Rayen Castle

The Rayen Castle ( Arg-e Rāyen) is a historic adobe fortress situated on the outskirts of the Hezar Masjed Mountains, about 100 kilometers south of Kerman province, Iran. The castle and the mudbrick city it protects display numerous architectural elements and design strategies recognized as hallmarks of Iranian citadels. The complex is well preserved despite numerous natural disasters that have destroyed similar structures nearby, including Arg-e Bam, which was destroyed in an earthquake in December 2003.

Rayen is assumed to have been inhabited until 1868. Although believed to be at least 1,000 years old, it may have foundations dating to the pre-Islamic Sassanid era, with later additions and renovations during the Islamic period. According to contemporary documents, it was situated on an important trade route and was a centre for trading valuable goods and quality textiles, as well as for sword and knife manufacturing and, later, guns. During the reign of the Sassanian king Yazdegerd III, the Arabs failed to conquer the city presumably due to its high walls. Today, Rayen Castle is a popular tourist destination, with efforts being made to preserve its cultural significance and secure its proposed inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.