Saheb Divani Tomb at Hafezieh to undergo restoration
Shiraz — widely known as the city of poetry and literature — annually welcomes millions of visitors who travel to pay tribute to the renowned Persian poet Hafez at his tomb in the Hafezieh complex. In addition to the main mausoleum, the historic site includes several lesser-known sections, each representing a valuable part of Iran’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Over the decades, exposure to environmental factors such as rain, humidity, and direct sunlight has caused significant deterioration. Cracks in the walls, eroded brickwork, and damage to plaster decorations and traditional Yazdi-Bandi elements are among the visible signs of decay. Inadequate insulation has further increased the risk of moisture infiltration, posing a serious threat to the building’s structural stability. Experts warn that neglecting such sites could result in the gradual loss of important layers of Shiraz’s architectural and cultural identity.
Against this backdrop, the launch of restoration work has been welcomed as a positive development. Sadegh Zarei, Deputy Head of Fars Province’s Cultural Heritage Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, announced that the Saheb-Divani Tomb will undergo restoration.
He described the project as an important step toward preserving and revitalizing a valuable yet underappreciated part of the Hafezieh Complex. The initiative aims to address damage caused by time and environmental conditions, with restoration plans developed accordingly.
“The ultimate goal of this project is to restore the authenticity and former grandeur of this section of Hafezieh,” he said, adding that the site will be preserved both as a historical monument and as a cultural space for researchers and visitors.
Officials say the restoration will also help redefine Hafezieh as a comprehensive cultural hub. Improvements to the entrance and surrounding areas are expected to symbolically reconnect the administrative architectural heritage of the past with the spiritual atmosphere of Hafez’s tomb.
Such efforts, they note, will deepen visitors’ engagement with the site’s historical and literary layers, transforming a simple visit into a more meaningful cultural and intellectual experience.
In recent years, the Saheb-Divani Tomb has functioned as a specialized Hafez Studies Center. Its restoration is therefore expected to have a direct impact on the quality of literary research in Shiraz. A safer, restored environment will facilitate academic gatherings, exhibitions of manuscripts, and improved access to research materials.
Previously, the building’s deteriorating condition had discouraged prolonged use by researchers and at times posed safety risks for group activities. With planned structural reinforcement and improved moisture insulation, these obstacles are expected to be removed, enabling the Hafez Studies Center to play a more active role in promoting the poet’s works and thought.