Iran’s first circular city
Darabgard historical city, considered as one of the oldest cities of Iran and the world, is the first capital of Sassanian Empire. It is more than 2500- year old and its history can be traced to Achaemenid era.
Darabgard, also called Darabjard in the past, is located 6 km south of current Darab city and at the side of Darab–Shiraz new road.
Darabgard is the name of one of the 5 cities of Pars Satrapy in ancient Iran. The wall around the city has survived and some remains of buildings such as the palace and castle of the ruler of the city are still seen on the top of the central summit.
According to some historical reports, the construction of the Darabgard City was attributed to Darab, son of Bahman, son of Esfandiar Kiani.
Due to those days security conditions and the importance of the city, Darabgard was built in a circular shape in the midst of vast and fertile Darab plain. Hence it is considered among the first circular cities in Iranian plateau. Darabgard circular plan and design was adapted from West Asian urban planning principles.
The salt dome of Darabgard/Darabjard protrudes in the middle of green and vast plain of Darab. This salty mount is the center of Darabgard ancient city that is encompassed by a circular wall. This rare ancient tourism-geological complex is one of the attractions of the Fars province.
The salty dome on geological map exhibits itself like a red circle (special color of Hormuz sediments series) amidst sediments of current era ( white color) and on aerial photos and satellite images is like a bulgy hill trapped in the center of a vast circle.
In order to protect the security of the city, a mud wall was built around the city which is ten meters high, seven meters wide and six kilometers long.
By Rahimeh Zargar
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Lakes and Wetlands, Fars
Altitudes and Gorges, Fars
Gardens and Recreation Places, Fars
