Qal’eh Dokhtar (Maiden Castle), regarded as the oldest fortress in Iran with origins tracing back thousands of years before Islam, is currently facing encroachment. The fortress grounds have been taken over by caretakers of a religious shrine, while its surrounding area has been converted into a waste disposal site managed by Kerman’s municipality.
Heritage experts stress that Qal’eh Dokhtar is a nationally registered historic site, with its boundaries and protected zone officially designated by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism.
According to ILNA, archaeologists and heritage researchers identify Qal’eh Dokhtar as one of the oldest ancient fortresses in Iran, also known as the “Old Castle,” situated in the heart of Kerman city.
This fortress, which is registered as a national heritage site and has approved protective limits due to its importance, is believed to date back to the Median era.
Located near Qal’eh Ardeshir (Ardashir Castle), Qal’eh Dokhtar has served as a religious hub in different historical periods. Archaeological evidence points to the presence of shrines dedicated to the goddess Anahita and a Zoroastrian fire temple within its grounds.
Despite being a nationally registered and protected site, the historic grounds and boundaries of Qal’eh Dokhtar have been encroached upon without adherence to the regulations established by the Cultural Heritage Organization, disregarding the importance of this historic monument, which is one of Iran’s cultural and national treasures.
On one side, the expansion of a religious sanctuary has taken place directly within the site of this ancient fortress. On the other side, concrete blocks have been installed and waste materials dumped within the protected boundaries, putting this valuable heritage site at serious risk.
By law, any interference or construction within the core and buffer zones of nationally or internationally registered historic sites is strictly forbidden. No organization or authority has the right to carry out activities or build within these protected areas.
Nevertheless, despite these legal restrictions, the caretakers of the religious sanctuary and the Kerman municipality have ignored cultural heritage laws and invaded the core and buffer zones of Qal’eh Dokhtar. This site contains a significant part of Kerman’s history, with artifacts and structures dating back from millennia before Islam to later Islamic periods.
Interestingly, outside the protected zones lies a large plain, which could have been used by the religious sanctuary or designated by the municipality for waste disposal — thus sparing the historic site from harm.
An expert in cultural heritage from Kerman province, who preferred to remain anonymous, told ILNA:
“Qal’eh Dokhtar in Kerman has been officially registered as a national heritage site, with its boundaries and protected zones approved and enforced for several years. Despite these legal protections, we continue to see unauthorized and improper interventions by certain organizations within the site and its surrounding areas.”
He explained, “Some of these encroachments date back many years, such as the dumping of waste and placement of concrete blocks. However, there have been more recent violations as well. It is important for the cultural heritage authorities to step in, open dialogue, and find ways to address these problems.”
He added, “Within the protected area of Qal’eh Dokhtar, a private individual has erected a block wall, which goes against heritage regulations and should be removed. Additionally, a religious sanctuary was constructed several years ago on the site and has gradually expanded into the historic area. Although the cultural heritage organization has repeatedly issued warnings and requests for its removal, they lack the authority to enforce this due to the site’s religious nature. We hope the governor of Kerman will take action, as this sanctuary sits directly on Qal’eh Dokhtar. While it was once small, it is now growing and encroaching further on the protected site.”
The director of the Kerman Historical District expressed hope that provincial authorities would take action to resolve the situation. He explained, “We recently visited Qal’eh Dokhtar, anticipating that the governor, the head of cultural heritage, and their deputies would attend to address the issue. Unfortunately, the meeting was canceled, and we had to leave. We hope that either provincial officials or higher-level authorities’ step in, as mid-level managers lack the authority to go beyond a certain point. Only those at the provincial or higher level can effectively resolve this problem, since we are prevented from advancing further.”
Regarding the municipality’s actions—such as placing concrete blocks and dumping waste that has marred the heritage site—he said, “The concrete blocks and waste are under the municipality’s responsibility. The cultural heritage office and the director general can communicate with the municipality to ensure that the waste depot and raw materials, which are primarily used for improvement projects like sidewalks, paving, and sewage, are removed from this location and relocated elsewhere.”
Soleimani added, “If the municipality works closely with the cultural heritage authorities and follows the heritage regulations, the trustees of the religious center will undoubtedly respect these rules and agree to move the center to a different location. After all, all actions must be in accordance with cultural heritage guidelines.”
The director of the Kerman Historical District emphasized, “Once the director general of cultural heritage in Kerman formally contacts the local mayor, this issue will be resolved. The municipality is cooperative and willing to work alongside the cultural heritage office. We hope that after the waste depot is cleared, measures will also be taken to relocate the religious center currently situated within the protected site.”
