The ancient citadel of Bam in the Kernan Province of Iran was listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as well as the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2004. Bam’s history dates back to the Achaemenid Empire from the 6th to 4th centuries BCE, though many of the city’s remaining structures were constructed during the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736). In ancient times, Bam’s production of textiles and location at the crossroads of important trade routes helped the city flourish commercially. Because of its irrigation system of qanats, Bam has been able to harness the water resources of the oasis and is famous for its dates and citrus fruit. In 2003, a devastating earthquake led to over 26,000 deaths and caused massive damage to the mud structures, which were built using the Chineh technique.
