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KHORRAMABAD: Ancient Elamite Period City

In the history books of the pre-Islamic era, there has been no mention of a city called Khorramabad. But, archaeological researches on the man-made hills surrounding the city show that the historical Khorramabad was located in the south of the present city. Many Orientals believe that this place matches the description of the city, Khaidaloo, mentioned in ancient Assyrian texts.

One thing for sure, Khaidaloo was one of the Elamite period cities which lost its importance after the decline of the Elamite.

When Lorestan Atabacks (around 1100 A.D.) ruled Lorestan, they constructed Khorramabad over the ruins of Khaidaloo.

Khorramabad is located 490 kilometers south of Tehran. This city enjoys a moderate climate and an abundance of water canals and springs. The city has many historical sites, the most famous of which is Falak-ol-Aflak which can be seen from all directions.

Falak-ol-Falak Fortress is located on a hill which is an archaeological site, about 40 meters in height, in the center of the city of Khorramabad.

The initial construction of the fortress goes back to the Sassanid dynasty period (226-651 A.D.) and in the history books has been referred to as Shahpur Khast or Sabor Khast Fortress, Dezbar and finally, Falak-ol-Aflak Fortress.

The fortress has been constructed near the pre-historic inhabited caves and Golestan Fountain which originates from the northern slope of the hill.

Falak-ol-Aflak Fortress which is said to have had 12 towers around the present day structure, covers an area of about 300 x 400 meters and is constructed of mudbricks, fire-bricks, mortar and stones.

The present-day area of the fortress with eight towers is about 5300 meters. It consists of two courtyards, four large halls as well as other halls and rooms. The fortress entrance gate is to the north. A corridor under a high arch reaches the second court yard. The first courtyard is 31 x 22.50 meters and the second one 29 x 21 meters.

The water needs inside the fortress is supplied from a well 40 meters deep, which mainly passes through the rocks to reach the top of the Golestan Fountain. The well can still be used.

The maintenance of the construction throughout history is due to its peculiar strategic location in the bottleneck of this narrow ravine. The fortress has been used as an observation post over the crossing of the important roads from the North to the South and from the East to the West. Because of this, the construction carries the architectural developments of different periods.

At present the fortress contains a museum which consists of archaeology, anthropology and traditional art sections.

The climate of Khorramabad welcomes visitors throughout the year especially in the summer when the temperature is moderate and the air fresh. The local people are very friendly