Salasel Castle

Salasel Castle, one of the most outstanding historical monuments of Khuzestan Province, stands in the northwest of the city of Shushtar, beside the Shatit River. Dating back to the Achaemenid period, the castle was used in various eras of Iranian history, including the Sasanian, Islamic and Qajar periods. Despite repeated destruction over the centuries, it remains one of the region's major tourist attractions.

Covering an area of about 5.3 hectares, Salasel Castle had a complex layout with several courtyards, towers, a bathhouse, barracks, stables, a kitchen, an arsenal, a naqqareh-khaneh (drum house) and a prayer hall. The castle was well protected against possible attacks by a moat on its north and northeast sides and by the Darioun Canal on its south side. Its special shavadans (cool underground rooms) testify to its clever climate-conscious design for coping with Khuzestan's summer heat of over 50 degrees; these shavadans kept the temperature inside the building stable at around 15 degrees. Underground passages and tunnels were also designed to provide access to groundwater and to connect the castle with the urban fabric of the city, which facilitated its military and administrative functions. Some historical sources attribute the name "Salasel" to a person called "Abi Salasel", who repaired and restored the castle in the 4th century AH.

From early times until the Qajar period, Salasel Castle was the seat of government of the governors of Khuzestan and the place from which the region's water resources were managed. In the 1960s (the Persian decade of 1340s), part of it was demolished so that its materials could be used in government buildings. Today the castle is part of the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Restoration and improvement projects are under way to protect it. To reach Salasel Castle, head northwest out of Shushtar and, after passing through the city streets, follow the dirt track leading to the castle. This route involves about 40 minutes of walking through the region's unspoiled nature. The best time to visit the castle is spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild and the surrounding landscape is green and delightful. To preserve the authenticity and natural setting of this area, visitors are advised to stay out of the fragile parts of the castle and to avoid any behavior that harms the environment.