Rashti Caravanserai

The Rashti Caravanserai of Aqda is one of the most valuable historic buildings in the town of Aqda, in Ardakan County, Yazd Province. It stands at the entrance to the town, beside the main road. The caravanserai was built during the Qajar period by Haj Abolqasem Rashti, a well-known Yazdi merchant of that era. Although it belongs to the Qajar period, its design and construction were inspired by the model of Safavid-era caravanserais, especially the Shah Abbasi caravanserais. The building is attributed to the year 1262 AH (lunar Hijri). Its location on the region's important transport routes meant that Aqda was once of special importance for travellers and trade caravans. The Rashti Caravanserai was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 9 Farvardin 1378 under registration number 2298, and today it is regarded as one of the most prominent historic attractions of Aqda and Ardakan County.

Among the most important features of the Rashti Caravanserai are its brick architecture and its beautiful two-story wind tower (badgir), which gives the facade a distinctive look and suits the hot, dry climate of the Yazd region. On each side of the building, seven symmetrical sofeh (raised platforms/porticoes) have been built. The middle one is larger and serves as the shahneshin (the principal alcove). The other sofehs lead into rooms, and behind these rooms lie the corridors leading to the stables. Four entrances are also designed symmetrically at the four corners of the building. Opposite the caravanserai, on the other side of the road, stands a brick water reservoir (ab-anbar), above whose entrance two sofehs were built for passers-by to rest. Together, the caravanserai, the water reservoir and the Aqda post house (chaparkhaneh) give a picture of the service structure of the region's historic routes. On 26 Shahrivar 1402, during the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, this caravanserai was also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with 53 other historic Iranian caravanserais, under the "Persian Caravanserai" property. This has further raised its standing among Iran's historic monuments.

To visit the Rashti Caravanserai, travel to the town of Aqda in Ardakan County, Yazd Province, and look for the building at the town's entrance, beside the main road into Aqda. Because the caravanserai lies on the region's transport route, it is easily reached by the main road, and visitors can also see the water reservoir opposite the caravanserai and the Aqda post house at the same time. Given the region's hot, dry climate, autumn, winter and early spring are the best seasons to visit this historic complex. On hot days of the year, it is better to visit during the cooler hours of the day. While inside the building, avoid damaging the bricks, the wind tower, the walls and other architectural elements. When exploring the surrounding area, help preserve the historic fabric and the environment by keeping it clean and not leaving any litter behind.