Arg of Tabriz

The Arg of Tabriz (Persian: ارگ تبريز, romanized: Arg-e Tabriz), and also known as the Arg-e Alishah, the Arch of Alishah, the Arg Citadel, and Masjid Ali-Shāh, is the remnants of a large acropolis fortification (whence the metathetic name ark or arg plus polis), city wall and mosque, located in downtown Tabriz, in the province of East Azerbaijan, Iran. Its structure has long been visible from far distances in Tabriz, more recently partially obscured by newly-erected buildings.

The structure was initially a compound, containing a great vaulted mosque, adjoining prayer halls and libraries, a vast courtyard containing a huge reflecting pool, and a mausoleum—all surrounded by a containing wall. It was built in 14th century during the Ilkhanate era. The point of pride for the building was that its vaulted ayvan was larger than the famous historic vault of Khosrow/Kisra, the Taq Kasra at Ctesiphon/Mada'in. However, with the sudden death of the governor of the city and with some construction complications in constructing a roofed building without pillar for such a huge complex, the mausoleum structure remained incomplete.

In the 19th century with the rise of tensions between Iran and Russia the structure rapidly turned into the city's fort and additional military installations such as a barracks and cannon foundry were added to the original structure. During the 20th century, the military installations were removed from original construction and the surrounding of the ark turned into a park. In the late 20th century a big mosque was built next to the citadel.

The former mosque was added to the Iran National Heritage List in 1932, administered by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran.