Tomb of Sheikh Heydar, architectural symbol of the Ilkhanid period
The tomb of Sheikh Heydar, the father of Shah Ismail Safavi, located in a garden in Meshginshahr, is an architectural symbol of the Ilkhanid period.
Fascinating every viewer, the tomb is situated 92km from Ardebil, the capital city of the northwestern province of Ardebil, IRNA wrote.
As a valuable historical heritage, the tomb, which is the burial site of a religious and cultural figure, has always attracted many Iranian and foreign tourists.
Sheikh Haydar was a great Sufi, who showed bravery in the conquest of Shirvan, and was killed in the same war. His body was taken to Meshginshahr, where a tomb was built for him.
The tower has two stories. The basement holds the tomb of Sheikh Heydar and connects to the second story via a narrow flight of stairs. The door to the basement is located on the northern side of the tower.
Head of the Archeological Department of Arebil Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, Rouhullah Mohmmadi, said that the tomb, which is among the most important historical buildings of the region, was renovated during the Qajar and Safavid periods.
He noted that a number of restoration projects were also carried out in the monument since 2001.
He continued that an archology museum and a handicrafts exhibition are under construction in the vicinity of the tomb.
Head of Meshginshahr Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, Imanali Mobali, said that the tomb is open to the public every day from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
He added that thanks to investments made on the tomb, several sections have been inaugurated inside the area including a library for keeping historical documents, a traditional restaurant, and a handicrafts workshop.
The cylindrical building of the tomb, with a height of 18.5 meters, and a diameter of 10.9 meters, is placed on a stone foundation and a wall made of brick, plaster and lime was constructed around it.
The entrance door and three windows of this building have beautiful plaster decorations.
The brick facade of the tower, which has a domed roof, is decorated with blue tiles. Although the tiling does not cover the entire body, it has retained its beauty.
The mausoleum once had a golden dome, which is believed to have been destroyed by Russians in 1878.
Sheikh Heydar Mausoleum was registered as a National Heritage Site in 1932.