There are many historical traces in Lasjerd village. That area was a place where many caravans passed through. One of those ancient traces is Lasjerd; A beautiful and spectacular structure that is part of Iran’s historical heritage.
Tourists are well acquainted with Sorkheh district in Semnan province because it has four seasons and a pleasant weather, though the weather changes in every corner.
There are red mountains around Sorkheh giving a pleasant view to that area and its name is derived from these red mountains (sorkh means red). Its people speak a dialect that is specific to that district and belongs to the historic area called Qoms. There are several varieties of dialects, all of which have the same roots and are related to the Mazandarani language, but they are not the same dialects. It is not without reason that the ancient Qoms are called “the center of authentic Iranian dialects.” Sorkheh villages also have separate dialects; one of the villages that has the historic carvansarai in its landscape is “Lasjerd”, sometimes called Lasgerd. Lasjerd has an ancient history, and its construction dates back to the time of the Seleucids. Historians say that the Seleucids built many cities in the Parthian state, one of which was named “Apama.” Perhaps Lasjerd is the Apama of Seleucid times.
During its long history, Lasjerd was unsafe from bandits and rebels because it was on busy roads and caravans. So, its people had to build a moat around the city and build towers and ramparts to protect themselves from looters. There are still traces of those defensive walls and watchtowers, which have given Lasjerd an ancient look. By seeing those historical walls, one can realize the ancient roots of Lasjerd. Another historical sign of Lasjerd is its caravanserai, known as “Lasjerd Caravanserai.”
A four-hundred-year-old caravanserai
The village caravanserai is about 13 kilometers away from Sorkheh city. It was built in the Safavid era, during the reign of Shah Abbas I. It was founded in a place now being the west of Lasjerd village, on the road that connects the east of Iran to the west. In the distant past, it was a caravan route and a place for travelers to rest, and refresh themselves, in order to continue their journey with fresh energy. The caravanserai was their resting place. Lasjerd Caravanserai is rectangular in shape. They have used stone and mortar, plaster, and brick to make it stable, and stone has been used in the foundations of the building to prevent it from falling. In this way they built a structure that is still standing. Art has been used in its construction, and it is lovely and eye-catching.
The yard’s length is 36 meters, and its width is slightly more than 31 meters. Twenty-four rooms have been built around it, and large and beautiful verandas have been constructed. This porch is on two sides; the eastern part has been restored, and western part does not need repair. The caravan passengers could sit on this porch and chat about their journey’s events, the road ahead, and the goods they were taking with them. Or they would make their way from the west porch to reach the rooms by passing through the vestibule of the caravanserai. The porches have a high ceiling and a square view. Everything was made with high taste and artistry; it was built at a time when caravan building was popular in Iran.
In previous years, some renovations have been done in Lasjerd Caravanserai. Damages have been restored and converted into a place for tourists and lovers of old structures to enjoy. Updating the building’s facilities is anothe work done. In this way, an ancient and beautiful building (an example of the enchanting art of Iranian architecture) is open to tourists and visitors.
