Širkūh Fortification
A source-led research node for Širkūh, component 1770-006 of the UNESCO World Heritage property Alamūt Castle and Related Fortifications.
Official component data
Sixth component of the serial property
UNESCO lists Širkūh among the six fortifications associated with Alamut Castle. The seven components are strategically distributed across the Alamut Valley and together form a coordinated defensive system. [HSKRC-SRC-0009] [HSKRC-SRC-0010]
A ruined component within a connected mountain system
ICOMOS treats Širkūh as one of seven archaeological component sites that together form a visually and structurally connected fortified system in the Alborz Mountains. Across the serial property, surviving remains include defensive walls, rock-cut features and systems connected with water and food supply. HSKRC does not automatically attribute every network-wide feature to Širkūh unless component-level documentation confirms it. [HSKRC-SRC-0012]
A sensitive and difficult-to-access site
Visitor access
The ICOMOS evaluation identifies Širkūh, together with Navizaršāh and Ilān, as presenting significant physical and logistical challenges for general visitors. It recommends carefully managed access, safety measures and alternative interpretation where direct visitation is unsuitable. [HSKRC-SRC-0012]
Conservation framework
The World Heritage Committee calls for research-based conservation, preventive monitoring, management of fragile areas and risk preparedness across the serial property, including attention to erosion, landslides, seismic vulnerability and water management. [HSKRC-SRC-0010]
Širkūh in the Alamut defensive network
UNESCO places Širkūh within the fortified network centred on Alamut, which from the late eleventh century served the Nezāri Ismaʿili community as a political, military and intellectual centre as well as a refuge and cultural hub. The official material used for this page establishes Širkūh's membership in that network, but does not by itself justify a precise construction date, named founder or specialised individual function for the fortification. [HSKRC-SRC-0009]
Continue through HSKRC
Traceable evidence
View registry record →
View registry record →
View registry record →