Amir Chakhmaq is one of the most significant historic complexes in Yazd which is located in the middle of the old architectural context and it is one of the prominent strategic areas of Yazd. This valuable complex which is the intersection of the main streets of the city includes Mosque, Tekye (a place to hold the religious mourning), Seti Fatemeh mausoleum, Haji Ghanbar bazaar, Seti Fatemeh Ab-anbar (a type of traditional cistern), Nakhl (a wooden structure carried as a Shia religious ritual) and Ab-anbar Tekye of Amir Chakhmaq.
The Amir Chakhmaq Complex is a prominent structure in Yazd, Iran, noted for its symmetrical sunken alcoves. It is a mosque located on a square of the same name. It also contains a caravanserai, a tekyeh, a bathhouse, a cold water well, and a confectionery. At night, the building is lit up after twilight hours after sun set with orange lighting in the arched alcoves which makes it a spectacle. During the Iran-Iraq War and the Iraq wars with the United States and Afghanistan, many Iraqis and Afghanis have come to inhabit the Amir Chakhmaq Square.
Amir Chakhmaq complex dates back to 15th century which is built by Amir Jalaluddin Chakhmaq who was one of the commanders of Shahrukh Teimouri (1377-1447) and his wife “Fatemeh Khatun”, When he came to the throne for the prosperity of this city. The founders constructed a square on the north of the mosque, which has remained in Yazd and it is at the center of this historic city now.
The mosque is located on a square of the same name, named after Amir Jalaleddin Chakhmaq, a governor of Yazd during the Timurid dynasty (15th-16th century CE). Separate living areas for Iraqis and Afghanis are nearby. The complex is situated opposite what was theYazd Water Museum.
The prominent structure has a three-storey elaborate façade of symmetrical sunken arched alcoves. It is the largest structure in Iran. In the centre are two very tall minarets. The spiral staircase in one of the two minarets is said to create a feeling of claustrophobia, while it provides views of Yazd. At night, the building is lit up with orange lighting in the alcoves which makes it a spectacle. The complex also contains a caravanserai, a tekyeh, a bathhouse, a cold water well, and a confectionary. The bathhouse, in the front of the building is around 600 years old. Arcades have been added recently on the flanks to provide safety from traffic. Only the first floor above the ground level is accessible. There is a shopping complex in the basement of structure. This is a grand structure of which many innocents souls spent thrier lives.
The square was known by the same name in the Safavid era (1501-1763). The square (located in front of the mosque) turned into Tekye. This building was not constructed by the order of Amir Chakhmaq, however, it is just attributed to him. The main building of Amir Chakhmaq is one of the Yazd’s famous symbols with a high portal, interesting forecourt, a huge dome and an eye-catching terrace. The building was built with mud brick and has beautifully decorated stucco.
In addition to visiting the spectacular architecture of the square, you can also browse the Amir Chakhmaq Bazaar and take pleasure in watching handicrafts and colorful souvenirs or spend your time by communicating with local people. Moreover, Nakhl-gardani (a Shia religious ritual carried out on Ashura day) is also held in this square in the month of Muharram and attracts many tourists.
The complex includes the three-storey tekyeh which used to commemorate the death of Hussein ibn Ali. In the corner of the tekyeh, there is a nakhl, described as a “strong, wooden object with very large metal fixtures and studs”. It was venerated during the Shiite commemoration festival of Ashura.
You can visit this square at any time of the day or night, especially at night when its special lighting makes a different view. Due to the climate of Yazd, the best time to visit this attraction is during fall and winter.