Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble

This spectacular complex, located in the city of Ardabil in Ardabil Province, houses the sanctuary of the prominent Iranian Sufi Master, Sheikh Safi al-din Ardabili. The Ilkhanid Mongols and Timurids Built Sheikh Safi’s Shrine in 16th century.

 

 

Among the stunning architectural structures in the complex is the tomb of Sheikh Safi (Allah Allah Dome), the tomb-chamber of Shah Ismail I (founder of the Safavid dynasty), the Prayer room, Porcelain room, the Dar al-Hefaze Hall, the Shahidgah Cemetery, the Haram – Ladies Quarters, and the main courtyard. There were many other sections in the Sheikh Safi’s Shrine too which served a variety of functions and included a library, a mosque, a school, a cistern, a hospital, kitchens, public baths, and some offices and the Shrine of the Sufi Master. The ornamented facades and interiors of the complex are in good condition and it houses a remarkable collection of antique artifacts.

 

The Sheikh Safi’s Shrine was an important site of pilgrimage throughout the Safavid period (1501-1722). Sheikh Safi’s Shrine is one of the most beautiful historical and Islamic structures of the country. It is a tall, domed circular tower decorated with blue tile and about 17 meters in height. Beneath the dome, there is a vault that is one of the valuable works of the tomb. Also, around its edges there is an inscription carved in Reqa style calligraphy. One of the unique features of the tomb of Sheikh Safi al-din Ardabili is that it contains several prized works of art including:

Different Parts of Sheikh Safi’s Shrine

The Mausoleum of the Sheikh has seven segments. Seven segments of the shrine, represent the seven stages of Sufi mysticism. It also has eight gates, which represent the eight attitudes of Sufism. There are three towers that hold the mausoleums of the most important Sufis, and their splendor is the most special thing about this complex. The oldest tomb tower which is Sheikh Safi al-din’s tomb lies half-hidden behind the other two.

Ilkhanid Mongols and Timurids architectures decorated the prayer room with the colors of gold, dark red, and blue. Also Several niches containing the tombs of the deceased, surrounds the prayers’ room.

In addition to the main prayer room, the Porcelain Room is also very notable. This is a large space in the shape of a cross, with beautiful stuccos. There are small niches in a variety of shapes on the walls (like a violin or a vase). In 16th and 17th century these niches were filled with Chinese porcelain received as gifts by the Safavid rulers. Most of them are now in the great museums in Tehran. Albert and Victoria Museum in London, is keeping the famous Ardabil carpet that formerly covered the entire floor of this room. The tomb-chamber structures of Sheikh Safi’s mausoleum are of the most magnificent and glorious complexes of the Safavid era.

 

 

Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble

This spectacular complex, located in the city of Ardabil in Ardabil Province, houses the sanctuary of the prominent Iranian Sufi Master, Sheikh Safi al-din Ardabili. The Ilkhanid Mongols and Timurids Built Sheikh Safi’s Shrine in 16th century.

 

 

Among the stunning architectural structures in the complex is the tomb of Sheikh Safi (Allah Allah Dome), the tomb-chamber of Shah Ismail I (founder of the Safavid dynasty), the Prayer room, Porcelain room, the Dar al-Hefaze Hall, the Shahidgah Cemetery, the Haram – Ladies Quarters, and the main courtyard. There were many other sections in the Sheikh Safi’s Shrine too which served a variety of functions and included a library, a mosque, a school, a cistern, a hospital, kitchens, public baths, and some offices and the Shrine of the Sufi Master. The ornamented facades and interiors of the complex are in good condition and it houses a remarkable collection of antique artifacts.

 

The Sheikh Safi’s Shrine was an important site of pilgrimage throughout the Safavid period (1501-1722). Sheikh Safi’s Shrine is one of the most beautiful historical and Islamic structures of the country. It is a tall, domed circular tower decorated with blue tile and about 17 meters in height. Beneath the dome, there is a vault that is one of the valuable works of the tomb. Also, around its edges there is an inscription carved in Reqa style calligraphy. One of the unique features of the tomb of Sheikh Safi al-din Ardabili is that it contains several prized works of art including:

Different Parts of Sheikh Safi’s Shrine

The Mausoleum of the Sheikh has seven segments. Seven segments of the shrine, represent the seven stages of Sufi mysticism. It also has eight gates, which represent the eight attitudes of Sufism. There are three towers that hold the mausoleums of the most important Sufis, and their splendor is the most special thing about this complex. The oldest tomb tower which is Sheikh Safi al-din’s tomb lies half-hidden behind the other two.

Ilkhanid Mongols and Timurids architectures decorated the prayer room with the colors of gold, dark red, and blue. Also Several niches containing the tombs of the deceased, surrounds the prayers’ room.

In addition to the main prayer room, the Porcelain Room is also very notable. This is a large space in the shape of a cross, with beautiful stuccos. There are small niches in a variety of shapes on the walls (like a violin or a vase). In 16th and 17th century these niches were filled with Chinese porcelain received as gifts by the Safavid rulers. Most of them are now in the great museums in Tehran. Albert and Victoria Museum in London, is keeping the famous Ardabil carpet that formerly covered the entire floor of this room. The tomb-chamber structures of Sheikh Safi’s mausoleum are of the most magnificent and glorious complexes of the Safavid era.

 

 

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