Tabriz: Ark Castle, an architectural marvel from the Ilkhanid period, stands as a testament to Tabriz’s resilient and turbulent history.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Ark Castle, originally constructed as a mosque, has become a symbol of Azerbaijan’s struggle and grandeur. The imposing fortress, with its towering 33-meter-high walls, reflects the architectural prowess of ancient Tabriz and narrates the city’s historical journey through its enduring structure.
The castle’s origins trace back to between 716-724 Hijri, when Taj al-Din Ali Shah Gilani, a vizier of the Mongol Ilkhanate, initiated its construction. The structure was intended to be a grand mosque with an ambitious dome, meant to surpass the Sultaniyeh dome. However, due to technical shortcomings, the dome collapsed shortly after its completion. Despite this setback, the Ark Castle’s architectural significance remained noted by historians and travelers, such as Qazvini Hamdullah Mustawfi and Ibn Battuta, who praised its grandeur and intricate design.
Initially serving as a mosque and traditional school, the castle’s role evolved over time. Following the death of Taj al-Din Ali Shah, construction halted, leaving the structure incomplete. During the Safavid period, the castle was repurposed for military and defensive uses, cementing its role as a fortress and protector of Azerbaijan. The castle’s strategic importance continued through the Qajar-Russian wars and the constitutionalist struggles, where it served as a defensive stronghold against various invading forces.
Throughout its history, Ark Castle has endured significant destruction. The Pahlavi regime and subsequent Iranian governments targeted the castle and other historical monuments in South Azerbaijan. Efforts to suppress Azerbaijani culture and identity led to the demolition of numerous historical sites, including parts of the Ark Castle complex. Despite these challenges, a section of the southern structure remains, symbolizing the resilience and enduring spirit of Tabriz and its people.
Today, the Ark Castle serves as more than a historical monument. For the Turks of South Azerbaijan, it is a symbol of resistance, bravery, and defiance against oppression. Each brick of the fortress tells a story of Azerbaijan’s past, embodying both the joyful and painful chapters of its history. Figures like Abbas Mirza, Sattar Khan, and the fighters of the Azerbaijani Democratic Party are commemorated through the castle’s enduring presence, representing the unyielding spirit of Tabriz and Azerbaijan.