Fortification Node · HSKRC

Ilān Fortification

A source-led research node for Ilān, component 1770-007 of the UNESCO World Heritage property Alamūt Castle and Related Fortifications.

1770-007Qazvin ProvinceWorld Heritage · 2026
Verified Profile

Official component data

Seventh component of the serial property

UNESCO identifies Ilān as one of the six fortifications associated with Alamut Castle. Together, Alamut and the six related fortifications form the seven-component serial World Heritage property. [HSKRC-SRC-0009] [HSKRC-SRC-0010]

UNESCO component ID1770-007
Property area23.93 ha
Buffer zone541.04 ha
Centre point36°25′26.23″N · 50°39′05.62″E
Network Context

Ilān within the Alamut fortified landscape

The seven components are distributed through the mountainous Alamut landscape and are understood as a coordinated defensive network. UNESCO's inscription recognises the ensemble, rather than treating each fortification as an isolated monument. [HSKRC-SRC-0010]

Archaeology & Conservation

Evidence preserved within a difficult mountain setting

Serial-property evidence

ICOMOS discusses the property as an archaeological fortified system whose surviving evidence includes defensive structures, rock-cut features and infrastructure associated with water and food supply. These observations describe the serial property as a whole; HSKRC does not assign every such feature specifically to Ilān without component-level evidence. [HSKRC-SRC-0012]

Access challenges

The ICOMOS evaluation identifies Ilān, Širkūh and Navizaršāh as components presenting significant physical and logistical challenges for general visitors. This makes controlled access, safety and non-invasive interpretation especially relevant to heritage management. [HSKRC-SRC-0012]

Historical Context

Part of the Nizari Alamut network

The World Heritage property represents the Nezāri Ismaʿili cultural tradition centred on Alamut in the Alborz Mountains. UNESCO's Statement of Outstanding Universal Value links the fortified network with defence, administration, scholarship and community life between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. [HSKRC-SRC-0010]

Research boundary: the official sources used here do not establish a precise construction date, named founder, tower count or unique specialised function for Ilān.
World Heritage

The final component in HSKRC's seven-site map

Alamūt Castle and Related Fortifications was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2026 under criterion (iii). Ilān's significance in this framework comes from its documented membership in the seven-component ensemble and the relationships that give the wider fortified landscape its heritage value. [HSKRC-SRC-0010]

Sources

Traceable research base

HSKRC-SRC-0009 — UNESCO World Heritage property record
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HSKRC-SRC-0010 — UNESCO Decision 48 COM 8B.18
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HSKRC-SRC-0012 — ICOMOS Evaluation, 2026
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