History of Kerman

Kerman is one of the oldest cities in Iran, with a history rooted in deep antiquity. Located in the southeast of the country, it has been an important center at the crossroads of cultures and trade routes for centuries, preserving a rich heritage to this day.

The city's founder is considered to be Ardashir I, the first ruler of the Sassanid dynasty, who established it approximately in the 3rd century AD. It is known that the settlement appeared on the site of a more ancient one, and references to this city are also found in the famous Persian epic "Shahnameh". Before Kerman became the regional capital in the 10th century, the city of Sirjan was the main center for a long time.

The development of Kerman was defined by several key factors. Its strategic geographical position on a high plateau surrounded by mountains provided natural protection and made it a vital point on routes connecting central Iran with the coast. Thanks to this, Kerman became a significant hub on ancient caravan routes and became famous throughout the world for its handicrafts. Throughout its history, the city also repeatedly served as the capital of various dynasties and an important administrative center, which contributed to its growth and prosperity.

Since ancient times, Kerman's economy has been closely linked to craft production and trade. The city and its surroundings were famous not only for handmade carpets, shawls, and high-quality silk, which were in demand far beyond its borders, but also for the cultivation of pistachios, which remain an important export item today. Kerman's cultural heritage also includes numerous historical monuments, including Zoroastrian fire temples, testifying to the region's rich religious and cultural diversity in the past.

Key Milestones in the History of Kerman

The history of Kerman is a kaleidoscope of ups and downs, periods of prosperity, and tragic events that have left a deep mark on the culture and architecture of this ancient city.

• 3rd Century AD — The founding of the city is attributed to Ardashir I, the first ruler of the powerful Sassanid dynasty.
• 1048 — Kerman becomes the capital of the Kerman Sultanate, founded by the Seljuk dynasty, marking the beginning of an era of economic and cultural flourishing.
• Late 13th Century — The famous Venetian merchant and traveler Marco Polo visits the city, noting it as an important trading center on the Silk Road.
• 1350 — Construction of the Congregational Mosque (Jameh Mosque) is completed, which remains one of the outstanding monuments of Iranian architecture from the Muzaffarid era today.
• 1596–1621 — During the reign of the Safavid dynasty, the magnificent Ganj Ali Khan architectural ensemble is created, including a bazaar, baths, and a caravanserai.
• 1794 — The city experiences one of the darkest pages of its history — a brutal siege and capture by the forces of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, leading to immense destruction.
• 19th Century — Kerman gradually recovers and establishes itself as one of the main global centers for the production of famous Persian carpets.
• 2010 — An earthquake strikes Kerman province, causing damage and once again confirming the high seismic activity of the region.

Stages of Kerman's Development: From Trade Hub to Cultural Center

Kerman's history is rich in events that have shaped its unique appearance and economy. The city has journeyed from being the capital of powerful dynasties to a world-renowned center of crafts, while preserving its cultural and architectural heritage. Here are several key milestones in its development.

• Capital of the Seljuks and Cultural Flourishing (11th–12th Centuries). In 1048, Kerman became the capital of the local Seljuk Sultanate, initiating a period of prosperity. At this time, the city transformed into an important scientific and cultural center where architecture, poetry, and crafts developed. This status laid the foundation for Kerman's future cultural wealth.
• Hub on the Great Silk Road. Thanks to its strategic location, Kerman was a key trading point for centuries. The traveler Marco Polo, who visited the city in 1271, described it as a major trade center connecting Persia with India. Trade in fabrics, precious stones, and spices flourished here, contributing to the city's economic growth.
• Creation of the Ganj Ali Khan Complex (17th Century). In the Safavid era, under Governor Ganj Ali Khan, the eponymous architectural ensemble was built, becoming the heart of the city's social and business life. The complex, including a bazaar, mosque, baths, caravanserai, and mint, is a brilliant example of urban planning of that time and still defines the look of Kerman's historical center.
• Global Center of Carpet Weaving. Although carpets had long been produced in Kerman, it was during the Safavid period that their export to Europe began. By the 19th century, the city had firmly established itself as one of the main global centers for the production of Persian carpets. Kerman carpets, known for their exquisite patterns and quality, became the city's calling card and a vital part of its economy.
• A Center of Zoroastrianism. After the Arab conquest of Persia, Kerman's relative remoteness made it a refuge for followers of Zoroastrianism. The city remains one of the important centers of this ancient religion in Iran to this day, preserving an active fire temple and a Museum of Zoroastrianism.
• Development of Agriculture. The surroundings of Kerman proved ideal for growing pistachios, which over time became one of the region's main export products. The development of agriculture, especially pistachio orchards, has had a significant impact on the province's economy in modern times.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The urban structure of Kerman was shaped under the influence of the harsh desert climate of southeastern Iran. It is a classic example of an oasis city, where architecture performs not only an aesthetic function but also a vital protective one. Narrow winding streets ("kuche") with high adobe walls create shade, while the famous "badgirs" (wind towers) serve as natural air conditioning systems, catching the slightest breeze to cool residential spaces.

