The Circular Citadel of Firuzabad

Firuzabad: A Hidden Gem in Fars, Iran

Located in the heart of Fars province in Iran, Firuzabad is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. Known for its circular city ruins, Firuzabad has a rich history that goes back to the ancient period. In this blog, we will dig into the past and beauty of Firuzabad.

The Firzabad Tower (Persian: برج فیروزآباد) stands as a significant historical edifice from the era of the Greater Seljuk Empire. Situated in the village of Firzabad, within the Shaharabad region of the ancient town of Torshiz, it is located approximately 17 kilometers to the south of Bardaskan. Archaeological findings provide evidence of its occupation by Muslim communities until the 7th century. Notably, this area was traversed by pilgrims following the illuminated path of the 8th Imam, Ali al-Ridah.

The minaret, marked by its distinctive outward-facing cylindrical design, reaches a height of 18 meters and showcases remarkable brickwork and architectural style. Its origins hold an air of mystery. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the tower has been designated as the 91st national monument of Iran.

History Firuzabad was founded by Ardashir I, the founder of the Sassanian Empire, in the 3rd century AD. Ardashir, I was a renowned warrior and leader who wanted to establish a city reflecting his power and might. Therefore, he chose the location of Firuzabad, which was situated on a fertile plain near the Zagros Mountains.

Ardashir, I built a circular city with walls 60 feet high and 30 feet thick. The city was designed to be a fortress, with towers and bastions placed strategically around the walls. Inside the walls, there were palaces, mosques, and other buildings that were adorned with intricate carvings and decorations.

The centrepiece of Firuzabad was a massive pillar in the centre of the circular city. The post was made of stone and was adorned with carvings of the king and his warriors. The pillar was said to symbolise Ardashir I's power and authority.

Firuzabad was a prosperous city home to many artisans, traders, and scholars in the following centuries. It was also a learning center, with schools and universities that attracted students from all over the region.
Beauty Today, Firuzabad is a stunning place to visit, with the circular city ruins and the massive pillars being the main attractions. The circular city walls are still intact, and visitors can walk around the walls to get a sense of the scale and grandeur of the city. The pillar is also still standing, and visitors can see the intricate carvings up close.

In addition to the circular city ruins, Firuzabad is also home to other historic sites, such as the Palace of Ardeshir and the Qal'eh Dokhtar fortress. The Palace of Ardeshir is a stunning example of Sassanian architecture, with ornate decorations and intricate carvings. The Qal'eh Dokhtar fortress is another impressive structure with massive walls and towers that overlook the surrounding countryside.

Visitors to Firuzabad can also enjoy the area's natural beauty, with its lush green fields and towering mountains. The nearby hot springs and waterfalls are also popular attractions. Visitors can soak in the hot springs or hike to the waterfalls to enjoy the scenery.

Gor, with its origins dating back to the Achaemenid era, was once situated in a low-lying area of the region. During his Persian campaign, Alexander the Great strategically redirected a river's flow to submerge the city. The resultant lake endured until Ardashir I constructed a tunnel to drain it, on which he founded his new capital city.

Ardashir's new city, known as Khor Ardashīr, Ardashīr Khurrah, and Gōr, featured a meticulously designed circular layout, suggesting the use of compasses in its planning. The city was encircled by a 50-meter-wide trench and measured 2 kilometers in diameter. Four gates provided entry: the Hormozd Gate (north), the Ardashir Gate (south), the Mithra Gate (east), and the Wahram Gate (west). The city's royal compounds occupied the center, within a circle with a radius of 450 meters.

At the heart of the town stood the Terbal, a remarkable tower rising 30 meters with a spiral design. Its purpose remains debated, but it is considered a precursor to Iraq's Great Mosque of Samarra and its distinctive minaret, the malwiya. In the Sasanian period, the abbreviation ART (in Inscriptional Pahlavi) was used as the mint signature for Gōr.

Both Gōr and Istakhr vigorously resisted the Arab Muslim invaders in the 630s and 640s but fell to Abdallah ibn Amr in 649–50.

The city experienced a revival during the reign of Fanna Khusraw of the Buyid dynasty, who frequently used it as his residence. At this time, the city's name, Gōr, was replaced with Peroz-abad, meaning "City of Victory," due to King Adud al-Dawla's preference not to reside in what was colloquially termed a "grave." Various names were subsequently used, including Firuzabad (فیروزآباد Fīrūzābād). A 7th-century Arab-Sassanian coin from Ardashir-Khwarra during the Umayyad period mentions "pylwj'b'd" (Pahlavi; Pērōzābād) as the mint.

Over time, the city was abandoned during the Qajar period, and a nearby settlement was established, now known as modern Firuzabad, located 3 kilometers east of the Gor site. Today, Firuzabad boasts attractions such as the Sassanid Ghal'eh Dokhtar, the Palace of Ardeshir, the fire temple, and the adjacent Minar.

According to anthropologist Henry Field's 1939 publication, Firuzabad was inhabited by 7,000 Circassians. The city is also home to five universities: Firuzabad Higher Education University, Islamic Azad University (Firuzabad Branch), Payame Noor University (Firuzabad Center), a branch of the Technical and Vocational University, and a branch of the University of Applied Science and Technology.

In conclusion, Firuzabad is a hidden gem worth visiting for anyone interested in history, architecture, or natural beauty. The circular city ruins and the massive pillar are a testament to the power and might of the Sassanian Empire, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside is sure to take your breath away. So, if you find yourself in Fars province, stop in Firuzabad and experience the wonders of this ancient city.