Pari Castle

Pari Castle, also known as Bolandeh Castle, is one of the oldest and most important historical sites in Hamadan Province. It is located in Pari village (also known as Piruz), in Zand District of Malayer County, along the Malayer–Arak highway. The castle complex stands on a hill about 15 meters above the surrounding land, making it a prominent feature of the region's natural landscape. The original fortress lies in the center of the village's old quarter, and archaeologists date it back to the 4th century BCE, the era of the Medes. Later, in the Zand period, a new castle called the Zandiyeh Castle, or Karim Khan Zand Castle, was built on the ruins of the ancient fortress; it served as a gathering and organizing point for his troops. Interestingly, besides Bolandeh Castle (the main castle), five other historic castles have been identified in Pari village.

This historic castle is of special importance because of its place in Iranian culture and history. More than 150 ancient graves have been identified on this hill. Most of the gravestones are made of igneous rock and are rectangular, and they carry symbols such as a prayer tablet (mohr), prayer beads, a double-sided comb, a mirror, a prayer rug, a hookah, a dagger, a rifle and the image of a horse, providing important information about burial customs and the lives of people in the past. Beyond its archaeological value, the site is known as the birthplace of Karim Khan Zand, founder of the Zand dynasty and one of the prominent figures of Iranian history, which adds to its cultural and national significance. Etymologically, the name "Pari" means "surroundings" or "all around," and according to local tradition it was also the name of Karim Khan Zand's daughter. The first scientific excavations in the area were carried out in 1349 (Solar Hijri; 1970 CE) by the engineer Hakimi, and the site was dated to the Median, Sasanian and Zand periods.

Other important discoveries at Pari Castle are its tunnels and its complex water supply system, which closely resembles the water system of Fin Garden's bathhouse in Kashan. In this structure, spiral clay pipes run from the river into the castle so that water enters the complex under pressure. Discovered sections of these pipes, about 45 centimeters long and 15 centimeters in diameter and coated with sarooj (traditional waterproof mortar) and baked brick, point to the advanced water engineering technology of the region. To visit Pari Castle, you can drive from the city of Malayer toward the Arak road and then reach Pari village; the castle's position near the main road makes access relatively easy for travelers. The best time to visit this ancient attraction is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and suitable for outdoor exploration. Visitors are advised to practice responsible nature tourism: do not leave litter, damage the gravestones or remaining structures, or wander off the designated paths, so that the historical and natural value of the site is preserved for future generations.