Fahraj village
This ancient village is in the heart of the desert, on the Yazd-Kerman highway, 6 km southeast of the city of Yazd. Due to its being located in the desert, Fahraj has a hot and dry climate. It is said that the village used to be one of the primitive residential places for the Iranians and was named Pahreh in those days. A mountain called Chalteh is located northeast of the village. There is also an ancient castle, a cistern, and a 1400-year-old mosque in the village which add to its historical significance. Famous geographers like Estakhri, Ibn-e Howqal, Yaqout Hamavi, and Abul-Feda have mentioned the name of Fahraj village and its mosque. It is said that the mosque dates back to the first century Hijri. This mosque is constructed in a simple way and almost in the architectural style prevalent in the first few centuries of Hijri calendar. It consists of a courtyard, a Shabestan or chamber for the nightly prayers, a corridor, and minarets.
The Fahraj mosque is an adobe structure and its architecture is reminiscent of the Sassanid era. Stucco decoration on its eastern wall is another beauty of this mosque. The ceilings of the mosque are in form of a cradle. And this mosque is enlisted in Iran's List of National Heritage.
What have added to the special attractiveness of Fahraj are the ancient castle and the old cistern in it. In the days of yore, the castle used to function as a fort and shelter for the locals of the village during disasters and untoward incidents. The cistern was built in the past for keeping the water reservoir needed by the locals. By the way, water needed for agricultural activities in the mostly-desert region of Iran has been provided by use of underground canals that connected the wells.
Source: irib.ir
Other links:
Historical Monuments,Yazd
Religious Monuments
Culture & Art,Yazd
