Also known as: Mariwan Castle, Khan Ahmad Castle, Imam Castle, Ghale-ye Imam, Ghalaa Imam

Among the most significant castles and fortresses of Kurdistan Province, is the Qal’e Imam (Imam Castle or Khan Ahmad) which due to its location within the Marivan District, is also called Marivan Castle. All through the history, and especially during the Safavid period (1737-1502 AD), this castle has been the ruling center of Kurdistan and has played a major role in the historic events of the region. However, due to negligence and also the establishment of a stone quarry and factory nearby, this historical site is now being destroyed.

The strategic situation and climate conditions of Marivan (Mariwan) has made it a target of long-lasted political conflicts; for that reason, during the governance of “sorkhab Beyg Ardalan”, around 1519 AD built a castle on top of three peaks of Kouh Imam, known as “Hallow Khan” and “Ghalaa Imam”. For long this castle has been one of the ruling centers of Ardalanian and Babanians who ruled over Kurdistan.

This Castle was considered as one of the four governance centers of Ardalan Family in Kurdistan until “Soleyman Khan Ardalan” and during Sorkhab Beyg Ardalan, it was the center and the governance base of Kurdistan; although at the order of Hallow Khan, new fortifications and a mosque in this castle, there is no information on his motivation in transferring his governance center to Palangan Castle.

Imam Castle (Marivan Castle) was developed and used by Baban and Ardalan Governors during Safavid Era. The strategic place of this castle and its political conditions that appeared by Safavid rise in the region are among the most important factors in the formation and development of this castle. The architectural spaces of this castle were established at the same time on three connected heights and each of those three sections had their own usage. The reduction in local governors’ authorization in this castle provided the grounds that the castle was deserted and subsequently, destroyed.

Kouh Imam (Imam Mountain) and a castle with the same name took their names from Sheikh Ahmad Bin Anbar Naeimi Alhassani who was appointed as the Friday Prayer Priest of Red mosque by Amir Hamzeh Baban. Significant historical events took place in this castle for three centuries including serving as government courts of Baban and Ardalan rulers. The historical documents have noted that Amir Hamzeh Baban seek refuge at this castle after being defeated by the Ottoman Turks and the Arabs.

Imam Castle (Khan Ahmad) in Marivan was rebuild in 17 century AD and was used as government center.

Imam Mountain is made of three tall peaks, all three of them have domination over the four sides of surrounding and the whole plain. The old name of this mountain was “Segolleh” (three peaks).