Iliad Bookshop is very pleased to be the exclusive worldwide retailer of this gorgeous new pop-up book. Limited to 1,200 copies, Bam Citadel recreates the ancient Persian architectural wonder in twelve laser-cut pop-ups. Each pop-up is accompanied by a color photo of the actual location, and text describing the function and history of that part of the citadel. The book's creator Hamid N. Zadeh is a paper architect whose company, Geomancy, has produced stunning pop-up greeting cards for years, many of which recreated great works of world architecture and Islamic art.

The story behind the creation of the book is almost as remarkable as the book itself. From Hamid's preface:

"The genesis of this work can be traced to a moment on December 26, 2003. Following the day after our visit from the ancient city of Bam, we heard the news that early in the morning Bam had been leveled in a massive earthquake. Deep in shock and disbelief, I immediately began to work on the task I had traveled for, which was the creation of some 3D historical pop-ups from the 2,000 year old world's largest mud citadel (Arg-e Bam). The following two months, I spent all of my time for study and re-creation of these images in isolation, in the United States with the information I brought back from the journey. This book was completed in February of 2004..."

Hamid eventually decided to publish the book himself. The book is hardback, spiralbound, with tipped-in color photos and pop-ups, in a full color dust jacket. Our copies are new, in the original shipping box.

The first pop-up:

1. Main Gate (Exterior View) "According to historians, the citadel possessed four gates. The Narmanshir Gate was located at the southwestern side of the citadel with a vestibule passage way to both sides and access to the watch towers. Rooms for guards and toll collectors were located within the vestibule area."

The second pop-up:

2. Main Gate (Inner View) This close-up shows the detail of the laser-cuts.

The third pop-up:

3. Bazaar-E Arg "After coming through the vestibule and passageway of the Narmanshir Gate, you enter into the bazaar (197 feet or 60 meters long)...there were 42 shop spaces that were divided into sections...including a bakery, oil press, goldsmith, spinner, weaver, and fabric dyer..."."

The eighth pop-up:

8. Second Gate (Inner View) "Erected during the Seleucid period, the second wall separates the military (barracks, stables, and commander's quarters) from the residential and bazaar areas. The guard room and watch tower were located on either side of the portal."

The eleventh pop-up:

11. Governor's Residence and Observation Tower "Having passed through the gate of the third and last of the citadel's interior walls you enter into the governors complex. Major renovations during the Safavid era, to accommodate for the desert climate, were completed, providing separate summer and winter quarters..."

Here's what some of our customers have said about Bam Citadel:

"thank you for the book, is very beautiful...thank you"

"What a find! A++++ Superb packaging! thanks!"

"FABULOUS! Thank you."

(Check our ebay feedback to see some of these comments and more)

We are proud to offer Bam Citadel: A Three-Dimensional Commemorative for the original retail price of $75.00, plus shipping. To order, buy directly from our listing at ebay, or drop us an e-mail