Kolah Farangi Citadel

The Kolah Farangi Citadel of Birjand, also known as the Hesam al-Dowleh Citadel, the Bibi Aroos Palace and the Sarkar Citadel, is one of the landmark monuments of Birjand in South Khorasan Province. It stands on Motahari Street, at Taleghani Square. The building covers an area of about 700 square metres and has a distinctive, unique shape. It was used as a seat of government and is regarded as one of the architectural symbols of the Qajar period in this region. It was built roughly between 1264 and 1313 AH (lunar Hijri), and on 11 Mordad 1376 it was registered on the Iran National Heritage List under registration number 1880.

The Kolah Farangi Citadel has a hexagonal plan and a ziggurat-like form. The ground floor and first floor hold functional spaces, while the upper levels were built mainly for display and decoration. The materials include brick, mud, sarooj (a traditional waterproof mortar) and lime, which form the building's white facade. One of its most striking features is the octagonal pool room (hoozkhaneh) on the ground floor, with a domed ceiling and beautiful blind arches, karbandi (decorative vaulting) and muqarnas work. The historic building was once a seat of government and today serves as an administrative and tourist site.

Even so, on occasions such as the Nowruz holidays the citadel's doors are opened to visitors. On ordinary days you can also arrange a short visit with the governorate's doormen during office hours. Visiting all parts of the citadel usually takes no more than an hour, and you can enjoy its architecture and historic atmosphere. To reach the Kolah Farangi Citadel, head to the centre of Birjand and get to Taleghani Square via Shahid Montazeri Street or Motahari Street; then follow Motahari Street to number 16, where you will find the historic building. The best time to visit is in the morning or early evening in spring and early summer, when the weather is milder. While visiting, it is essential not to damage the structure, not to interfere with restricted areas and to keep the grounds peaceful, so that the valuable heritage of this building remains for future generations.