The
great 18th-century gatehouse survives, however, Hanked by twin turrets
and (restored) toothed walls of baked brick. The ramp to the entrance arch
continues beyond it as a dark tunnel, curving up through the ages past
12 niches, on the left, in which prisoners sat in shackles. In one of these
a lamp used to be lit in memory of Siyavush. They were guarded by soldiers
in more niches opposite, one of which is now ticket office for a Museum
in the emirs' greeting hall (salomkhana} which has carpets, embroidery,
jewellery, pottery and photographs from the reign of Alim Khan. Everyone
but the emir had to dismount and walk up the ramp.
[back]
|