Meybod Town, situated in the northeast of Yazd, is a must-visit destination in Iran. With a rich history spanning 7000 years and impressive architecture, Meybod Town boasts fascinating attractions. As the second most populous city in Yazd province, Meybod is a testament to Iran's ancient culture and heritage. The town enjoys a warm and dry climate with long summers, making it an ideal destination to explore in the fall, winter and spring. Don't miss the chance to explore this historical gem on your next trip to Iran.
The history of Meybod Town in Iran
According to legends and mythical stories, Meybod Town and the ancient Naryn Ghale were said to have been inhabited by Solomon, the legendary prophet. With a history spanning 7000 years, Meybod holds a significant place as one of the main sedentism centers in the Iranian plateau throughout history. The existence of coins from the Sassanid Era in Meybod Town serves as evidence of its importance during that time. During the reign of the Muzaffarid dynasty, Meybod Town served as the capital of Iran, further solidifying its significance in Iranian history. Additionally, this town played a crucial role during the Safavid Era, serving as a hub for Persian poets and intellectuals. Meybod Town's historical prominence is not only limited to its association with legendary figures and dynasties but also extends to its architectural wonders. The city boasts impressive structures such as Naryn Ghale, an ancient fortress that has stood for centuries, bearing witness to Meybod's rich past. Furthermore, Meybod Town is renowned for its traditional crafts and industries. The town is famous for its production of high-quality ceramics, textiles, and carpets. These crafts have been passed down through generations and continue to contribute to Meybod's cultural heritage.
In conclusion, Meybod's historical significance can be traced back thousands of years. From being associated with legendary figures like Solomon to serving as a capital city and fostering intellectual pursuits during different dynasties, Meybod Town has played a vital role in shaping Iranian history. Its architectural marvels and traditional crafts further add to its allure as a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring Iran's rich cultural heritage.
Naryn Castle, Meybod - Iran
Naryn Castle (Narin Ghale) of Meybod Town
The Naryn Ghale is not only the most significant attraction in Meybod Town but also one of the oldest adobe constructions in the history of the world’s architecture. The castle is related to the Sassanid era, however discovering pieces of pottery or coins prove that the castle is more than 5000 years old. With five fences and gates, this construction is so strong that was an impenetrable and safe castle where people sheltered at times of war. The Naryn Ghale was a residential castle until the early Islamic era and then it got abandoned. The castle was renovated during different eras, and is located on the highest hill of the Meybod town and offers a scenic view over the town. This castle includes a 15000 meters square area with four circular towers and fortifications, an entrance gate, a deep ditch that was dug around the fortress for security, and the residential area including remains of a mosque bathhouse, and alleys, and a spiral-shaped space known as governor’s palace. One of the interesting things about the architecture of the Naryn Castle is the underground network of canals which was designed and carved for transferring food and goods to the castle when people were sheltered from enemies.
Meybod - Yazd, Iran
Handicrafts of Meybod Town
Meybod Town is also known as the city of pottery and Ziloo carpets. Visitors to Meybod Town can purchase these handicrafts directly from the artisans or from local markets. Owning a piece of Meybod's rich cultural heritage is a wonderful way to remember your trip to this fascinating Traditional town.
Pottery in Meybod - Yazd, Iran
Meybod potteries
Pottery is the popular handicraft in Meybod Town. The town's red clay soil is perfect for making pottery, and visitors can watch as skilled potters shape the clay into beautiful bowls, plates, and vases. The traditional designs and techniques used in Meybod's pottery have been passed down through generations, making it a unique and valuable art form. It is more than a thousand years since the art of pottery is practiced in Meybod. There are many traditional pottery workshops in this city where they create eye-catching potteries. Potteries of Meybod Town are characterized by their special patterns like Khorshid Khanom (illustrating the sun as a lady), Morghak (tiny bird), and simple geometrical patterns. The Pottery Museum of Meybod, which is inside a historical water reservoir related to the Qajar Dynasty exhibits a collection of 100 historical pottery pieces, the oldest of which is a pot dating back to the Medes era, discovered in Meybod.