The historical center of the city developed linearly along the traditional bazaar, which served as the backbone of social and economic life. Residential development is characterized by introversion: house facades are modest, while all beauty and life are concentrated in internal courtyards with gardens and pools, hidden from prying eyes and the scorching sun. The main building materials for centuries have been adobe and brick, which possess excellent thermal insulation properties.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

The architecture of Kerman is a chronicle of Persian building traditions, where each period has left its unique mark, from massive pre-Islamic structures to exquisite tiled facades of the late Middle Ages.

• Sassanid Style and Early Islamic Architecture (3rd–10th Centuries). Characterized by monumentality, thick walls, and the use of stone alongside brick. A striking example is Gonbad-e Jabaliye — a mysterious octagonal dome built of stone, which is atypical for an adobe region. This style reflects the power and fortification purpose of ancient structures.
• Azeri Style (Muzaffarid Period, 14th Century). During this time, architecture becomes more decorative and large-scale. The Congregational Mosque of Kerman (Jameh Mosque), with its majestic portal, high iwan, and intricate blue tile mosaics, demonstrates the transition to the refinement and attention to detail characteristic of this style.
• Isfahani Style (Safavid Period, 17th Century). The true "golden age" of Kerman urban planning. The style is distinguished by harmonious proportions, the creation of large public ensembles, and rich decoration. The Ganj Ali Khan complex is the benchmark of this period, combining the functionality of urban infrastructure (baths, caravanserais, mint) with high aesthetic splendor.
• Qajar Style (18th–19th Centuries). An era of eclecticism and the flourishing of countryside residences. During this period, old buildings were restored, and new garden-palaces were erected, such as the Fathabad garden. Architecture became more intimate, with abundant use of stained glass, mirror mosaics, and elements of European decor.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The appearance of Kerman is impossible to imagine without its key architectural landmarks, which have formed the city's unique atmosphere.

• Ganj Ali Khan Complex — The heart of the old city and a masterpiece of civil architecture. It is not just a collection of buildings, but a thoughtful urban ensemble around a rectangular square that has provided citizens with necessities for centuries.
• Grand Bazaar of Kerman — One of the longest covered markets in the country. Its endless vaulted galleries and domes ("charsu") not only protect merchants and shoppers from the heat but also create an impressive perspective stretching back into the depths of history.
• Ice Houses (Yakhchals) — Unique conical structures for storing ice in the desert. The Moayedi Yakhchal is a fine example of the engineering ingenuity of the past, harmoniously integrated into the urban landscape.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Kerman

The city of Kerman, one of Iran's historical hubs, has been the birthplace or home to many famous poets, politicians, scholars, and artists. Their contributions have left a noticeable mark on the culture and history not only of the region but of the entire country.

Figures of the Middle Ages and Early Modern Era

• Khwaju Kermani (1290–1352) — A famous Persian mystic poet of the 14th century. He traveled extensively, but his nisba "Kermani" indicates his origin. His work, permeated with Sufi ideas, influenced subsequent poets, including the great Hafez Shirazi.
• Aga Khan I (Hasan Ali Shah) (1800–1881) — The 46th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis and the first to receive the title of Aga Khan. Before his rise, he served as the governor of Kerman province, which was an important stage in his political career.
• Mirza Aqa Khan Kermani (1854–1896) — An Iranian writer, intellectual, and critic, one of the pioneers of Iranian nationalism and a proponent of constitutional ideas. He was a prominent figure in the intellectual circles of his time, advocating for modernization and reform.
• Mirza Reza Kermani (1854–1896) — An Iranian activist known for assassinating Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar in 1896. This act became one of the catalysts leading to the Constitutional Revolution in Iran.

Figures of the 20th and 21st Centuries

• Ali Akbar Sanati (1916–2006) — A distinguished Iranian realist painter and sculptor. Born in Kerman, he spent his childhood in a local orphanage, the founder of which gave him his surname. Two museums are named in his honor — in Kerman and Tehran, which is a unique case for an Iranian artist.
• Houshang Moradi Kermani (born 1944) — One of the most famous contemporary Iranian writers, author of works for children and young adults. His books, such as "You're No Stranger Here", have been translated into many languages and have received international recognition, including an honorary diploma from the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
• Mohammad-Javad Bahonar (1933–1981) — An Iranian political and religious figure who served as the Prime Minister of Iran in 1981. Born in Kerman, he was a prominent figure in the Islamic Revolution and served as the Minister of Education before his appointment as head of government.