Amir Chakhmaq complex

A combination of architecture and history with colorful tiles such as Mosaic tiles, Girih tiles, and Muqarnas surrounded by the stable adobe-brick structure in the middle of a desert, amazes everyone to a fabulous experience.

Yazd is an adobe-brick city with a warm dry climate that is located in central Iran’s plateau. The architecture of Yazd is a magnificent symbol of Iranian architecture (Islamic architecture). Moreover, architectural elements such as Badgir, Qanat (deep well) has created more comfortable space for living in the heart of the desert.

Amir Chakhmaq is a historical complex in the center of Yazd city which is surrounded by various building with special architecture style, such as Amir chakhmagh mosque (Jame-No), Ab-Anbar, Tekye, tomb, and Bazaar. You can enjoy sightseeing and shopping at the same time. Amir Chakhmaq Square was constructed in Timurid era by Amir Jalal Addin Chakhmaq.

• Amir Chakhmaq Mosque (Jame-No)
   

The Amir Chakhmakh Mosque is the oldest building in this square which was built in the Azari style of Islamic architecture. Amir Chakhmaq Mosque located on the south side of the square. It has two entrances, one of them is from the adjacent alley and the other one is from the courtyard of Seti Fatima's Tomb; thus, there is a common courtyard between the tomb and the mosque.

1. You can see Hashti (a kind of corridor in Islamic architecture) with brick covering and mosaic tiles at the entrance of the alley. The ceiling of the mosque was formed like the vault. Also, there is a Badgir or wind-catcher (an architectural element) on the southwest side and overlook the alley. (they use Badgir or wind-catchers in order to cool down space). In the northern corridor, there is an elegant lattice with mosaic tiles that were installed in the windows.
2. On the top of this beautiful mosque, there is a Nari discrete two shell dome, which is covered with green tile.
3. An Iwan (the entrance structure of traditional places) with mosaic tiles has created an eye-catching view in Amir chakhmaq mosque. it also has two winter and summer shabestan (a prayer hall like a chamber that can be usually found in traditional places). there is a marvelous Badgir (wind-catcher) above the Mihrab in the summer part; The winter Shabestan which is located on the sides of the entrance corridor, provide its lighting by Marble.

• Haji Ghanbar Bazaar

Bazar (A traditional shopping center), forms economic base of the city. The Bazar of Yazd city was divided into two parts during the Pahlavi era, and also some part of that had been destroyed. The oldest part of the Yazd Bazaar is the Haji Qanbar (9th century AH), which is located on the eastern side of Amir Chakhmaq complex. Nowadays, just the northern part of the bazaar is active and dynamic. you can purchase textile, local cookies of Yazd, Jewelry, and carpet.On the head of the Bazaar, a tall marvelous structure was created with Moaghla mosaic (A kind of tile in which mosaic tiles with very small dimensions are placed together), similar to husseiniyehs of Yazd city.

• Amir Chakhmaq Tekyeh

Amir chakhmaq Tekyeh is a two-story brick building with two high minarets where the kings has gathered to watch the mourning with their wives.

• Amir Chakhmaq Nakhl (palm)

There is a big symbolic wooden element beside the Amir Chakhmaq Tekyey, which is used in religious ceremony. This element refers to the Safavi era which is made of carved wood with Girih tiles and big beams. It is also, similar to Cedar (symbol of liberality). 

• Amir Chakhmaq Ab-Anbar

You can see tow Ab-Anbar around the square.

1. Five Badgir Ab-Anbar: it located on the northern side of square in Sheykh Asadollah alley and also has five Badgir (wind-catcher) and a tank with a brick dome.
2. Haji Ghanbar Ab-Anbar: it is a part of Water museum and located between Tekyeh and Bazaar. One of the bold features that made it special is being all within the ground.

• Seti fateme tomb

A tomb which contains a room and a dome with green mosaic tiles, located on the northern side of the Amir Chakhmaq square. According to the culture and region of people in Yazd city, some changes have created in Amir Chakhmaq complex during the time.

• What is the best time to go?
   

According to the Yazd climate, it has hot Summer and very cold Winter, the best season to visit is Spring and Fall. Remember to observe this complex at sunset, when the sun sheds a perfect contrast in its façade. You can visit Amir Chakhmaq complex every time during day.

• Getting there:
   

Amir Chakhmaq square located in center of the Yazd city. It is available by public transportation, bus of Quran gate terminal -shohadaye Mehrab terminal or Be’sat intersection-Rahahan.