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Address:
Khayam
Sq., Imam Ave., Neishabour, Iran
Complex Phone: +98-551-22039
Museum Phone: +98-551-40907
Caravanserais
in Iran are very ancient. According to the historical resources,
Achamenid dynasty established the first foundations of caravansary is
in Iran. In Sassanid era, and then, because of the development of
connective roads as well as ever-increasing economical activities, in
addition to military factors, they were considerably increased in
numbers. Their qualities in construction also were developed. The
highest point of their evolution could be considered in period of
Safavid dynasty.
This
caravansary was built outside the city gate (Meshed Gate) in Safavid
period. The structure is four-porch building in square form, with
dimensions of 68x69 meters. Building has a central yard surrounded
by 24 chambers. Entrance is via Northern portico, which has a
multi-lateral narthex. Behind the chambers, there are stables, which
were used in that time to keep horses and domestic animals. There were
also platforms where passengers used to put their luggage and
properties. Materials applied in caravansary building are bricks
filled with plaster and sand mixture as well as stone applied in
foundation.
This
caravansary was used as a place to dwell and keep orphans and pour
people in the late Qajar and early Pahlavi eras. Then it was used as a
garrison for gendarmerie troops for a while. It was until 1995 when,
synchronized with holding International Congress of Attar, it was
reconstructed as a cultural center.
The
main purpose to revive caravansary, was to support handicrafts and
maintain traditional and native art. At the present time, Eastern side
of the caravansary is devoted to Neishabour region, which is a kind of
regional and native museum.
In
new application of caravansary, all chambers and narthexes around the
central yard, are used as workshops to produce handicrafts such as Giveh (light cotton summer shoes), wickerwork, weaving carpet, making
sieves, xylographic and grating on wood, tile painting, pottery,
filleting miniatures, making traditionally fashion clothes, grinding
turquoise, selling publications, making traditional music instruments,
traditional photography shop, pottery repair workshop, designing and
sample-making of archaic pottery, and etching.
The
western side is also used as an amphitheatre, a permanent exhibition
for traditional artistic works, and training workshops. In southeast
narthex, a high school has been established to train students the
skills of pottery, tiling and ceramics in the field of labor-knowledge
(cultural heritage) with cooperation of Ministry of Education.
Students receive diploma certificate in arts after the termination of
their secondary school course.
Some
other caravansaries are located on the Silk-Road, near Neishabour as
well. The most important of them are Shouriab Carvansary, situated 50
km South-west of Neishabour, in Shouriab village. Dating back to Qajar
period, it is one of the most handsome and resplendent caravansaries.
Other caravansaries are Chahsalar, South of the city, Qadamgah and
Vazir Castle, on the road to Meshed. Each of them enjoys special
important.
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