In the heart of the desert, where fresh and clear water flows from an aqueduct (qanat), a Safavid caravanserai has been built, which looks like a tall and robust fortress from a distance. It is called “Maranjab Caravanserai.”
Maranjab desert, a short distance from the north-east of Aran and Bidgol in Isfahan province, in addition to natural sights, has in it an ancient and beautiful structure that was once a rest place for caravans and people who traveled through the difficult desert road, to rest and gain back strength, to continue their journey. In the Maranjab carvansarai, which got its name from the Maranjab desert, travelers would relax and refresh themselves with the fresh water. The caravanserai is now visible from the southwestern part of National Desert Park.
The road leading to Maranjab Caravanserai from both sides is a historic route that connects the cities of Isfahan, Kashan, Yazd, and Mashhad and is familiar to the caravans. Therefore, it is not surprising that all those who were desert travelers and one of those cities was their destination, were familiar with the name of this caravansarai and would hurry to reach it. Especially now, in those not-so-distant centuries, seasonal rivers and waterways could be seen on this road. If there were a spring with heavy rains, floods would also occur. Alas! No more rainfalls, and no more vegetation are seen from the seasonal rains!
Features of Maranjab Caravanserai
Maranjab Caravanserai can be seen from a distance. Even the mountain range is not a barrier against seeing it; It has long, curved walls and is built to be as strong as a fortress. In the past, 500 armed men guarded the top of the tower and inside the caravanserai so that the caravans that were on their way to the Maranjab caravanserai were safe from bandits and thieves.
This carvansarai was built about 400 years ago, during the reign of Shah Abbas Safavid, who had special interest in constructing carvansarai throughout Iran. Maranjab Caravanserai soon gained its importance and became an essential place on the historical Silk Road. The Silk Road started from China and passed through Iran; it led to Europe. For this reason, the Safavid government tried to maintain this road and did everything to make Iranian and foreign travelers and caravans have a safe journey. The construction of numerous caravanserais at that time, especially during the reign of Shah Abbas I, who gave great importance to trade and commerce, was one of the policies to facilitate the journey of caravans.
Shah Abbas Safavid ordered the governor of Kashan to build Maranjab carvansarai. He also knew that the security of the road from Isfahan to Mashhad depended, to a large extent, on the flourishing and stability of the carvansarai that was being built, so he spent no effort fin building it strong. Because of this, the caravanserai remained standing for centuries. Safavid historians mentioned its value and importance in their books. They considered it a sign of the glory of the Safavid government and the value it gave to trade and commerce.
Maranjab Caravanserai is square in shape. Its area is 3500 square meters, and it has six guard towers. There are 29 rooms built around the troughs and the stables are built behind the rooms.
Maranjab Caravanserai has changed its use due to the transformation of travel in the last century. In 1378, the cultural heritage organization started to restore it, and it became a place to see and a reminder of the historical and architectural past of Aran and Bidgol. Now the caravanserai is also a place for stargazing, and those who are fond of astronomy can observe one of the best and most starry skies in Iran from above this caravanserai and in its beautiful nights.
