The Historical Site of Bam: Arg-e Bam

Bam is located 193 kms. To the southeast of Kerman in the plains, between the Jebalbarez and Kabudi Mountains. Bam is 1,050 meters above sea level, has an area of 19,480 sq. kms. and a population of approximately 182,040. The oldest signs of civilization are found in the Bidroun hills located 10 kms. to the west of the city. Rayen is one of the cities of the district.

Archelogical surveys indicate that the Bidroun hills date back to 4th millenium B.C. People have lived in Bam and in its vicinity from 6,000 years ago. In ancient times, people lived in a citadel which is now known as Arg. Arg is the gem of Iranian historical sites and is one of the most beautiful buildings of the Ashkanian era. It is the largest adobe building in the world. Like a glorious fort, Arg, admeasuring 6 sq. krns., is located on a 61-meter high stone hill. Historical accounts, sometimes verging into legends, abound. Arg-e Bam has been attributed to Bahman Pour Gashasb, who is the Achaemenian Ardeshir the First who lived in Iran circa 312 B.C. during Alexander's rule. lip to 180 years ago, people lived in Arg-e Bam. The buildings inside are made of clay, bricks and clay mortar. There is only one entrance, which is similar to the Sassanid era's arches. The two towers at the sides and the vestibule are thought to have been added during the Safavid era. Relics of another gate can be seen in the northern section of the Arg. Four fences enclose the Arg in the south. The first fence, 18 meters high, is the securest part and once kept the people immune from inroads. Towers are at a distance of approximately 30-. 40 meters. The watch posts strengthened the security and served as resting places for guards. The crenatures and towers had a salient role in the fort's security. The outer fence of the Arg was surrounded by a moat. Arg has a main route from the south to the ruler's palace, two parallel passes and a few rows of shops on the eastern and western sides. 60 meters of the main route to the market was roofed and a portion of its road was paved with stones. The Jame' Mosque, the prayer house, water reservoir, square, school, bath, a site for traditional sports, shrines and a number of ancient houses are recognized units of Arg. Some houses had both inner and outer quarters, ventilation ducts, porches, summer and winter rooms, horse and cattle stables and water wells. Inhabitants made their living through agriculture and weaving. From the second gate, one can see the ruling quarters located on top of the mountain. The dwelling contained an outdoor water reservoir near the stables and a well in the southeastern section. The barracks and the house of the chief of the armed forces are located in the third gate. A windmill, unique in the Bam region and constructed during the Qajar era, is located in the southwestern tower. The ruling quarters consist of two buildings called "Chahaar Fasl" and the "Khane Haakem" (ruler's house), a central watch tower, bath, pond and water well. Until 80 years ago, the ruling quarters were used to accommodate the gendarmerie forces and served as the headquarters of the armed forces. Writings from the Islamic period and the architectural and archeological studies indicate that the Arg belonged to the period before the Sassanid rule and probably to the Ashkaanian era. Arg-e Bam has been the focus of attention throughout history. The first meeting of the History of Iran's Architecture and Urbanization was recently held in Arg-e Bam. The reconstruction plans for the Arg aim to preserve the site without affecting the form or superstructure. Several important sites, such as the mosque, the Mirza Na'eem complex, the house of the Ahmadi or Zaboli family and the ruler's dwelling will be entirely reconstructed.