Dokhtar Castle, Sasanian fortress in Kerman, Iran
Dokhtar Castle is a fortress in Kerman that stretches across roughly 720 meters along a steep slope at an elevation of about 1,765 meters. Its walls are constructed from multiple materials including adobe, rubble, mud, and mortar, displaying a mix of earlier and later architectural layers.
The fortress developed over centuries with construction elements from Parthian, Sasanian, Samanid, and Ilkhanid periods between roughly 1000 and 1400. These different building phases are visible in the varying construction techniques and materials found throughout the walls.
The name 'Dokhtar' comes from Persian and refers to a maiden or virgin, a term used in local tradition for places that seem unconquerable. Visitors can observe how the structure integrates with the cliff face, making the boundary between building and mountain almost impossible to distinguish.
The fortress sits on a mountain slope and requires good footing and suitable footwear to explore the uneven surfaces safely. Visitors should allow plenty of time to walk through the different areas, as the paths are narrow and sometimes steep.
The fortress employs six different building materials in its walls - adobe, rubble, mud, plaster, lime mortar, and saruj - that together create an exceptionally durable structure. This material combination allows the walls to withstand the extreme temperature swings and dry conditions of the mountain region.
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