Furg Citadel: A Must-See Historical Fortress in Iran

Perched 1,840 meters above sea level on the heights of Darmian Valley and the foothills of Momenabad Mountain, Furg Citadel overlooks the expansive Asadieh Plain.

Furg Village lies about 107 kilometers southeast of Birjand, spreading across the mountain foothills and encircling the citadel itself. As the second most important Ismaili military base after Alamut, Furg Citadel is one of ten grand and invaluable citadels of Iran, officially registered as a national heritage site.

Historical records suggest that the citadel was constructed during the reign of Nader Shah Afshar by Mirza Bagha Khan, the ruler of Darmian and Furg, though some evidence hints that it may predate the Afshar dynasty. After Mirza Bagha, his son, Mirza Rafi’ Khan, completed the construction.

Inside the citadel, the only inscription found on the Sarooj mortar of the Ab Anbar mentions 1181 SH, referring to restoration—not renovation—by Master Abu Saeed Jaziki during the early Qajar period. During this restoration, the battlements and eight circular towers were repaired and expanded. Architectural remnants suggest that Furg Citadel has been restored multiple times, with the final major restoration occurring during the Afshar dynasty.

The eastern entrance gate is located at the lowest point of the citadel. This section housed guard towers, animal feed storage, servants’ quarters, stables, and the Ab Anbar. On the northwest side, a brick tower adorned with Chalipa motifs, known locally as the Dovecote Tower, stands prominently. Further uphill, a secondary structure served as weapon storage, barracks, and a mosque.

At the westernmost and highest point, the royal residence, Kohandej, dominates the citadel. Surrounded by a thick wall, Kohandej includes two guard towers, eight circular towers, vestibules, corridors, storages, stables, and additional guard posts. Originally two stories high, the upper floor has been lost over time. A tunnel within Kohandej functioned both as a secret passage during sieges and a water collection system.

Furg Citadel remains a striking example of Iran’s military architecture, blending strategic design with the natural mountainous landscape, inviting travelers to step back into a storied past.