UNESCO World Heritage Tourism Sites in Iran: Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble

April 06, 2021 Read time 1 min

Iran has a rich mystical tradition and many great mystics have emerged in various historical eras in the country. Sheikh Safi al-Din is a famous mystic whose ideas are still discussed in academic circles. Ardabil's Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is the heritage of these ideas that has been listed by UNESCO.

Sheikh Safi al-Din (a famous poet and theosophist) Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is one of Iran's UNESCO world heritage sites. It is located in Ardebil, Iran. Sheikh Safi-al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is the masterpiece of post-Islamic Iranian architecture that attracts many Iranians and non-Iranians to Ardebil. This site is registered as number 1345 on UNESCO world heritage lists. It built using traditional Iranian architecture (Ilkhanid & Timurid) and inspired by Sufism.

Sheikh Safi al-Din (the ancestor of Safavid kings) Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, is the mausoleum of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, the ancestor of Safavid kings. It is an artistic and architectural masterpiece that was built commissioned by Sadr-al-din Musa, Sheikh's son. Other parts have been added to this complex in the early Safavid dynasty.

Allah Dome is referred to as the main building of Sheikh Safi al-din Khaneghah and Shrine Ensemble. This part has an octagonal structure with a turquoise blue dome. The word "Allah" has been repeated several times on it. The Tomb of Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble is located under the dome. Shah Ismail, I (The First king of Safavid), his wife (Mother of Shah Tahmasp), some elders, officials, and victims of the Chaldiran battle are also entombed in this building.

Janat sera mosque, Qandil Khaneh, Chini Khaneh, Chelle Khaneh, Sharbat Khaneh, Shahid Gah (a graveyard for victims of Chaldiran battle), Haram Khaneh, and alcove (Shah Neshin) are the other sectors of the complex. A library, mosque, school, hospital, kitchen, bakery, and some administrative offices were added to this complex later.

Putting together many different and outstanding works of art including Mosaic tile Muqarnas, beautiful stucco inscriptions and the calligraphy of the great Safavid artists, wood carving, Silversmith, Illuminated manuscript and Gilding, painting, Tong Bori, etc. is the remarkable feature of this resemble.

Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble consist of four yards: garden yard (the biggest one), the big yard of the complex, around which the collection of main buildings are located, small yard, between the garden yard and big yard, and finally south yard or Shahidgah.