Qiz Qalasi

East Azerbaijan Province, Iran

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Qiz Qalasi, also known as Dokhtar Castle or Girl's Castle, is a historic fortress in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, located near Mianeh city. It dates back to the first millennium and possibly the post-Islamic periods. The castle is situated on a high rocky mountain with steep slopes on three sides, making it naturally defensible.

Its structure is adapted to the mountain's topography, with an irregular stone fence built around it for additional protection. The fence is constructed from local rocky bed materials using both dry stone and rubble with lime mortar, varying by location to suit the terrain. The castle is divided into outer fortified walls with watchtowers, inner walls protecting the core, and an inner section that housed the command center.

This fortress exemplifies ancient mountain castles designed for strategic defense, blending natural landscape with human construction for security. It has historical significance tied to the Sassanid era and local military command.