Architecture of Kerman in the Safavid Period

One of the most glorious periods of the history of Kerman is the Safavid Era, the remaining historical works and sites of which shine like a brilliant star on the forefront of this province. The most beautiful site among such historical legacies is the exquisite complex of Ganjalikhan, which bears the name of the ruler of Kerman and manifests the supreme capabilities of its architect, Master Sultan Mohammad Mimar Yazdi. Sultan Mohammad was a famous genius in Kerman Province and a forgotten master in Dar al-iba'adah (Yazd). It is not clearly known how Ganjalikhan managed to discover such a unique treasure; why Sultan Mohammad, in spite of his supreme talents, remained unknown in Yazd, and why no structure in Yazd bears his name or represent his architectural designs. In this paper, which reports on a study carried out based on library sources and field observations, the authorstates that, in the course of various political conflicts and the opposition of Ni'matullāhī order to Mutishar'iyah group in Yazd, the authorities of Yazd did nothing but try to ease the tensions and strains in society. However, the reverse happened in Kerman because Ganjalikhan, who was a ruler appointed by the court of Shah Abbas, benefitted from his royal attention and provided and employed all the facilities necessary for the historical and everlasting prosperity of Kerman.