TEHRAN—Cultural heritage officials of Yazd province have recently visited the historical Kharanaq castle and caravanserai and emphasized the strengthening of interorganizational cooperation and the implementation of joint measures to protect and organize the monuments.

According to IRIB, the visit was carried out with the aim of examining the protection, infrastructure and tourism status of the historical complex, and during which the latest conditions of the Kharanaq castle and the historical Kharanaq caravanserai were assessed.

Also, it was decided to establish a public base at the site of Kharanaq castle with the participation of Yazd Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, the district administration, the municipality and activists in the field of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts to provide the basis for local participation in protection and management of the historical monument.

Also, regarding the restoration of the castle, taking emergency measures and necessary arrangements in a participatory manner and in cooperation with the municipality was put on the agenda.

During the visit, it was decided to hold a meeting with Kharanaq District Administration on how to organize ticket sales for the historical castle of Kharanaq and make the necessary plans in this regard. A permit to dig a sewage well will also be issued in order to prevent possible damage to the historical monument.

These measures are taken in order to strengthen the sustainable protection of historical monuments, improve tourism services, and develop effective cooperation between the executive bodies and local management.

Kharanaq Castle dates back to the post-Islamic historical era and is located in Kharanaq village, Ardakan city, and was registered under number 11509 on National Heritage List in March 2005.

The castle and its tower date back to the Sassanid period, 1,800 years ago. The castle is one of the largest rural residential castles in Yazd province, and it is like an exhibition whose pavilions are made of bricks and mud. 

It is one of those complexes that has brought signs of resistance to preserve the existence and authenticity of Yazd province.

There are about 45 identified and mapped historical and ancient castles in Yazd province, 23 of which have been registered on the country's National Heritage List.
KD