Karim Khan Citadel

The Karim Khan Citadel (Arg of Karim Khan) is an 18th-century citadel and former royal residence in central Shiraz, Iran, built by Karim Khan Zand around 1766 1767.

The complex is characterised by high mud-brick walls, stout corner towers and a central courtyard that originally housed reception rooms and residential quarters. It now contains museum displays and restored spaces accessible to visitors, and is one of Shiraz’s major historic landmarks.

Built as the seat of Karim Khan Zand, the citadel served administrative and residential functions for the Zand rulers. In later periods the structure was adapted to other uses, including as a jail, before conservation work began to preserve its historic fabric.

The citadel stands in the city centre of Shiraz, adjacent to old commercial areas and near the Vakil district, making it readily accessible from other central historic sites in the city.

• Construction date and purpose: Construction began under Karim Khan Zand in 1766 and the citadel functioned as a royal residence and administrative centre for the Zand dynasty.
• Later uses and restoration: The building later served other functions, including use as a prison, and has been the subject of restoration to conserve its mud-brick fabric and to house museum displays.

What to See #

• Outer walls and towers: The massive mud-brick outer walls and four corner towers form the most recognisable part of the citadel and frame views into the central courtyard.
• Palace, courtyard and museum rooms: The central residential courtyard and surrounding rooms include restored reception areas and small exhibition rooms showing artifacts and historical displays.