Iran’s ‘land of caravanserais’ to be included in UNESCO world heritage

Caravanserais in the city of Miami, which is known as Iran’s land of caravanserais, are getting ready to be assessed by UNESCO for inclusion in the World Heritage list.

Miami city in Razavi Khorasan Province is known as the land of caravanserais due to the existence of 10 caravanserais with historical values.

The Caravanserais in Miami, including Jahanabad, Miandasht, Abbasabad, Sadrabad, Mohammadabad Silk Bridge and Nishgarab, show the historical importance of this city and the glory of Iranian architecture.

The city of Miami has four exemplar areas and seven villages targeted for tourism. The largest caravanserai complex in Iran is located in this city.

In the file submitted to UNESCO, there are 25 caravanserais, selected from hundreds of caravanserais from all over Iran.

Caravanserais are from unique examples of Iranian architecture that in each historical period and in different parts of Iran, significant examples have remained which can be considered as architectural masterpieces.

Caravanserais were usually a place that provided safety for Caravans and travelers against natural risks like rain, snow, storms, and floods, or danger of robbers on the roads. That’s why the structure of caravanserais is like a castle and good fortified.

However, they were not only a simple place for travelers to rest and keeping safe their belongings, also were a meeting point for travelers, merchants, scientists, and many other scholars who wanted to exchange knowledge and ideas, as well as discover new civilizations.

The most characteristic element of Persian caravanserai is the central courtyard. This design is very functional. The central court allows the best form of fortification and provides four rows of rooms around the yard. On the back of the rooms, there are four halls for animals and stores.

MM/FM