Baharestan Citadel

Baharestan Citadel stands in Birjand, the capital of South Khorasan Province. Also known as the "Zereshki Garden" (Bagh-e Zereshki), this building is one of the notable monuments of the Afsharid era. On 25 Esfand 1379 (Solar Hijri) it was added to Iran's National Heritage List under registration number 3683. The citadel's architecture includes defensive, residential and ceremonial sections, which reflect its political and social importance in its day.

The parts of the citadel that can be seen today include an octagonal pavilion, watchtowers, brick walls with geometric patterns, and enclosed spaces. The citadel once had extensive gardens and jujube orchards around it, and its inner courtyards were used by rulers and government forces. Part of the citadel was later converted into a girls' school, one of the centers of girls' education at that time. Although part of the building has been damaged, it is still appealing to visitors interested in history and regional architecture. The exterior of this section features brickwork with geometric patterns reminiscent of Zand-era buildings in Shiraz. The defensive section of the citadel, made up of a tower and ramparts, is built of mud brick and adobe and has suffered considerable damage from the weather. Among the historical events associated with the building is the refuge that Lotf Ali Khan Zand and his companions took in this citadel.

To visit, head from central Birjand toward Montazeri Street and the area around the old Post Alley (Kucheh-ye Post-e Qadim); signposts and city maps will guide you to the citadel. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and conditions are pleasant for a leisurely stroll. During your visit, please practice responsible tourism: do not damage the walls, do not write graffiti, and help prevent harm to the site so that this heritage remains for future generations.