Sheikh Safi-al-Din Ardebili, Ardebil

Due to its lofty values and unique characteristics, Sheikh Safi- al-Din Ardebili’s huge complex was listed among Unesco World Heritage Sites in 2010. The mausoleum is located between the place of residence of Sheikh and his abbey, which for long was a center of attention for mystics and their followers, even before the Safavid period. Today, the portal at the eastern wing of Ali Qapu opens to a long green courtyard measuring 26.5x93m. Around the courtyard is decorated with simple brick arcades. In the main courtyard, there is a stone pond used for wudu. On the north wing, the Jannatsara Mosque is located. The mosque has an octagonal plan and no mihrabs. According to an ancient saying, this space, with its particular circular architecture, was used for mystic rituals and sufi dances. In the beginning of his reign, Shah Abbas the First, ordered 1400 pieces of fine porcelain from China to be dedicate to Sheikh Safi’s shrine. The Chinikhaneh (China House) was built for keeping and exhibiting these porcelains. The Allah-Allah Dome is one of the unparalleled examples of mausoleums in Iran built in form of a tall cylinder carrying a dome on top. Harem House: This small mausoleum with a square plan has a spherical dome with four Filpooshes. The floor is covered with green square glazed tiles. New Chellehkhaneh: With its 40 rooms and beautiful dome, the new Chellehkhaneh was built in two storeys in the time of Sheikh Sadr-al-Din, son of Sheikh Safi. Shah Esmail, the Safavid King’s Tomb: This tomb is lo- cated on the north-eastern wing of Allah-Allah Dome and on the east of the shahneshin of Ghandilkhaneh, in form of a rectangu- lar space measuring 2.5x3.5m.