Saeb burial site should be renovated
Mohammad Ali ibn Mirza Abdul Rahim Tabrizi, known as Saeb Tabrizi, is a 17th century Iranian poet. He is regarded as one of the greatest masters of a form of classical Arabic and Persian lyric poetry characterized by rhymed couplets known as ghazal.
Saeb was a poet from the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz, who traveled to Isfahan where he passed away. His mausoleum is located in his own private garden, called “Tekyeh Garden,” on Saeb Street in Isfahan. The building, which was built in 1967, is home to a collection of Saeb’s poems, containing around 120,000 couplets.
His burial site was registered on the National Heritage List in 1980. Unfortunately, the tomb of the famous poet is now exposed to damage due to lack of proper protection and care.
Mostafa Hadavi, a contemporary poet, told ISNA that the renovation operations of his tomb began in 1966. He added that the burial site is now in dire need of renovation. He also touched upon Saeb’s skills, adding that Saeb could be called the “hero” of single-couplet poems, which are very complex but rich in content.
Mehdi Najjar A’arabi, an author, also said the decorations of Saeb’s tomb are inspired by the architecture of the Safavid era. He added that Saeb’s tombstone is one of the most exquisite in Isfahan. A’arabi warned that the tombstone is in danger of destruction due to lack of care.
Isfahan Mayor Ali Qassemzadeh talked about the necessity of taking care of the poet’s tomb. He said Isfahan’s Municipality is seeking to turn Saeb’s burial site into a tourism and cultural center.
The mayor said enclosing the burial site will help prevent the destruction of the tomb.
Qassemzadeh said Saeb is among Isfahan’s assets whose tomb should be protected.