Karshahi Castle

Iran, Iran

---

Karshahi Castle is a historic fortress in Aran va Bidgol County, Isfahan Province, Iran, located about 23 kilometers from Matin Abad eco-resort, near Abuzidabad and the Yakh Ab Mountain, in the middle of the Band Rig desert. Although its foundation dates back to the pre‑Islamic period, the surviving structure largely belongs to the Qajar era and is built entirely of mud and adobe; it covers more than 4,000 square meters inside and, with its defensive walls, reaches about 8,000 square meters, making it the largest adobe castle in Iran after the destruction of Arg‑e Bam in 2003. The castle is a roughly square building with each side about 210 meters, and its defensive system includes two thick concentric walls separated by a deep ditch that could be filled with water, five watchtowers, and secret subterranean tunnels and underground passages that allowed defenders to raid or surprise besieging enemies, while the southern part served as the main entrance and there was also an escape route in the northern side.