The citadel of Bam (Kerman, Iran)

Photo by Safa.daneshvar

The citadel of Bam (Arg-e Bam) is the largest adobe building in the world.

Its origins are unknown as the site has been inhabited since pre-history. The foundations of the citadel we know today were laid a some point between the 3rd and 7th century, but before 635CE during the Islamization of Persia when one of the first mosques of the country were built on site.

Since the 10th century the fortified city of Bam and its citadel had established themselves as an important market on the extended network of the Silk Road. During the 16-18th century the city prospered and the citadel was expanded. But by the 19th century it only served military purposes, as people had slowly resettled outside of the former walls and most of the fortified city fell into disrepair. Still the citadel itself survived as a garrison until the 20th century. Due to its historical and cultural significance the citadel was restored, though an earthquake in 2003 undid most of these efforts.

Despite significant challenges, the citadel was restored once more in order to preserve its original appearance and the photo above shows it in 2022.