Bastam Fortress is one of the most important historical structures in Urmia, which has attracted many tourists due to its unique architecture and geographical location. Located in West Azerbaijan Province, this fortress, with a history dating back thousands of years, is recognized as a symbol of the ancient civilization and history of this region. It consists of military sections and other buildings that reflect the importance and status of this fortress in the past. Follow along with Eligasht to become familiar with this historical fortress that is a legacy of the Urartian civilization.
History of Bastam Fortress in Urmia
Near the village of Bastam, in the Chaypareh County of West Azerbaijan, lies the ancient Bastam Fortress. With a long history, it is considered one of the largest remaining monuments of the Urartian civilization in Iran. According to discovered inscriptions in this fortress, its construction was ordered by the rulers of the second Urartian king around 645 years before the birth of Christ.
The main purpose of its construction was to control the trade routes from Eastern Turkey towards Tabriz, Ardabil, and the regions around Lake Urmia. As you know, the strategic location of fortresses and castles in the past played a key role in their military and defensive functions. Bastam Fortress, one of the most famous fortresses of the Urartian era, is the size of a city, and its inhabitants enjoyed all the facilities of their time.
Different Parts of Bastam Fortress
Bastam Fortress, known as the City of Chiefs, is one of the most important Urartian monuments in Iran and is composed of three main parts: Upper Fortress, Middle Fortress, and Lower Fortress. Additionally, an inscription in the Urartian language discovered in this fortress is now preserved in the National Museum of Tehran and has been internationally registered due to its unique and ancient characteristics.
This historical fortress, covering an area of approximately 32 hectares, was under the control of Christians during the Mongol era, and traces and inscriptions of their presence can still be seen on the walls of the fortress. The construction of Bastam Fortress, which took about 50 years to complete, signifies the outstanding art and architecture of the Urartian civilization. Among the different sections of this fortress are a temple, bazaar, tower, reservoir, gate, and governmental quarters. This fortress, built using large stones and sturdy walls, is situated on a high rocky cliff next to a valley and plain.
Bastam Fortress consists of three floors with different functions: the lower floor includes a guesthouse, stables, and resting places for soldiers; the middle floor has numerous rooms and a place of worship; and the upper floor, showcases the pinnacle of beauty and Urartian architectural art, comprises a command center and residential area. An inscription from the second ruler inside the fortress indicates the restoration and maintenance of this historical structure during the Seljuk period.
Attractions around Bastam Fortress in Urmia
Around Bastam Fortress located in Urmia, there are many areas with historical and cultural attractions that are worth visiting. Chors Mosque Qara Ziya al-Din, known as one of the historical mosques with Islamic architecture, the mausoleum of Hazrat Abu ol-Fadl al-Abbas Qara Ziya al-Din, and the Doqoz Guz Bridge or Nine-Arched Bridge of Kasian Qara Ziya al-Din, with its unique structure and design, are among the attractions around Bastam Fortress in Urmia that tourists visit due to their architectural beauty and location.
Access to Bastam Fortress
To reach the historical Bastam Fortress in West Azerbaijan Province, located near the village of Bastam and in the town of Qara Ziya al-Din, tourists can use private cars or intercity taxis. Qara Ziya al-Din is located in the central part of Chaypareh County.
If you plan to drive to this fortress with your car, enter the Qazvin-Zanjan freeway and then the Zanjan-Tabriz freeway. After passing Tabriz, join the Marand-Bazargan road and reach the village of Qara Ziya al-Din through this road. Bastam Fortress is approximately 9 kilometers away from this village.
You can also travel by plane to the cities of Urmia or Tabriz and then take intercity taxis to Bastam Fortress. The distance of this fortress from Urmia Airport is about 190 kilometers and from Tabriz Airport is about 165 kilometers to the village of Qara Ziya al-Din. Additionally, you can visit this beautiful city and its Urartian fortress by purchasing a bus ticket to Khoy from Tabriz or Urmia.
Features of Bastam Fortress in Urmia
Bastam is a unique architectural complex comprising religious, courtly, military, maintenance, royal stables, and stone fortifications. This structure dates back to the era of the second rulers (7th to 6th century BC) and is situated in the north of Lake Urmia, within the vast city belonging to Urartu. Bastam is recognized as the largest Urartian fortress in Iran.
With a length of 850 meters, a width of 400 meters, and a maximum height of 180 meters, this fortress consists of walls, terraces, and staircases carved into the rocks. Despite its defensive mechanisms, Bastam is positioned alongside the Aghchai River flowing from west to east, ensuring the region’s security through several fortresses that dominate the entry and exit points.
Professor Kleiss has examined 101 Urartian sites in both West and East Azerbaijan provinces through research. By acquiring this extensive information, he evaluated the golden age of the Urartians along the west-east axis of this region, from the banks of the Euphrates River near Malatya, Turkey, to the vicinity of Ahar in Iran, spanning 800 kilometers. He also assessed the north-south axis of this region from around Leninakan (Soviet Union) to the northern region of Rawanduz in Iraq, covering 500 kilometers.
Conditions for Visiting Bastam Fortress
Bastam Fortress, one of Iran’s most beautiful historical sites, is located near the city of Khoy. Known as the country’s largest Urartian site, it attracts numerous tourists from around the world every year. Visiting this ancient structure, possible every day except holidays, takes approximately 1 to 2 hours.
This fortress has garnered attention as a base for cultural and civilizational studies of the Urartu Empire. The General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of West Azerbaijan Province has made significant efforts to conserve and manage this valuable site.
Local archaeologists are striving to continue excavations and preserve the discovered artifacts to maintain the significance of this site, which served as the administrative center of the second rulers in the 7th century BC.
Why to visit Bastam Fortress
Visiting Bastam Qara Ziauddin fortress is highly recommended due to its historical significance as the third remaining site of the Urartian civilization in the world. The castle, dating back to 645 to 685 BC, offers a glimpse into the ancient Urartu period civilization through its well-preserved traces. Situated atop a mountain in the village of Bastam, tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of the village nestled on the mountain slope. Exploring this ancient structure provides a unique opportunity for history and culture enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a bygone era of a once powerful civilization. Additionally, being a strong contender for the UNESCO World Heritage List inscription further underscores the fortress’s historical, cultural, and human importance.
Final Word
Bastam Fortress, with all its architectural and historical features, stands as a symbol of the cultural and civilizational values of this region. Its diverse religious, military, and other components depict a masterpiece of ancient human craftsmanship, regarded as an architectural and cultural marvel.
The studies and research conducted in this field allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the lives and cultures of past inhabitants in these areas. Given the historical and cultural significance of Bastam Fortress, the preservation, and maintenance of this ancient artifact hold great importance so that future generations can benefit from the valuable historical heritage of this region.
FAQ
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What is the historical significance of Bastam Fortress?
The Bastam Fortress has served various purposes over the centuries, from a military stronghold to a cultural hub. It is a significant historical landmark in Iran.
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What are the main architectural features of the fortress?
The main architectural features of the fortress include massive walls and towers, intricately adorned gates, spacious courtyards, and a network of underground passages.
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How can I visit the Bastam Fortress?
The fortress is located in the town of Bastam, in the Urmia city. It is open to visitors throughout the year, with guided tours available. The site offers various facilities for visitors.
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