Arg-e Alishah of Tabriz
Arg-e Tabriz (Arg-e Alishah) is located in the center of the homonymous city (eastern Azerbāijān region), initially built with the intention of building a large mausoleum in the courtyard of the mosque; the original building dates back to the eighth century of the lunar Hegira, between the years 716 and 724 of the lunar Hegira (period of reign of the Ilkhanids).
Arg-e Alishāh is one of the oldest symbols of Tabriz and one of the highest and oldest historical walls in the country. This unmatched complex was initially built as a huge mosque that was largely destroyed over time, due to numerous earthquakes (about 40) and even wars.
Currently the only visible parts are a high wall called Arg-e Alishāh, the only remaining section of the imposing walls and of the very high mihrab (niche) of the Shabestan (columned prayer hall) south of this mosque.
In the construction of this building, cement and durable building materials were used. The remains present have the appearance of three high walls visible as Iwan. The width of this building is 30 meters and the height of 26.
Because of the destructions and the numerous damages, there is not a clear image of the original aspect of the whole complex but this enormous construction in many travel diaries and also by historians has been described as a structure decorated with majolica and stone wainscots, columns of marble, inscriptions and beautiful stucco work.
Previously in the outside area there were ancient valuable structures such as “la madrasa nejāt ”, one of the first madrasas of Iran, and also the theater hall. This complex, due to the peculiarities of each period, has had various uses such as: storage of cereals and military ammunition, refuge for constitutional fighters and also a place to prepare for the attack of the Russian army.
