Introduction to Sheykh Safi al-din
The city of Ardabil is located in the northwest of Persia and is owned by the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is the capital of Ardabil province. The weather in this city is mostly cold during the year. So cold that it is considered as one of the coldest cites in Persia as the weather is mild in summer. Ardabil is an enchanting combination of nature, history, audience, architecture, and forest. The history of this city shows that the expedition of the Safavid dynasty succeeded by Sheikh Safi al-din Khangah, the ancestor of Shah Ismail Banyan, and it can be soothing in your heart. Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah Pages provides you with more of the sights and attractions in Ardabil and enables you to be featured in various articles around the world, so that we can use the displayed pages.
History of Sheikh Safi al-din
The turquoise dome of Sheikh Safi al-din khanegah, is a gateway to another world. The world that has been hidden under this dome for centuries. It is also one of the most mysterious places in world. He was one of the most influential mystics of the 8th century A.H. Sheikh Safi was the great mystic of the Safavid dynasty and the founder of the Sufi sect. The sheikh’s interest in religious issues led to the establishment of a monastery in the city of Ardabil and the development of many disciples and followers. With the emergence of Sheikh Safi al-din Khangah, the national government of Persia was established by his children in the form of the Shi’a religion. The Perso-Islamic mysticism has a glorious and long history; after the death of Sheikh Safi, according to his will, he was buried in his monastery, where mysticism and history were intertwined and created a unique collection. After a while, his son Sadr al-din Musa built a tomb over his father’s tomb.
Architecture of Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah
Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah is one of the most amazing manifestations of Persian art. The tomb is the largest, most complete, and most prominent house, built using traditional Persian architecture (patriarchal and Timurid) and inspired by Sufism. The Sheikh’s tomb is 8-cornered on the inside and cylindrical on the outside. The original dome of Allah is an 8-cornered building with a turquoise dome on which the word Allah is engraved several times. The tomb of Sheikh Safi al-din Khangah is located under this dome.
This historical monument has a unique and significant architecture that has been created by joining several artistic disciplines together. In this huge collection, you can see the best works of tiling, two inscriptions, mosaics, muqarnas, the largest calligraphy of the Safavid period such as Mir Emad, Mir Ghavamuddin, Mohammad Ismail, goldsmithing, woodcarving, silverwork, gilding and painting. Many masters also contributed with their unique art to make this immortal work, which is still one of the most spectacular buildings in Persia.
Another spectacular place of the tomb
After the beginning of the Safavid rule, due to the devotion of the Safavid kings to their ancestors, various units were added to this complex. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, since he had a great devotion to Sheikh Safi al-din and visited his tomb for many times, a lot of works were done to complete and decorate this tomb. In this complex, in addition to the tomb of Sheikh Safi al-din, there are the tombs of Shah Ismail I (the first Safavid king) and his wife (mother of Shah Tahmasb) as well as some elders and officials of the Safavid era and the victims of the Chaldoran war.
Tomb of Shah Ismail I
This tomb is considered one of the most magnificent parts of the religious complex of Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah in terms of artistic decorations. His tomb is located between the tomb of Mohi-o-Din Muhammad and the Dome of God (Sheikh Safi). Illustrated murals, inlaid boxes, such as the Gachbari inscription, are among the works of Alireza Abbasi, a famous calligrapher of the reign of Shah Abbas the Great.
Chinese House
The Chinese Museum is located in the middle of Sheikh Baha’i House and is more than 400 years old. One of the most prominent features of this architectural space is the rich plasterwork arches. In fact, Shah Abbas Safavid built this part of the collection of Sheikh Safi al-din Khangah in order to preserve the objects donated by the Chinese kings, and it is possible to say that it is the oldest collection of historical and ancient objects in the country.
In fact, due to the political and geographical location of Ardabil and the passage of Chinese trade caravans, the Chinese kings presented these gifts in order to attract the attention and devotion of the Safavid kings.
Paradise Porch
Designed and built in an 8-cornered shape. This building is considered to be the largest and highest mansion in this religious complex.
