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Mausoleum of Sheikh Safi-i-Ardabili Ardabil

The complex of structures known, at present, as Sheikh Safi's mausoleum, consists of a portal, a porch, Sheikh Safi al-Din's tomb-chamber, the Harem (ladies chambers), Sheikh Esmail's tomb-chamber, the Chini-Khaneh (china hall), the Janat-sara mosque, the Khanegah, Cheragh-Khaneh (lantern hall), the Execution Site (Shahidgah) and others, and ranks among the finest historical products of Persian Art. The Mausoleum renowned as the burial place of Sheikh Safi al-Din of Ardabili, and of other Safavid kings, also comprises the tombs of a number of princes, notables and generals of the Safavid period, including the tomb attributed to Shah Esmail's mother, and those of Sheikh Sadr al-Din, Sheikh Junaid, Sultan Haidar and two generals namely Sultan Ustajlu and Kurd Beig, the latter tombstone bearing the Hijra date 949 (1542 A.D.).
Apart from the above structures, the construction of the main portal of the mausoleum and three domes decorated with exquisite faience tile and with inscriptions in the Kufic and Riqa scripts, gives this attractive historical monument considerable charm and splendor. The decorative elements of the complex, both internal and external, consist of paintings, plaster moldings, stuccos and gold-toned stalactite decorations. The structure of the Qandil-Khaneh (lantern hall) stands out among the rest both from the architectural point of view and for its plaster works. Sheikh Safi's tomb chamber is a cylindrical tower capped by a rather low dome, underneath which an exquisite carved box, one of the finest movable treasure pieces of the mausoleum, bearing an inscription in Reqa script, covers the actual burial ground. The dome of Sheikh Esmail's tomb chamber is lower than that of Sheikh Safi's and is decorated on the outside with colorful tiles and an inscription in Kufic. Under the dome is the chamber, a fine, costly box rests upon the tomb. The box of Sheikh Junid's tomb, together with three other boxes in the complex, are highly attractive on account of their superb carvings. The "Chini-Khaneh", with its beautiful plaster work, is one of the most artistic and valuable parts of the complex, which is also notable for a number of fine and expensive wooden and silver doors. The oldest part of the complex belongs to the 9th century Hijra (15th century A.D.), The other parts having been gradually added, especially by Shah Tahmasb I and Shah Abbas II, who spared no effort in expanding, beautifying and repairing the Safavid King's eternal resting place. At present, constructional and decorative repairs are made wherever necessary and the mausoleum is under constant care.