Shams Tabrizi Mausoleum added to Iran’s National Heritage List
The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has registered the Shams Tabrizi Mausoleum in Khoy on Iran’s National Heritage List, ahead of its official opening.
The cultural site was registered as a national heritage site, receiving registration number 34,594 on October 2, 2026.
The registration marks a step toward protecting, promoting and developing the cultural and tourism potential of the site, IRNA wrote.
The site was identified based on historical documents and scholarly research. Archaeological excavations were subsequently carried out to examine and establish the evidence associated with the site.
The site also highlights the broader cultural and historical significance of Khoy, a city with a long-standing connection to Persian literature, spirituality and regional heritage. Its preservation and development provide an opportunity to strengthen cultural tourism in the area while offering visitors a deeper understanding of the historical traditions, intellectual exchanges and spiritual heritage that have shaped Khoy and the surrounding region over the centuries.
The Shams complex covers an area of approximately 7,000 square meters and includes a domed chamber, a library and research facilities. Its library houses around 8,000 books, providing a potential center for research into Shams Tabrizi, Rumi, Sufism and the cultural history of the region.
Officials and cultural experts hope the complex will evolve into a center for academic studies, literary events and cultural exchanges focused on Persian mystical traditions. The research facilities are expected to host scholars and students interested in the intellectual heritage of Shams Tabrizi and his enduring influence on Persian literature and spirituality.
With its historical and cultural heritage, the mausoleum could help establish Khoy as a destination for spiritual and cultural tourism in Iran. The development of tourism infrastructure and greater promotion of the region’s historical and cultural attractions could further contribute to the growth of tourism in the county.
Khoy, located in West Azarbaijan Province in northwestern Iran, has long been known as an important historical crossroads linking different regions and cultures. Authorities believe that greater attention to the city’s historical assets could enhance its role in domestic and international tourism.
Shams Tabrizi is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the life and thought of the celebrated Persian poet and mystic Rumi. Their spiritual companionship inspired many of Rumi’s most famous works and left a lasting impact on Persian literature and Sufi thought. Shams’ connection to Khoy has made the city a point of interest for those interested in Persian literature, Sufi thought and Iranian culture.