TEHRAN -- A Safavid era castle in the city of Aq-Qala in Golestan Province is currently being threatened by construction projects, which are being conducted by ordinary citizens.

Only one-forth of the castle’s walls remain on the southern side, Golestan Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department (GCHTHD) Director Hamid Omrani told the Persian service of MNA on Thursday.
The castle, built in 1611 to prevent the Turkmen from invading the region, was registered on the National Cultural Heritage List two weeks ago.
GCHTHD respects the private ownership of the in some parts of the castle, however any action resulting in the destruction or alteration of the monument is forbidden, Omrani said.
Covering an area of 200 hectares, the castle consists of a barrack, bathhouse, waters reservoir, and two courtyards, which were surrounded by crenellated walls.