Rayen Citadel is an adobe castle situated in Kerman Province south-west of the city of Rayen at foot of the tallest mountain in the province, Hezar, and is considered the biggest earthen structure of Kerman province after Bam ancient adobe city. Rayen displays all the architectural elements of a deserted citadel. The well-preserved medieval mud brick city of Rayen. Rayen displays all the architectural elements of a deserted citadel. Rayen castle has been well preserved, considering the numerous natural disasters that have been destroying similar structures nearby.
It was inhabited until 150 years ago and although believed to be at least 1,000 years old, may in fact have foundations from the pre-Islamic Sassanid (1500 years ago). In most of the houses in the citadel, there is a chimney and there are also traces of fire place (eternal fire) as they were Zoroastrians before.
The Citadel spans 20,000 square meters, remaining a symbol of the residential fortresses during the ancient times. It covers an almost perfect square area and consists of a number of towers on its perimeter. It is surrounded by a 10 meter wall and on its southern side an artificial moat had been dug to add to the Citadel’s security. The Citadel has its main entrance located on its eastern side. After passing through this articulately designed entrance and after passing by a number of side alleys, there are four structures that in all likelihood were reserved for the wealthier inhabitants. Similar to other fortresses, it consists of the public quarter and the aristocratic zone. The essential sectors such as Zoorkhaneh, mosque, and stable can be seen in the Citadel.
According to historical records, during the reign of Yazdgerd III, while Arab attacks resulted in loss of many parts of Kerman and its vicinity, Rayen Citadel remained impenetrable. During the Zandiyeh era, in particular Nader Shah’s reign, Rayen Citadel served as a strategically important base in addition to the living quarters of local rulers Mirza Hossein Khan and his son Mohammad Ali Khan. Following the ascending of Agha Mohammad Khan, Rayen Citadel continued housing Mirza Hossein Khan’s bloodline, many of whom still live in Kerman, if not Rayen itself. Mirza Hossein Khan’s popularity amongst the locals has prompted many to refer to the structure as Mirza Hossein Khan’s Citadel.
Local residents believe that Rayen troops victories in wars was in part due to the quality of their handmade weaponry produced by locals. Two ancient industries practiced in Rayen city, weaponry and knife-making, are due to be revived there by establishing workshops in the area of Rayen Citadel.
