A Closer Look at Arge Bam
Arge Bam is a masterpiece of Persian architecture located in the southeastern city of Bam in Iran. The ancient city dates back over two millennia, and it stood strong until the catastrophic earthquake struck in 2003. This colossal construction, built with adobe bricks and soaring walls, covers around 200,000 square meters of land.
Bam city itself is situated amidst picturesque landscapes between the Jabal and Blue Mountains near the city of Kerman. There are numerous archaeological sites in the region, and the oldest signs of civilization were found in the nearby Birdon Hills. The Citadel on top of the cliff was used to guard the ancient city and was full of history and legends.
The fortress was surrounded by deep ditches, which historians think were there to prevent any enemy attacks. Despite its best defensive strategies, the city could not stand against the deadliest earthquake of the century. The earthquake left the Citadel in ruins, which was a severe loss of such an excellent example of Persian architecture. However, the Iranian government decided to restore the Citadel in all its historic glory after the disaster.
Roots of Persian Architecture in Arge Bam
Arge Bam is a historical address with a complex past hidden behind its majestic adobe walls. As there isn’t any exact dating of the construction, it’s pretty hard to pinpoint how old this ancient fortress is, but based on historical evidence, it can date back to the Achaemenid era of Persia. The resemblance of Bam’s citadel to the Achaemenid masterpiece of Persepolis is hard to ignore. The citadel evolved during the Parthian rule as a fully defensible fortress called Arge Bam, meaning the citadel of Bam.
The Parthians had a lot of experience in fortifying their cities to their fullest capacity as they used to rule in the medieval era of Persia, where cities had to protect themselves from foreign invasions and rebels. The governor’s headquarters and the separation of his residence in such city fortresses played a vital role in defending the site from invasions. The Bam area has many inscriptions of Ardeshir’s attacks, which happened towards the end of the Parthian era. These incidents show the citadel’s importance and the history behind it, how it withstood centuries of wars and conflicts, making it a quintessential part of Persian heritage.
History of Arge Bam Through Islamic Times
Arge Bam’s story doesn’t end with ancient battles and warfare; the fortress withstood many invasions throughout Islamic history as well. In 645 AD, Arabs conquered Kerman, which resulted in damages to the Bam citadel during the war. The Khawarij, a group of extremist Muslims, ran to Kerman and Bam after being defeated by Imam Ali in 656 AD. Yaqub ibn al-Layth further conquered the citadel and established it as his permanent headquarters in 869 AD.
Arab writers mentioned that Bam was surrounded by a large agricultural area and served as an important market that imported huge quantities of cotton fabrics, palm trees, and silk. Being located on the spice route, Bam profited from the international trade along with its advanced silk industry and breeding of silkworms. During the Safavid era, Arge Bam underwent significant expansion, including the construction of palaces such as the Four Seasons Palace.
Sadly, the history of Arge Bam is also marked with tragic events. In 1794, Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar invaded Kerman, and Lotfali Khan Zand fled to the castle of Bam. Later, after capturing Kerman, Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar brutally killed six hundred captives, putting their heads on display to threaten Lotfali Khan Zand, who was hiding in the castle. Eventually, Agha Mohammad Khan used the citadel as a military complex and fought against Afghan and Baluchi invasions, turning it into an important base for conflicts. During the Qajar era, Bam was also a place where rebels would flee after revolting against the king.
From Battlefields to Tourist Attractions in Arge Bam
After serving as a military center for centuries, Arge Bam ceased to be inhabited by humans in 1932. However, the castle site was declared a significant historic site in 1953, and restoration work began slowly but surely. Though most of the conservation efforts were carried out after 1973, the citadel was recognized as a magnificent project of national cultural heritage in 1993.
Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake of 2003 caused considerable damage, destroying almost 80% of Bam castle. Help poured in from different corners of the world to restore this precious cultural site, with countries like Japan, France, and Italy providing support from the very beginning. Japan made significant contributions, amounting to $1.3 billion and even created a three-dimensional plan of Arge Bam.
