Alexander's Prison-Zindan-i Iskandar (زندان اسکندر)
Zindan-i Iskandar (زندان اسکندر) in Yazd (یزد), built around 1430 CE during the Timurid period, was originally a religious school (مدرسه) founded by Zia ad-Din Hossein Razi (ضیاءالدین حسین رازی). Its adobe dome (گنبد خشتی) and mud-brick construction (خشت و گل) integrate with Yazd’s historic fabric of narrow alleys (کوچههای باریک).
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Zindan-i Iskandar (زندان اسکندر), commonly known as Alexander’s Prison, is a historic edifice in the ancient city of Yazd (یزد). Contrary to its name, this structure is not a prison, nor does it date back to the era of Alexander the Great (اسکندر مقدونی). It was erected in the 15th century, during the Timurid period, around 1430 CE, and initially served as part of a religious school (مدرسه) established by Zia ad-Din Hossein Razi (ضیاءالدین حسین رازی). The architecture of the building is characterized by a prominent adobe dome (گنبد خشتی) and traditional mud-brick construction (خشت و گل), which harmoniously integrates with Yazd's surrounding urban environment. Local legends suggest that the premises were historically used as a prison, which contributed to its popular designation. In contemporary times, Zindan-i Iskandar is esteemed for its architectural significance and its integral role within the traditional urban landscape of Yazd, characterized by its narrow alleys (کوچههای باریک) and distinctive adobe cityscape.
