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مهدی خبره دست CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Amir Chakhmaq Complex

Plaza

Prominent square and mosque complex in Yazd centred on a multi-level arcade, mosque, caravanserai and bathhouse. Visitors come for mud-brick architecture, evening illumination and access to the old bazaar.

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Amir Chakhmaq Complex essentials

Address: Emam Khomeyni Square (Amir Chakhmaq Square), Yazd, Iran
Hours: Public square - open 24 hours; surrounding shops and museums vary (typically 9:00am-6:00pm)
Admission: Free (public square)
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About Amir Chakhmaq Complex

The Amir Chakhmaq Complex is a 15th-century civic and religious ensemble in the centre of Yazd, Iran, built under the patronage of the Timurid-era governor Amir Jalal al-Din Chakhmaq. The complex is noted for its monumental three-tiered arcade and large public square.

The complex was commissioned in the 15th century by Amir Jalal al-Din Chakhmaq as a combined religious, civic and commercial centre for Yazd. Over subsequent centuries the complex has been repaired and modified, with the mosque, tekyeh and ancillary structures altered or restored at different times to maintain their use for worship and public ceremonies.

The complex sits in central Yazd, within the city’s historic quarter, a short walk from the Jameh Mosque and the old bazaar. Yazd is in central Iran; the site functions as a focal point of the city’s pedestrian circulation and historic fabric.

  • Best time to visit: The façade and square are most striking after dusk when the arcade and alcoves are floodlit, creating a popular evening viewpoint.
  • Proximity: Located within Yazd’s historic urban fabric close to the Jameh Mosque and the city’s traditional bazaar, making it easy to combine with other heritage sites.

What to See#

  • Amir Chakhmaq Square: A large rectangular plaza fronted by the complex’s monumental three-tiered façade with rows of recessed alcoves and arches; the square is the focal point for processions and public gatherings.
  • Amir Chakhmaq Mosque: A mosque built as part of the complex during the same campaign as the façade; the building follows Persian mosque plans and forms the religious core of the site.
  • Tekyeh, caravanserai and bath: A ceremonial mourning hall (tekyeh) and associated caravanserai and bath buildings that formed the civic and religious ensemble around the square; some elements have been restored or rebuilt in later periods.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Amir Chakhmaq Complex

Yazd is desert-hot in summer; spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for spending time in the open square and exploring the old city.

Spring
March-May · 10-28°C
Comfortable days and clear skies for wandering Yazd's mud-brick streets.
Autumn
September-November · 15-30°C
Milder temperatures and lively street life in the evenings.

Weather & Climate near Amir Chakhmaq Complex

Climate

Amir Chakhmaq Complex's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 39°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 102 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 0° - 12° 4° 22 mm mostly sunny 49% 2.0 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.2h
February Very Good 2° - 15° 8° 17 mm some cloud 44% 2.2 m/s 1.0 high 10.9h
March Very Good 7° - 20° 14° 23 mm some cloud 35% 2.7 m/s 1.5 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 13° - 26° 19° 11 mm some cloud 33% 3.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.8h
May Ideal 18° - 32° 25° 7 mm mostly sunny 25% 3.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.6h
June Ideal 23° - 38° 30° 1 mm clear 17% 3.0 m/s 2.9 extreme 14.0h
July Ideal 25° - 39° 32° 1 mm clear 16% 3.1 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.8h
August Ideal 23° - 38° 30° 1 mm clear 16% 2.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 18° - 34° 26° 0 mm clear 18% 2.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 12° - 27° 20° 4 mm clear 27% 1.9 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
November Excellent 5° - 20° 13° 6 mm mostly sunny 40% 1.5 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.4h
December Very Good 1° - 14° 7° 20 mm mostly sunny 48% 1.5 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Amir Chakhmaq Complex

The Amir Chakhmaq Complex sits in central Yazd at Emam Khomeyni Square (often called Amir Chakhmaq Square). It’s a short walk from Yazd’s Old City quarter and from the historic bazaar; most visitors reach it on foot after arriving in Yazd by bus or car.

Tips for Visiting Amir Chakhmaq Complex

  • Visit at dusk when the wash of lamps across the arcade brings the façade alive; winter evenings bring the occasional illumination of the ashrafi ritual.
  • Allow time to wander the surrounding bazaars - the complex sits at the heart of Yazd's old city and connects directly to narrow alleys of crafts and confectionery.
  • The complex includes a tekyeh and small museums - modest donations help local conservation.