The Bam citadel complex, with its massive citadel building being the tallest part, covers an area of 180,000 square meters, with walls that are 7 meters high and 1815 meters long. Built primarily with materials like clay, mortar, bole, and straw, the structure rarely used bricks and palm trees. The unique feature of the architecture of this colossal complex is its two-part structure — the government and the rural sections — with distinctive characteristics that set them apart. All the buildings are constructed out of raw clay bricks, which is why the Bam ancient citadel is famous for its exceptional architecture.
An Enchanting Blend of Heritage, Craft, and Architecture
Argé Bam is a magnificent structure considered to be one of the best examples of the Chineh and Khesht technique, which uses mud layers and sun-dried mudbricks for construction. This historical fortress is often considered the largest adobe structure globally, with an impressive size covering an area of about 180,000 square meters. The walls are between 6 and 7 meters high, along with a length of 1,815 meters.
The citadel consists of two parts, with the governor’s quarters located in the inner fortification, which is also where the citadel, barracks, and 200 horse stalls are situated. The residential area surrounds the governor’s section and consists of several houses and public buildings.
The intricate details of the citadel’s construction are amazing, with the entire structure having been built using mud bricks, including the staggering walls. The citadel features a blend of architectural styles spanning various eras, adding to its eclectic appeal. Today, visitors can explore this outstanding Persian masterpiece, a crucial part of Iran’s cultural heritage, a true symbol of the inventive and innovative forces that shaped ancient civilization.
From Natural Disasters to Cultural Preservation
The largest adobe structure in the world, the mighty Arge Bam, met with a tragic and devastating end. In 2003, an earthquake struck the region, reducing much of the historic site to rubble. What we see today is primarily a reconstruction of the once-great citadel, which had survived wars, military strife, and political upheaval throughout its storied existence.
The collapse of the massive structure by natural calamity highlights the fortitude and strength of its innovative construction, nearly indestructible by human hands. The metaphor speaks volumes about the pinnacle of ancient civilization and the Middle-Eastern innovation that defined it. The fall of Arge Bam symbolizes the loss of a masterpiece of Persian architecture that once commanded awe and admiration from the world.
Today, the reconstructed ancient city stands as an homage to Iran’s cultural heritage and its innovative architectural techniques. Visitors can witness a piece of history and admire the fortitude of ancient Iranian engineering in the reconstructed walls, barracks, and citadel itself.
The Miracle of Reconstruction: How Arge Bam was Brought Back to Life
The reconstruction of this historical gem was not an easy task. It required the efforts of different countries worldwide, united to restore what the earthquake had taken away. Contributions by Japan, for instance, amounted to $1,300,000 in support of the reconstruction project, while France provided detailed maps of the citadel to aid in the rebuilding efforts. This collaboration by various specialists and countries worldwide made the impossible possible — the reconstruction of the Bam Citadel, which stands tall and proud today, a testament to Iranians’ courage and world admiration for the monument.
From planning to the actual execution of the project, rebuilding the Arge Bam demanded significant resources, determination, and a team of dedicated experts. The planning process involved the preparation of comprehensive management and master plans in 2004, which preserved the citadel’s essential features. This planning phase involved experts in various fields, such as engineering, architecture, and heritage preservation, to ensure the rebuilding efforts remained historically and culturally relevant for the generations to come.
Next, the actual reconstruction work started. The Japanese contribution provided a vital infrastructure, and the walls and buildings underwent restoration to put them back in their former state. The process applied modern technology to ensure that the reconstruction remained faithful to the previous design, such as the use of reinforced concrete in limited areas to reinforce the walls’ structure.
The reconstruction process was an achievement in every sense of the word that showcased the world’s love for historical and cultural marvels. Without the tireless and collective efforts of experts and countries worldwide, the wonder that is Arge Bam would not be standing as it is today. Good for you; If you are planning to travel to Iran and visit Arge Bam!
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Originally published at https://toirantour.com on March 13, 2023.
