Birjand Castle (قلعه بیرجند) is a castle in South Khorasan province and is one of the attractions of Birjand County. The castle was constructed from clay and mud bricks during the Safavid era and fully restored by the Qajars. It covers an area of 3,000 square meters. The castle is located on a mountain range and was not residential but rather was utilized for military purposes, specifically security and relaying pertinent information to relevant parties. Some sources indicate that Birjand Castle was the first seed of civilization of its surrounding area. Its current location is on Jomhoori Street past Imam Hossein Square.
According to available evidence, the castle was linked to the city’s major hubs by underground tunnels such as Baharestan Citadel, Kolah Farangi Citadel and Ghasabeh Qanat. The underground tunnels enabled civilians to access the castle during enemy attacks, particularly Turkmans and Uzbeks. As the castle contained a number of water reservoirs and food storage areas, it enabled people to stay within the castle perimeter for an extended time. Other than the tunnels, the castle can be accessed via two gates, one its northern side and one on the western side.
The castle originally had seven towers although currently only six of them are still standing with four of them standing as two-storied cylindrical structures at each corner of the castle. These four towers functioned as a security measure against attackers as they each had openings intended for surveillance and shooting. The remaining two towers are on the eastern and western walls. Even today the view from the towers portrays the old layout of the homes and city in general. Around the perimeter of the walls is a ledge that enables one to walk around the castle at an elevated height and which connects the towers.
The castle is also the final resting place of a number of locals including Seyed Sadegh Namadmal. While his tombstone was previously part of the castle and visited by people paying their respects, however, eventually it was gifted to Imam Sajjad Mosque.
Renovations to the Birjand Castle began in 1999 although its surrounding area remains untouched and affected by poverty. In its current state the castle now has functioning electricity, gas and running water. Around the outer perimeter of the courtyard chambers and gazebos have been constructed to afford tourists privacy during their visit as they enjoy meals and/or relaxation. During the Norooz holiday an oversized haft sin is arranged in the castle’s courtyard as Khorasani music is played over speakers.
