwest towards the southeast, and extends over an area of 1,450 km. The highest peak of this region is the Polvar peak, reaching a height of 4,233 m. The important mountains of this vicinity in a north south direction are named as, Teeqeh Siyah, Tal Zard, Tal Shovard, Dinar, Mian Kooh, Siyah Kooh, Gurak, Dah Mani Rooz, Khar KhosRow, Gudar Chah, etc. The main rivers that flow in the east of this mountainous region and flow into the Loot Desert, from a north-south direction are, Shirin Rood, Harjand, Dehan Qar, Kharshagi, Shahdad, Darsakht, Jaftan, Khoftan, etc. Rivers flowing towards the west are the following, Chat Rood, Ab-e-Hossein Abad and Rood-e-Sefid.
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This mountainous region is located in Rafsanjan and comprises of the following mountains named as Najib, Espezar, Mohammad Abad, Turan Kallateh, Taneh Kooh, Zowj, Bi Sookhteh, Dah Hadji, Narkooh, Kamar Sefid, Sang Avaz, etc. The highest peak being the Pourkan, reaching an elevation of 3,443 m. A few rivers take their source here, of which the Javarchi River is the most important one. The same flows north and seeps into the salt marshes of the surroundings. This mountainous region covers an area of approximately 3,800 sq. km.
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The same rises to a height of 4,048 m. and is located in the Sarmashk Village of Jiroft. It is the second highest peak of the Hezar Mountains, where the Roodrou and Halil Rood Rivers form their source. The jagged Hanza peak, 3,650 m. in elevation, in the vicinity of the Hanza Village is another summit of this mountain.
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Other altitudes and peaks in the Province of Kerman are as follows: The Beed Shirin Mountain, Kal Koohi, Gardarkaj, Andarkaj Mountains in Sirjan. Mount Beedviyeh in Shahdad, Baq Ballah and Golcheen mountains in Kerman, Mount Qadam Gah in Bam, Mount Shahzadeh in Baft, each of which are over 3,000 m. in height.
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Due to certain factors such as its geographical location, environment and other natural aspects of the province, a variety of wildlife species can be found in the mountainous regions and plains of this vicinity; thus bringing forth protected areas here, and a prohibition as to hunting by the Department of the Environment. The most important protected areas in the province are Khobr and Arzoiyeh of Baft. Different species of birds are found in this region such as the partridge, a kind of black-breasted bird, dull yellow partridge, wild pigeon and prey birds such as the falcon and hawk. In the warmer and colder regions of the province, wild animals such as leopard, panther, wolf, fox, black bear, jackal, hyena, hare, a wide species of snakes, wild goat, wild sheep and ram are found here. The presence of wild ass has also been reported.
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The Ganj Ali Khan Bath is situated to the south of the Ganj Ali Khan Aggregate. The same was constructed in the year 1020 A.H., under the orders of Ganj Ali Khan the governor of the time. After necessary renovations, this bath was converted into an anthropological museum in the year 1971. Here statues are on exhibit, so as to display the various rituals in connection to the bath, such as cupping, shaving of the head, etc. besides other implements to do with an ancient and traditional bath.
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This museum is located to the north of the Ganj Ali Khan square of Kerman. The ceilings and porches of this structure are adorned with beautiful plaster works. In the past the premises was a mint and a government treasury. Internally, the structure is octagonal and comprises of a chamber, four cubicles in four corners. Presently ancient coins are on display here.
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This village is located on the Jiroft - Kahnooj Road and encompasses citrus orchards and (date) palm groves. The scented aroma that arises from these orchards in spring months have added to the natural beauty and landscape. To the north of this village is a sort of clear water spring which sparkles and gushes out from the rocks, endowing life to this region and its surroundings.
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The Fahraj village is at a distance of 58 km east of Bam. The ruins of two castles, surrounded by a moat can be noted here. Three kilometers east to the village is a relatively huge cemetery, where skeleton bones and other articles have been discovered. Two other domed structures built of sun baked bricks, but with ruined roofs are present in this vicinity. The handicrafts common here are carpet and Gelim weaving, and a kind of textile weaving.
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Maymand is one of the districts of Shahr-e-Babak, and is one of the spectacular villages of Iran. Here there are a mass of crypts, with 15 stony, circular and roof-less chambers. The same covers an area of approximately 400 sq. m. This vicinity seems to be a place of burial, as skeleton bones and other articles have been found here. The stony mosque of Maymand is another interesting site in this village. The ancient houses in this rural settlement resemble minarets constructed in the breast of this hard stone mountain. In these minaret-shaped dwellings, which are very strong and durable, are chambers, corridors and pillars displaying an intriguing architecture.
Due to the incline of the surrounding valley, these dwellings are placed in a terraced fashion, in four or five steps one after another. These have a height of 2 m. and are nearly 16 - 20 sq. m. in area, and are devoid of windows or chimneys. In the center of each chamber is a stove that was used for cooking purposes as well as warming the dwellings.