Traditional pottery workshop - Meybod, Iran
Ziloo carpets
Ziloo carpets are one of the most famous handicrafts of Meybod Town. The art of Ziloo weaving has been practiced in the town for centuries, and the intricate designs and patterns on the Ziloo rugs are a testament to the skill and creativity of Meybod's artisans. Visitors to Meybod Town can witness the process of Ziloo weaving at the town's workshops and exhibitions. These workshops offer a glimpse into the traditional techniques used by the skilled weavers to create these beautiful rugs. These traditional exhibitions showcase the stunning finished products, which range from small rugs to large carpets. The Ziloo carpets of Meybod are known for their unique designs and vibrant colors. The cotton strings Applied in Ziloo carpets are dyed with local plants like pomegranate peel. Each rug is a work of art, with intricate patterns and motifs that reflect the town's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can purchase these beautiful rugs directly from the weavers or from local markets. Owning a Ziloo carpet from Meybod Town is not only a way to remember your trip to this fascinating town, but it is also a way to support the local artisans who have been practicing this art form for generations. These carpets are a true representation of Meybod's rich cultural heritage, and they make for a beautiful and meaningful addition to any home.
Ziloo weaving workshop - Meybod, Iran
The caravanserais in Meybod Town
In the Meybod Town, there are numerous remnants of caravanserais that hold great historical significance, particularly those associated with the Safavid Dynasty. Among these, the caravanserai commissioned by Shah Abbas stands out as the most remarkably preserved structure. This architectural marvel encompasses a sprawling courtyard encircled by compact chambers, with a striking octagonal edifice positioned at its heart. Constructed under the direct command of Shah Abbas, this caravanserai served as a vital hub for trade and commerce during its heyday. Its well-preserved state offers a glimpse into the grandeur and functionality of such establishments in ancient times. The courtyard's vast expanse provided ample space for merchants and travelers to rest, conduct business transactions, and seek refuge from the arduous journeys they undertook. The small rooms surrounding the courtyard were designed to accommodate weary travelers and their animals, offering them respite from their arduous travels. Meanwhile, the central octagonal structure served as a focal point for gatherings and social interactions within this bustling commercial hub. These remnants of historical caravanserais in Meybod Town serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess of the Safavid Dynasty. They offer visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant history of trade routes and cross-cultural exchanges that once thrived within these walls.
Meybod Caravanserai
Icehouse in Meybod Town
Meybod Town is also home to an ancient icehouse, known as a yakhchal. This unique structure was built over 2,000 years ago and was used to store ice during the hot summer months. The ice was harvested from nearby mountains and transported to the yakhchal, where it was packed in layers of straw and mud to keep it frozen. The thick walls and ingenious design of the yakhchal ensured that the ice remained frozen for months on end, providing a valuable resource for the people of Meybod. Today, visitors can explore this remarkable structure and learn about the fascinating history of ice storage in Iran. The Meybod icehouse is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient civilizations and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the town.
Meybod Icehouse
Kabootar Khaneh (Dovecote) in Meybod Town
Kabootar Khaneh is a unique structure found in Meybod Town in Iran. It translates to "pigeon house" and was built over 500 years ago. The building is made of adobe and has small holes in its walls that served as nesting places for pigeons. The pigeons were kept for their droppings, which were used as fertilizer for crops. The Kabootar Khaneh is an important part of Meybod's agricultural history and is still used by farmers today. Visitors can explore the interior of the building and learn about the role of pigeons in traditional Iranian agriculture. The Kabootar Khaneh is a fascinating example of the innovative techniques used by ancient civilizations to improve their farming practices.
Kabootar Khaneh - Meybod, Iran
Book a tour with PackToIran team and visit the fascinating Meybod Town in Iran:
Meybod, Kharanagh and ChakChak Tour
