Zein-o-Din Caravanserai, Safavid caravanserai in Mehriz County, Iran
Zein-o-Din Caravanserai is a circular structure built from brick and mud in the desert region of Mehriz. The complex contains 32 rooms arranged around a central courtyard with a pool, surrounded by an 8-meter wall with six semicircular towers.
Shah Abbas commissioned architect Mohammad Sultan Yazdi to build this complex in the 10th century as a rest stop for travelers on the major trade route between Fars and Khorasan. The structure was designed to support commercial activity between these regions.
The building reflects Persian design traditions with thoughtful ventilation systems and symmetrical room arrangements for travelers and merchants. Visitors can still observe these crafted details throughout the structure today.
The site is located approximately 60 kilometers from Yazd along the road to Kerman and is straightforward to reach. The restored complex now offers simple accommodation with private bathrooms and serves traditional Persian meals.
The structure stands out for its rare circular design, which is unusual for caravanserais and represents a clever architectural solution for the desert setting. A twelve-sided mezzanine with porticos connects the rooms, while long corridors on the east and west sides lead to animal stalls.
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