Esfarayen, located in the southern part of North Khorasan province, stands as one of those regions deeply intertwined with the ancient history of Iran. Numerous unmistakable signs attest to the antiquity of this land, spanning thousands of years. One notable example of Esfarayen’s historical significance is the area known as “Belqeys City.”
The city or citadel of Belqeys is situated three kilometers south of the present-day city of Esfarayen. Its foundation is believed to date back to the first centuries of post-ancient Iran. For a millennium, this citadel and its structures served as a vibrant hub for people to live, work, and thrive. The signs of life persisted until the early years of the Qajar kingdom, gradually diminishing over time.
Particularly during the assault led by Mahmud Afghan and his army on Iran, which occurred in the last years of the Safavid Kingdom, Belqeys Citadel faced complete destruction. Despite this, a resilient group of individuals continued to inhabit the city for several years afterward. Today, only remnants of the city remain, offering a glimpse into its thrilling past. Belqeys Castle, with a history spanning over a thousand years, stands as one of the notable attractions in Esfarayen.
Belqeys city spans slightly over 50,000 sqm and boasts a unique adobe structure, which, in its thriving era, had 29 watch towers. This ancient city comprised a citadel, Sharestan (center and inside of the city), a bustling bazaar, intricate alleys, and streets—providing everything essential for a thriving urban life. Notably, the city’s citadel stands out as one of the largest adobe structures in Iran, covering an estimated area of 51 thousand and 800 square meters, complete with a protective moat.
The moats surrounding cities served as strategic defenses against enemy soldiers and armies. Photographs from the 1960s reveal that Belqeys City’s moat was once filled with water. However, due to agricultural developments in certain areas, the moat underwent changes from its original state. The citadel, constructed with a combination of brick and wood, is distinctive in that it is situated on a smooth plain rather than atop a hill, setting it apart from other similar examples.
The defensive wall surrounding Belqeys City is an impressive structure, stretching for a length of five kilometers and reaching a height of seven meters. This formidable barrier underscores the considerable efforts invested in safeguarding the city against external threats. Constructed during the Safavid period, the wall boasts 70 towers, further attesting to the historical significance and strategic importance of Belqeys City.
The city itself comprises diverse sections, including a bustling bazaar—a 350-meter-long corridor flanked by shops on both sides, serving as a hub for the exchange of goods that entered the city. This bazaar played a pivotal role in the economic life of Belqeys City.
Equally noteworthy is the Belqeys Cemetery, situated beyond the city gates. This cemetery has served as the final resting place for numerous prominent figures in the history of Esfarayen, their names now echoing through time. Excavations spanning the 10-hectare expanse of Belqeys City’s cemetery have yielded valuable archaeological discoveries, contributing significantly to our understanding of the city’s past.
Another integral part of Belqeys City is its caravanserai, believed to have been constructed during the periods of Ilkhans and Timurids (8th and 9th lunar centuries). Positioned 500 meters from the city, the caravanserai maintained a vital link with the city’s activities, particularly the movement of caravans and merchants. Particularly, caravans traveling between Gorgan and Nishapur, or vice versa, would frequently stop at the Belqeys City caravanserai. The structure, with its rectangular layout, is filled with rubble and plaster mortar.
In the course of archaeological excavations in Belqeys City, a prominent discovery emerged—a pottery kiln dating back to the second half of the sixth lunar century. This kiln features components such as a hearth, ledges for storing pottery, a baking platform, and more. It played a pivotal role in producing turquoise glazed pottery.
It’s noteworthy that, according to a Shahrivar 1402 opinion survey, the ancient city of Belqeys topped the charts with the highest number of tourists in North Khorasan province, as reported by the ISNA news agency. This achievement underscores the historical and tourism significance of this beautiful and ancient city.
