Watch Towers: Newly-Known Elements of Defense System in the Vicinity of Niasar

In the past، most cities and villages located in mountainous، dry and warm climate in Iran were protected by fortresses. Every fortress was built with different construction materials for specific defense system in relation to surrounding geomorphology and climate. Residential، governmental and general city buildings were inside these fortresses and horticultural-agricultural zones were mainly outside the boundary of them. Therefore، the formation of watch towers in the vicinity of the fortresses was natural. Surroundings of Niasar were mainly controlled by two-story towers. This could be due to the flat nature of the geomorphology of the area. These towers were used for monitoring and alarming the residents in the region of the possible hazards and danger of invading enemies. This type of towers was mostly built in Safavid and beginning of Qajar dynasties، mainly for increasing assaults by local bandits such as Naeb Hosein-e Kashy (from Kashan). Presence of fortress، watch towers and other defense structures in Niasar created a unique military defense system that worked individually or in combination with other defense mechanisms. The very existence of such structures gave a sense of security to local farmers. Occasionally، these towers were used as a seasonal residence by some farmers. With regard to formation، structure، geomorphology and the construction materials، the studied watch towers are of three types. Village-towns such as Niasar، Noushabad، Aran and Bidgoal and the surrounding farms are where these towers located. Many watch towers are still alive and active and function as before. These towers are part of the scenery today and can be elements for sightseeing.