Yazd is sitting on ancient history. The old structures and charming architecture have given it the glory and a characteristic that visitors are easily capsized by its charm. Among all the historical structures in that part of Iran, caravanserais have a prominent place. Yazd is a city of old caravanserais, 32 examples of which are nationally registered. During the period of the Ilkhani Moghuls in the 8th century. Zein-O-Din caravanserai is also a unique masterpiece, built during the reign of the art-loving Safavid dynasty.
The sky of Yazd from the caravanserai is seen better than anywhere else. The stairs built on both sides of the beautiful courtyard of this caravanserai lead to the roof of the structure. Where the sky, is bound to the roof of the structure, where the endless sky spreads and its stars give it a rare beauty.
Fifty kilometers away from the city of Yazd, in the central part of Mehriz, Zein-o-Din Caravanserai was built on the road extending from Yazd to Kerman. Its founder lived during the Safavid period and the reign of Shah Abbas I. He was called Zein-O-Din Ganj Ali Khan and was appointed as the ruler of Kerman by Shah Abbas. The caravanserai was built as a place for the soldiers to live in. In other words, it was a place that guarded the road that connected Kerman and Yazd, and there were a lot of caravans passing through it, making it safe and preventing the raids of looters and bandits.
Features of Zein-O-Din caravanserai
The most outstanding feature of this caravanserai is its circular shape. Among Iran’s ancient and historic structures, we rarely know a building built in a circle. Zein-o-Din Caravanserai is one of the few circular buildings that has survived among the ancient architecture of Iran. Each tower is connected to another tower by an eight-meter wall. The structure is made of bricks, and it has twelve parts. The rooms and entrances can be seen around the courtyard.
Another feature of Zein-O-Din caravanserai is the symmetry between the western and eastern wings, as if they are twins; like one facing the other in a mirror.
But what makes this caravanserai look more remarkable are its ramparts. The whole structure is elevated in such a way that it has both the hegemony of a military structure and the peace of a midway caravanserai where you can stay peacefully for days and not fear the scary silence of the nights.
Upon entering the Zein-o-Din Caravanserai, a vestibule appears in front of us, with two wooden doors on the right and left, drawing the eye towards it. Behind the doors, large halls have been built. A traditional patterned curtain has given it a unique charm. Porches on each side of the aisle welcome the tired passengers. In the distant past passengers would leave their clothes and belongings next to the porches and sit on the porches, exhausted from their journey, to get refreshed with a glass of spring water and delicious food, and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. The VIP rooms of this caravanserai are in its northern part. High ceilings cover the top of the rooms.
One of the good fortunes of history lovers and relatives of old Iranian architecture is that Zein-o-Din Caravanserai remains intact and has not lost its centuries-old style and mechanism. This caravanserai is maintained to preserve its historical atmosphere. It welcomes tourists and those who want to visualize the history of an old structure and see it in front of their eyes! The guarding of this caravanserai structure has been so worthy that in 2006, UNESCO awarded it the diploma of honor for “revival and organization, using traditional materials.”
