# Jalali Castle

- **Country:** Iran
- **Coordinates:** 33.972778, 51.440556
- **Location Text:** Kashan

Jalali Castle stands as a historic fortress in Kashan, Iran, originally constructed in the 11th century during the Seljuk era under the orders of Sultan Malik-Shah I. Built by Majd ed-Din Abolghassem Kashani, the structure utilized traditional materials including cob, mudbrick, and brick to create formidable defenses. Historically, the castle was part of a larger protective system that included city walls and a moat, designed to safeguard the local population from invading forces. Its architectural strength was proven during multiple sieges in the 12th century by Seljuk and Khwarazmid commanders, where despite severe damage from mangonels and fire pots, the fortifications held firm and were subsequently repaired to maintain their impregnability.

The site holds significant historical importance due to its complex role during the Safavid dynasty. Although Shah Ismail I initially ordered its destruction because it had become a haven for outlaws, the command was never executed, and the castle was instead reinforced with walls measuring four meters thick and six meters high. Later, the rebel Mohammad Khan Torkaman exploited this strength, using the castle as a base to terrorize the region for twelve years until he was defeated by Shah Abbas I. Following the restoration of peace, the inner structures were gradually dismantled, leaving only the massive outer walls, towers, and ice houses known as yakhchals. Today, Jalali Castle exists as ruins, serving as a lasting testament to the military architecture and turbulent history of central Iran.

![Photo of Jalali Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/%D9%82%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%87_%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C_2.png)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalali_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)