Imam Reza Shrine
A holy shrine, that is the biggest, the most important religious center of Iran that consists of the most features of Persian-Islamic architecture is called Imam Reza Shrine. It has many pilgrims from Iran and all around the world go to this place every year.
Description
Imam Reza’s (PBUH) holy body buried in the Hamid Ebn Ghahbe garden beside the grave of Abbasid Khalife Harun with the martyrdom of Imam Reza in 203 AH in Tous and in fact, the first building of this holy shrine was the Harun Alrashid monument then the new holy shrine established on that wall and Tous changed to Mashhad Al Reza. Shrine means a square place which consists of the holy monument such as dome, shrine’s stone, holy shrine.
This complex has dome, Ravagh, courtyards, porches, mosques. Imam Reza Shrine are the most worthwhile of architectural decoration. In total, there are nine courtyards in this famous shrine, each of which has its appearance and atmosphere.
Architecture
The tomb of Imam Reza (AS) is located under a gilded dome, known as Qubba. It's the first built structure in this complex as well. This dome in terms of height and structure is exceptional. It is a double-shelled dome with the fine Muqarnas beneath. There is a 13-meter space between the two shells. The total height of this dome from the ground level to the top of this dome is about 31 meters. The exquisite octagonal tiles known as Sanjari tiles, from the Seljuq era are used on this structure.
Sahne Atiq (Islamic Revolution Courtyard)
It is the first, oldest and most magnificent Sahn of Imam Reza shrine, built during the reign of Sultan Husayn Bayqara in 875 AH, located on the north side of the shrine. There are four famous Arches or Iwan in Sahne Atiq. Abbasi Arch is located in the north, Golden Arch in the south, Naqqareh Arch in the east, and the Clock Arch in the west of this courtyard. The Naqqareh Khaneh building is located in the Naqqareh Arch, which the Naqareh (Kind of musical instrument) is played above this arch. These arches, like other parts of this shrine, are built with the most well-made materials and magnificent decorative elements such as tiles, mirror decorations, gilded dome, stone-works, plaster-works, etc.