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Negar is considered as one of the important villages of the township of Bardseer, and has also been mentioned in records. Two of its relics namely, a ruined bath and a minaret of a mosque (adorned with bricks and tile work), remain to be seen in the old part of this village. The same are said to be relative to the Saljuqi era.
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Sekonj Village is situated to the east of Mahan, and is a mountainous region with an exhilarating climate. The region also has two waterfalls. Its surrounding heights are suitable for sports such as mountaineering. The tomb of Sheikh Ali Baba, one of the famous disciples of Shah Nematollah Vali is located in this village. For a distance of a few kilometers, along a stream are tall plane trees with wide girths, thus leaving the onlooker in a state of wonder.
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The Sirch Village is located enroute from Shahdad to Kerman, and is situated on the heights, and has a cool and humid climate. From the past this area was considered a summer resort for the warm and desert region of Shahdad and its surrounding villages. It was formerly known as Baharestan. This village nestles in a valley at an elevation of 1,550 m. Sirch has a wonderful panoramic view and the valley is covered with trees.
There are archaic trees such as the plane and fir, in the vicinity of Sirch, besides others such as grape vines, fig trees, cherry and wild berry trees providing a scenic beauty to the cobbled stony areas around. This vicinity is one of the vital regions concerning a recreational area in the province for tourists.
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The tribal life-style can be considered as one of the very interesting characteristics of this province, especially so in relation to tourist activities in the Province of Kerman. The tribes of Kerman are in the vicinities of the skirts of the mountains such as Pareez, Kooh Panj, Chehel Tan, Beed Khoon, Kooh Shah, Kooh Hezar and the Sarudieh mountains. But in winters they scatter within the limits of Bandar Abbas and Minab. The tribes of the province can be divided into three groups, these being the nomads, semi-nomads and the somewhat permanent settlers. The first group is engaged in animal husbandry, and thereby in summers is stationed in the cool and pleasant mountainous areas while in winters move to warmer regions.
The tribes of Sirjan, Baft and Jiroft account for this group. The semi-nomads are the locals of Jiroft township terretories (the Kahnooj area and the Barez Mountain Ranges) and local tribes of Bam. The third group or permanent settlers are in the vicinity of Shahr-e-Babak, in areas such as Deh-e-Shatran, Mahand, Pa Qalleh and around Jowzu. In winter the said are in the villages and in the spring and summer months graze their herds in the mountainous regions.
The tribal paths are as follows: The Delfard Pass, which the tribes of Sarduieh use to cross, ends in the plains of Jiroft and Roodbar. The route of the Baft and Jiroft tribes is from the Esfandaqeh Pass.
Whereas the Dasht-e-Ab Pass pertains only to the tribes of Baft and from here they gain access to the plains of Arzoieh, Soqan, Kallashgard and Jiroft, a group of them get to the coastal areas of Hormozgan via the Kooh Shah Ahmadi. The Chah Qal'eh and Poozeh Khoon Pass is the path of the tribes of Sirjan, which prolongs till the coastal regions.
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These are named as Baravat and Baq Dasht Villages in Bam, Pareez in Sirjan, Kashku'iyeh in Rafsanjan, Manujan in Kahnooj, Qariat-ol-Arab in Bardseer, Shahmaran and Fariyab Villages in Baft.
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The handicrafts and souvenirs of the Province of Kerman are as follows:
Traditional embroidery known as patteh, carpets, rugs, jajeems, Gelims (a coarse carpet), satchels, and other hand woven articles. Caraway seeds and pistachio of Rafsanjan and Kerman are best of the main items of this province.
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Dishes prepared in this region are of a colorful array such as types of Aash (or a traditional kind of broth), various kinds of side dishes, and curries accompanied with rice.
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The township of Baft is situated in the south of the province, and is at a distance of 1,240 km. from Tehran. To its north is Bardseer, in the west lies Sirjan, the Province of Hormozgan is located to its south, and to the east it is within the limits of Jiroft. The rivers take their sources in the northern heights of this region, before running east and entering Jiroft with the name of the Halil River. Baft has moderate winters and warm summers. It is not clearly known as to how this city originated, but in the past, a region called (Dasht Aab) which lay at a farther point, was inhabited.
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The township of Bam is located to the east of the province, and lies at a distance of 1,283 km. from Tehran. To its north is the township of Kerman, to its west Bardseer, in the east is Jiroft and to the south lies the province of Sistan va Baluchestan. The city of Bam is the main city of this township, and is located in a vast plain between the two mountain ranges of Barez and Kabudi. In the plains it experiences a warm climate, whereas in the higher altitudes, moderate weather prevails. Regarding its ancient history, this city intermingled with that of the old Bam Citadel, the largest clay palace of the world which was reduced to rubble on December 2003 due to a massive earthquake that stroke the region. As soon as the news of this dreadful event spread across the world, millions of people and a large number of domestic and foreign aid teams rushed to help the survivors. Unfortunately, over 50,000 people lost their lives, while more that 100,000 were injured and many became homeless. The earthquake of Bam is believed to have been the most destructive and powerful earthquake in the history of the country.
