Aqda Village

Aqda is one of the largest and most ancient villages in the central part of Ardakan, which dates back to 6000 years ago and is contemporary with Meybod city. The old and the original road passed through the village, alongside of which there used to be some Chaparkhane (pony express) and the caravanserai.

 Architecture of the old village of Aqda is similar to that of old city of Yazd which has alleys filled with clay and adobe houses. Each and every corner of this village reminds you of life and tranquility, and takes you to the good old times and childhood.
Aqda is the only village in the central part of Ardakan with administrative of Education, High School, Village Head, Police Station, Clinic, Telecommunications and other organizations and facilities.

Where the name Aqda comes from

Aqda village is the village of adobe monuments and pomegranate and is one of the historic villages of Yazd province. In this village, there are historic monuments such as a bazaar and a hammam dating back to 1100 years ago, some castles, caravansaries, and wind towers (badgirs) have made it one of the most attractive villages in the province. Aqda is a great attraction for tourists and every year a large number of tourists visit this historic city.
Aqda is a village of history and nature in the heart of the desert. By the time of the seventh century, it was known as Gabrgah (means the place of Zoroastrians) since all its inhabitants were Zoroastrians. There is a quotation that says this village was constantly attacked by thieves and bandits due to the lack of a defensive wall. Therefore, one of the Iranian scientists named Khaje Nasir al-Din Tusi, who stayed in this village for a while, designed and planned the fence and wall all around the village. So the people built the wall around the city, they made a contraction that "Only those who are Muslims are allowed to stay in the village”. After conversion of the majority to Islam, at one night 40 girls and boys got married in a shared celebration. Since then, the people called the village “Aqdgah” (the place of marriage). Little by little the name changed slightly, and turned to Aqda.
There is another quotation about this village which claims that the construction of the village attributed to Sassanid Era and to Yazdgerd (the last king) who called the village Aqda after one of his colonels, Aqdar .

Products and industries of Aqda Village

The best agricultural product of Aqda is pomegranate which is famous for its high quality and sweet taste. Varieties of medicinal plants such as hawthorn, cumin, thyme, mountain almonds, etc. grow on the mountains and deserts of Aqda. The handicrafts of Aqda Village include carpet weaving (silk carpets) and basket weaving using pomegranate and almond soft stems, as well as broom and a kind of scales named Qapan.

Tourist attractions in Aqda

The six-thousand-year-old history of Aqda has created a great deal of historic and memorable monuments, some of which include the Aqda Jame Mosque, Khajeh Nasir Tusi's Castle, Same Castle, Rashti Caravanserai, Aqda Gate, the salib (the cross) Mosque, the Hulagu Mosque, Mirza Raza Kermani's House, School of theology, Chaparkhane (pony express), Chahrig Tower, Haj Mahmood Ab anbar, Hammam-e No (New Bath). In addition to the historical attractions, there are protected areas such as the Siahkooh Mountain, Siahkooh National Park, Dare Anjir National Park in Aqda village.

Same Castle in Aqda

The Same Castle is one of the several famous castles in Aqda belonging to a person called Sam. The building of the castle is a rectangular and adobe quadrant, on each corner of which there is an identical two-story small tower.
The remains of human bones and skull, some old pots, jars, etc. can be seen in Same Castle of Aqda.

Chahrig Tower

Chahrig Tower dates back to late Safavid era and Afsharid era.
 This monument was registered on January 27, 2008 with the registration number 24734 in the list of Iran National Monuments.

Aqda Chaparkhane (pony express)

This Chaparkhane belongs to the Safavid period and neighbors Rashti Caravanserai. On March 14, 2006 with the registration number 17897, it was registered in the list of Iran National Monuments.

Aqda School of Theology

Aqda School of Theology is an adobe building with a brick interior view. At its entrance, there is a vestibule with five platforms. Classrooms and chambers of clergymen are located in the four sides of the building in symmetric pattern.

Aqda Mosque of Hulagu

Mosque of Halagu in Aqda is a 2-story building with beautiful vaults dating back to the Safavid era. This monument was registered on March 17, 2002 with the registration number 7755 in the list of Iran National Monuments.

Mirza Reza Kermani’s house in Aqda

Mireza Reza Kermani’s house belonged to Mirza Reza, the son of Mullah Hussein Aqdayi. Mirza Reza, at the time of the fiftieth anniversary of the reign of Nasir al-Din Shah, murdered the tyrant king in Abdul Azim Shrine.

The Salib Mosque (Mosque of the Cross) in Aqda

The Salib Mosque or Howzok is a 2-story mosque built by a Christian architect and designed in a way that from the top, it is seen in the shape of a cross. The building of this mosque is similar to the building of Mosque of Hulago in Aqda.

Rashti Caravanserai in Aqda

The Rashti Caravanserai and Ab anbar were established in Aqda in 1262 AH by Haji Abolqasem Tajer Rashti who was a merchant from Yazd. The caravanserai is a brick-building containing a two-story badgir (windtower). In each side of the building, there are seven rooms, the middle one is larger and is called “Shah Neshin” (where the king or master settles).

Jame Mosque of Aqda

Jame Mosque of Aqda has one façade at the main entrance bearing beautiful molding of a line of poem in kufic. The mosque also has a garmkhane and a summer iwan. The summer part has been built recently. There is a star-shaped tile similar to the eighth century tiles installed above mihrab. In addition to this astonishing tile, there are flower designs and the poems written all over the above the mihrab showing historical date of the mosque.

Qaleh- ye Khargushi Caravanserai

Qaleh- ye Khargushi Caravanserai or Ribat Caravanserai is one of 999 caravansaries of Safavid Shah Abbas, built in the old village of Aqda. This caravanserai is made of stone and brick and contains valuable artworks such as an inscription on calligraphy of Alireza Abbasi (Safavid's famous calligrapher), which shines on the front wall of the Shahneshin. This inscription is the most valuable and priceless antique in this Caravanserai.

Anar Inn

The Anar Inn in Aqda, is a 300-year-old with a traditional and beautiful architecture. It is a great place to stay and take nice photographs. It is located near the Ab anbar of Aqda, Chapakhane, the Pomegranate Alleys and Khaje Nemat Tower.

Muharram ceremony held in Aqda

The people of Aqda who are mostly the Muslims and Shia’t hold mourning ceremony each day and night on the first ten days of Muharram. Their ceremony is uniquely great and sensational.  
If you are planning to stay in Ardakan and book a traditional hotel in the historical village of Aqda, the traditional Khaloo Mirza hotel is an ideal option for reservation.
When staying in Ardakan, you can take a one-day Sightseeing tour to Ardakan.

For more information about Aqda Village or a tour to it, please contact Raadina Support.