Shahidgah Cemetery
The title of the cemetery was first given to this cemetery during the reign of Shah Ismail I. After the Battle of Chaldoran, a number of martyred heroes who lost their lives in this unequal battle was transferred to this cemetery and buried there.
Cheleh Khaneh
In the monastery complex and the tomb of Sheikh Safi al-din, there were two houses for solitude. The old fort was built for Sheikh Safi al-din and the new fort was built for the privacy of Sadr al-din Musa, the son of Sheikh Safi al-din.
Interesting to know
One of the famous works in this collection is known for its magnificent carpet called Ardabil carpet. It is one of the most famous carpets in the world and used to be in Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah, but now it is kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum in England.
Sheikh Safi al-din, As a UNESCO World Heritage
This worthwhile work has attracted the attention of experts from all over the world. It was registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.
UNESCO World Heritage Criteria of Sheikh Safi al-din
Criterion (i): Features such as the overall concept behind the architectural design of the complex, how to place and decorate the interior and exterior components and the path to reach Sheikh Safi al-din Khangah, together have created a unique collection whose beauty is tied to its spiritual space.
Criterion (ii): In the architecture of the spaces and components of this complex, the architectural influence of the Timurid and Ilkhanid periods can be seen. These signs, combined with Sofia’s messages, stunning and magnificent decorations, as well as the interior of the complex, have created a new form of art and architecture.
Criterion (vi): The monastery and tomb of Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah is a unique example of a religious complex in the sixth century that merged with social, cultural, and educational elements and contains all the important elements of the establishment of the Safavid rule.
Location of Sheikh Safi al-din
Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah is one of the greatest and most spectacular places in Ardabil, which is located on Sheikh Safi Street – Aali Qapu Square.
When to visit Sheikh Safi al-din
Spring and summer are the best time to travel to Ardabil province, winters in this province are very cold and it is not recommended to travel. In this season, you can only use hot springs and experience different pleasures, but it will not be suitable for seeing other areas of the province.
Where to stay near of Sheikh Safi al-din
- The 3* Sabalan Hotel in Ardabil is located in the center of the city, near of Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah.
- Mehdi Ardabil Hotel is located in the center of Ardabil city and is close to most of the historical areas of this city. You also need about 10 minutes to ride to Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Bazaar.
- Ardabil Shurabil Hotel is located in one of the tourist places of Ardabil province. This hotel has been built on the shores of the dazzling Lake of Shurabil and you can also use the recreational facilities of this region. This recreational place is about half an hour away from the city center.
- Bajilar Sardabeh Ecological Resort is located 24 km east of Ardabil in Sardabeh village. The area is famous for its enchanting spa, which has healing effects. This village is one of the touristic villages in the country with its unique waterfalls and hot springs.
Where to eat near of Sheikh Safi al-din
- Experience traditional cuisine at Shah Abbas Historical Restaurant and by being in the historical context of Ardabil city. In addition to the popularity and fame that it has in the field of serving different types of traditional and local food, including local food, “Pichaq Ghimeh Si” is the famous food of Ardabil we suggest you from the menu of this restaurant.
- Aali Qapu Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Ardabil for people and tourists and this restaurant is located in the center of the city and you are only a few steps away from a tourist place such as Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah.
How to visit Sheikh Safi al-din
Along with visiting Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah, you can visit the Aali Qapu Mosque on the northwest side of the complex which is located in the near the gate and its name means high door. Don’t forget the Suleiman Shah Mosque which is located on the southwest side of the complex. The monument belongs to the Safavid era. Locals believe that the mosque is the burial place of other mystics and Sufi elders from Ardabil, Suleiman Shah.
How to go to Sheikh Safi al-din
Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah is located in the excellent neighborhood of Qapu, in Ardabil. You can use taxis and private cars to get to this spectacular place. To get to the complex by public transport, you must take buses that stop at Sarcheshmeh station. Ardabil Airport is located 14 km northeast of Ardabil. It takes about 45 minutes to fly from Tehran to Ardabil or vice versa.