the vivid example of a fortified town, the city is believed to date back to the Sassanid era, but most of what is remained from it belong to Safavid time. the city has witnessed the reign of several dynasties, it was occupied by Arabs in the 7th century. It is the city that the last Zand ruler sought refuge in, only to be handed to the hid enemy. Bam was a center of the textile business, attracting merchants from all around Iran. it was one of the most thriving cities in Iran.
The city follows the tradition of Islamic cities, with added features of castles where defense is of utmost importance. The citadel where the governor resides and official matters take place is located at the center with a view of the whole city. Fortress, palaces, barracks, stable, and water well are all part of the citadel. The Arg is surrounded by the commoner’s residential area that includes, entrance gates, streets, castle entrances, 400 houses, and public places such as school, mosque, sports center, Bazar, and so on. it is evident that everything in this city was placed and made with a previously arranged plan, considering possibilities of growth. The houses differ in size, the smaller houses with 3 or 4 rooms belong to the middle class, and the palace-like, luxurious houses were probably were merchants and the wealthy family lived.