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The township of Bardseer is located such that to its east are Bam and Kerman, to the south is Baft, and in the west and north are the townships of Sirjan and Rafsanjan respectively. It has a temperate and mountainous climate, with cold winters and moderate summers. After Sirjan, Bardseer was the second capital of Kerman. Though this city was not considered a seat of power in the early Islamic period, it held a vital position during the Sassanid era.
According to a famous historian, Ardeshir Babakan, (the first king of the Sassanid Dynasty) erected this city and named it 'Vayeh Artakhshir' which meant that 'Ardeshir had performed a good deed'. Vayeh Artakhshir was the center of the township. It was thus located that caravans crossed this area en route from the ports of the Persian Gulf to the north western territories of the country. But later in the Sassanid rule, when Kerman was governed by margraves and its capital was moved to Sirjan, 'Vayeh Artakhshir' was converted into an army base. ToDay, Bardseer enjoys an important position as one of the main cities in the Province of Kerman.
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This township is situated in the southern sector of the province and lies at a distance of 1,375 km. from Tehran. Jiroft is one of the most fertile townships of Kerman. To the north-east of which is Bam, to its south stands the township of Kahnooj and in the west is in the limits of Baft.
The city of Jiroft is located between two rivers, in a vast plain and on the southern skirts of the Barez Mountain Ranges. It is obvious that in the higher regions Jiroft experiences a cold climate, whereas in the low-lying areas it is warm. The ruins of the old city of Jiroft (known as Sabzvaran) are at a distance of 1 km. from its present location. The origin of the former is said to be from times immemorial.
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The township of Kahnooj is so located that to its north is Jiroft, to the east is within the limits of the vicinity of Jazmoorian in the Province of Sistan va Baluchestan, and to its western and southern sections is the Province of Hormozgan. Kahnooj experiences hot weather with scanty rainfall, which is mostly in the form of thunder squalls. The Halil Rood River is the only permanent river in this township. Due to the presence of underground waters around the

 Jazmoorian, and fertile soil, animal husbandry and cultivation are vital factors here.
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The township of Kerman is at a distance of 1,076 km. from Tehran, and lies in a vast plain, which is divided by a chain of mountains into two, the northern and southern sectors. The former is the desert area, whereas the latter comprises of the inhabited region (both urban and rural) due to its moderate and suitable climatic conditions. Kerman is the provincial capital and is one of the ancient and historical cities of Iran.
In the Greek language, Kerman was known as 'Karamani', and there is a strong possibility that Ardeshir Babakan was the founder of this city, and therefore was reputedly known as Ardeshir Khoreh. The Arabs called it Bardseer or Bardsheer, and to the Iranians it was known as Guasheer. Kerman is a beautiful city with many historical and religious sites.
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The township of Rafsanjan is located in the north of the province, and at a distance of 949 km. from Tehran. To the east are the townships of Kerman and Zarand, and from the south and west the townships of Bardseer and Shahr-e-Babak respectively. In the northwest it has common borders with the Province of Yazd.
In the mountainous regions, Rafsanjan has a cold weather, but in the low-lying areas, such as the plains it is moderately warm. From architectural point of view, this city displays spectacular features and has many ancient houses in its vicinity.
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Shahr-e-Babak is located in the west of the province. To its east is Rafsanjan, in its southern limits is Sirjan, and to the north and west has common borders with the Province of Yazd. Shahr-e-Babak is one of the ancient cities of Iran, and its founder is said to be Babak, (the father of Ardeshir Babakan). Ancient geographers have mentioned this city in their records, and others have related its historical past with that of Kerman.
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This township is located at a distance of 1,099 km. from Tehran, and lies in the west of the province. In its eastern sector are the townships of Bardseer and Baft and to its northern limits Shahr-e-Babak. The provinces of Fars and Hormozgan stand to its west and south respectively.
Sirjan is in the plains, with the peaks of the Panj Tan Mountains to the north, the Beed Khan or Chahar Gonbad in the central sector, and the Lalezar in the east. Sirjan witnesses warm and dry weather in the summer, with moderate climate in winter. The ruins of the old city of Sirjan have been discovered near Sa'eed Abad, en route to Baft. These finds prove that this city was one of the oldest territories of the province and Iran.
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The township of Zarand is located to the northwest of the city of Kerman. The Province of Yazd is to its northern and western limits. In the east is the township of Kerman, and to its south and west the township of Rafsanjan. Climatically, this township can be divided into two, the north with a desert like climate, and the mountainous region experiencing moderate mountainous weather.
In the 4th century A.H., Zarand was a comparatively large city with six gateways. According to historians, Kerman came under assault of the Turkman tribe in the year 583 A.H., and this led to heavy damage in this vicinity. The city of Zarand was then claimed as capital temporarily. Due to the weakening of the Saljuqi dynasty in 619 A.H., the Qarakhata'yan took over the rule for a short while in Kerman. ToDay, this township has turned into one of the mining and industrial areas of the province.
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