Peyghām Castle

Peyghām Castle is an impressive historical monument in East Azerbaijan Province, within Kaleybar County. It stands on top of a high mountain overlooking the village of Peyghām, about ten kilometres south of Kaleybar. Built on a natural precipice, this ancient fortress commands wide views over the region's valleys and routes of communication, and it enjoyed an excellent military and defensive position. It was built mainly from rubble stone and other local materials, and historical evidence dates its origins to the pre-Islamic era, particularly the Parthian and Sasanian periods. Thanks to its strategic position and its line of sight to the other castles and fortresses around it, Peyghām Castle was considered one of the most important military strongholds of the Arasbaran region throughout history.

One of the most distinctive features of Peyghām Castle is its clever use of the mountain's natural structure to create a strong defensive system. By making use of cliffs, rock platforms and natural outcrops, the builders created conditions in which breaking into the castle was almost impossible. Its architecture includes stone towers and ramparts built from local rubble stone, and pottery fragments discovered in the surrounding area testify to its great age and to continuous habitation. In the past the fortress served as a military communication centre, and it is said that messages were passed to neighbouring castles by lighting fires on its towers; this is why it was given the name "Peyghām" (meaning "message"). In addition, natural water sources and a favourable climate made it possible for military forces to be stationed and to live temporarily in this mountain castle.

To reach Peyghām Castle, head from the town of Kaleybar towards the village of Peyghām. The route to the castle runs along mountain roads and side roads, and at the end you cover part of the way on foot to reach the summit on which this historic fortress stands. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather in the area is milder and the natural scenery and vegetation of the Peyghām valley are at their most beautiful. At this time of year, the lush green pastures and the view of the surrounding mountains add a special charm to the setting. For responsible nature travel, we recommend that you avoid damaging the historical remains and the ancient stone carvings, leave no litter along the way, stay on the marked paths, and, by respecting nature and cultural heritage, help preserve this valuable relic of Azerbaijan's history.