Gaz Caravanserai

Gaz Caravanserai, also known as the Gaz Borkhar Caravanserai and the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Gaz, is a valuable historic building from the Safavid era in the town of Gaz Borkhar, Isfahan Province. It stands north of the city of Isfahan, on the historic route leading north out of Isfahan, and in the past it was one of the most important stopping places for caravans after they left Isfahan. Gaz Caravanserai was added to Iran's National Heritage List on 11 Azar 1330 (2 December 1951) under registration number 379, and on 26 Shahrivar 1402 (17 September 2023) it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with 53 other historic Iranian caravanserais, under the property "The Persian Caravanserai". Thanks to its strategic position on the route used by caravans, in addition to its role in providing lodging and security, it formed part of the historic structure of the region's road network.

Covering more than 8,200 square metres and measuring roughly 96 by 86 metres, Abbasi Caravanserai of Gaz was built on a four-iwan plan, and four towers at the corners of the building complete its defensive and security structure. On top of the northeast tower stood a small roofed turret that served as a guard post and beacon. Around the main iwans are smaller iwans that open onto the lodging rooms, and there were 36 rooms in total in various parts of the building. There were also spaces for keeping animals and the travellers' loads, as well as deep platforms along the outer walls for tethering animals. The magnificent entrance portal of the caravanserai is about 11 metres high and is one of the most distinctive parts of its architecture; the maqeli tilework on the portal, the upper and lower iwans, the piers and the side buttresses are among the building's most important decorations. The caravanserai was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I, and according to the French researcher Maxime Siroux, it was built at the same time as the Vandadeh and Chah Qadeh caravanserais and by the same architect. Gaz Caravanserai also attracted the attention of travellers such as James Morier, who mentioned the building in 1809. After a period of military use, the building was handed over to the Cultural Heritage organization of Isfahan Province, and parts of it have been restored and reconstructed.

Gaz Caravanserai is located in the town of Gaz Borkhar, at the start of Shohada Boulevard, opposite a park. Its position near the Isfahan–Tehran route makes the site easy to reach. However, given its current use and possible restrictions on visiting the interior sections, it is best to confirm beforehand that entry and public visits are possible. The best time to visit the town of Gaz and the historic attractions around it is spring and autumn, when the weather in the region is more suitable for sightseeing. When visiting, respecting the restored areas, not touching or damaging the bricks and tile decoration, and not littering the grounds will help preserve the historic value of this cultural heritage.