Imam Reza Holy Complex

Iran (IMNA) - The role of Imam Reza in the guidance of the public in his lifetime and his prominent status as a religious figure lead to the transformation of his holy shrine as one of the religious hubs for Muslims and especially Shias which has had large architectural developments during the history. The complex was so respected by the Shia believers and various governments, whether Shia or Sunni, that has benefited from constant restoration, maintenance and new extensions during different eras. Plenty of tourists visit the Holy shrine each year and know it as the largest and most significant religious places for Iranians and other Muslims all around the world. Kumpfer, a German tourism who visited Iran during (1096-1105 AH/ 1685-1694 AD) has some words on the holy shrine complex. “The most outstanding, extensive and engaging holy shrine in Iran, undoubtedly, are as follows: first, Imam Reza’s Holy Shrine in Mashhad.

Second, his sister’s Holy shrine in Qom and, third, Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil”, Kumpfer stated.

This historic architectural complex accompanies unique and distinctive ethics and rituals to be known as an inseparable heritage of the complex and the complicated culture of its wider setting. In fact, the genuine values of the heritage associates not only with its magnificent architecture and structural system but also with all the rituals, all together implicating the unique spiritual spirit of Imam Reza.

Dusting is one of the oldest rituals of Astane-e Qods with 500 years of constant continuation which on the event of specific occasions performs with particular formalities. As well as playing Naqareh (a specific wind instrument) in various events and times. Of other rituals, the sweeping, Waqf, granting free food and services to assist others and the mankind, various types of citing, etc. can be mentioned.

In a general perspective, the function, structure, decorative elements, facades and surfaces of the buildings all in all symbolize the ideology, the through religious unification and the evolution of the complex. This holy shrine is not just a shrine but, in a larger scale, is an institution and an identity formed and developed based on the religious ideology and believes. The holy complex comprises of tens of valuable architectural heritages around the central holy shrine which are all with political and social importance.

Formation of Mashahd, as a city and its development is indebted to creation of the holy shrine. Thus the complex becomes the religious, political, social and also artistic center for Mashhad. It also, immensely, influence the economic status of the city. The first built structure in the complex, is the holy shrine under which the tomb of Imam Reza is located. This architectural heritage, due to its long lifespan, glorious decorative elements such as tiles, mirror decorations, gilded dome, stone-works, plaster-works, etc. incorporate sublime tangible and intangible values.

The gilded dome, known as Qubba, regarding its height and structure is of exceptional qualities. A double-shelled dome with Muqarnas underneath. The space between the two shells of the dome is almost 13.60 m high, while the height of the walls is 18.80 m. In total, the height of the structure from the ground level to the top of the dome is 31.20 m. on the plinths, exquisite octagonal tiles known as “ Sanjari tiles”, from seljuq era (557 AH) are used.

Gowharshad mosque, of other significant historic architectures within the complex, due to its fine decorative arts and tiles is considered as masterpieces of Iranian Architectures from Teimurid era. The structure is built by the distinguished architect of Teimurid time, Qavam al- din ibn Zein al- din Shirazi by use of brick and gypsum in Islamic architectural style. Allah verdikhan dome, Hatam khani dome, Do Dar School, Parizad School and various monumental buildings such as minarets, Saqqa khaneh s (water houses), Neqareh Khaneh s, etc., as well as the museum objects and manuscripts in the Astane-e Qods collections are of other valuable elements of the complex.

Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

Imam Reza’s holy shrine is the most significant element giving identity to the urban area of Mashhad. The city is of exceptional examples formed based on the shia’s and pilgrimage culture. From spiritual point of view, the complex has significances regarding the traditions, view rites to the holy shrine, approaching circumstances, saluting, Tawaf, consecration, etc.

The rituals and ceremonies merged together with the pilgrimage rites are generated based on the social and religious needs and requirements rooted in the public believes, the consistency and persistence of which exhibit their significance and values. In fact, Mashahd and the buffer zone of the complex present a unique approach and exercise towards the development of pilgrimage areas during the history in relation to a city and its religious core, in a way that the expression of the pilgrimage concept can be vividly seen in the architectural and urban planning of Mashhad.

Imam Reza’s holy shrine is a complex of buildings formed progressively during almost a thousand year, around which the city of Mashhad created according to the needs of this outstanding pilgrimage center. The relation of city and the holy shrine during different periods of time lead to a unique experience in the urban planning of the area, a practice which later transferred to the other pilgrimage cities by visitors especially Shias. In such way that the remarkable indications of other Shia cities are thoroughly retrieved from semiotic system of Mashhad and this historic complex in case of the spatial systems, landscape relation to their surrounding and the city, etc.

UNESCO