The houses of the historical fortress of Jandaq: Architectural Characteristics and Dating

Located on the southern margin of the Dasht-e Kavir desert, the historical city of Jandaq has long served as a significant settlement. During the Qajar period, Jandaq Fortress encompassed approximately one hundred houses of varying sizes, housing the entire population within its walls. The historical fabric of the fortress is characterized by a dense and interconnected ensemble of affluent residences, the Jāmeh Mosque, a public bathhouse, covered passageways (Sābāts), and a labyrinthine network of alleys. The architecture of the fortress and its houses vividly reflects efforts to ensure comfort, security, and resilience against the harsh desert climate and potential external threats. Jandagh Fortress remains inhabited today, with 23 local households residing. Several of the historic houses have been repurposed as ecolodges, while others stand abandoned or partially ruined.

This article presents architectural documentation, describes the components and their functions, and analyzes the spatial relationships of prominent houses within the Jandagh Fortress

including the residences of the Yaghmā, Safāyi, Heshmat, Kāfi, Bitaraf, and Mirzā Abdolkarim residences.

Additionally, the article provides an analysis of key architectural elements, including entranceways and bahārband, eywāns, bādgirs, winter quarters, and kitchens (matbax)

Through a critical examination of historical records, written sources, and comparative analysis with similar structures in Yazd and Meybod—regions sharing geographic and socio-political characteristics with Jandaq—this research offers deeper insights into the architectural legacy of the fortress. Based on the surviving architectural evidence and comparative studies, the tradition of settlement within Jandaq Fortress can be traced back to the 8th century AH (14th century CE), during the Muzaffarid dynasty, though various additions, alterations, functional changes, and periods of abandonment have shaped its present form.