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Hazrat Ma'soomeh Holy Shrine, Qom The aggregate of the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Ma'soomeh is in the city center of Qom, and is considered to be one of the largest and most valuable relics of Islamic architecture of Iran and the world which bears precious remnants from various centuries. This aggregate has been constructed on mausoleum of Hazrat Fatemah reputedly known as Ma'soomeh the daughter of Imam Moosa Kazem (P.B.U.H.), and sister of Imam Reza (P.B.U.H.). After Hazrat Ma'soomeh's sacred corpse was laid to rest, Moosa Ebne Khazraj erected a straw mat shelter over the tomb. This disintegrated with the passage of time and later the inhabitants constructed a tower like structure made of plaster and brick on the sacred tomb. This was the reason that when any woman from Moosa Ebne Mabraqeh household passed away, she was buried alongside the sacred tomb of Hazrat Ma'soomeh, thus a cupola was formed which was the burial site of four persons. In due time, two other cupolas were erected alongside the prior ones. In the year 447 A.H., Mir Abol Fazl, the minister of Toqrol, who was a pious person, erected a cupola raising to the height of 14 m. upon the same three other cupolas. In the Safavid period, the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Ma'soomeh had four courtyards placed in succession, and pilgrims used to enter from one and exit from the other. In Qajar era, Fathali Shah paid special attention to this sacred vicinity and most of its current adornments are related to the said period. Presently the Holy Shrine consists of the following structures:
Imamzadeh Ahmad-ebne Eshaq, Qom The above mentioned is situated in the Old Square of Qom (Maidan Kohneh). This is the tomb of one of the grand children of the 7th Imam (A.S.). The Imamzadeh was put under repairs, and thereby expanded in the year 1317 A.H., during the reign of Mozaffareddin Shah. The original shrine of the Imamzadeh dates back to the period of pre-Safavid dynasty. The structure is four-sided both internally and externally. A turreted effect architectural style relevant to the period of Shah Tahmasb Safavid is observed in this mausoleum. In the center of the structure is the tomb with a latticed worked wooden sepulcher on it. Imamzadeh Ali-ebne Ja'far (Dar Behesht), Qom The same is related to the early 8th century A.H. It is an octagonal structure with a conical dome. The porch was added to the building in the Qajar era. The adornments of the mausoleum are equivalent in rank to other known remnants of the province. Its plasterwork is worth mentioning as the same is relevant to the 8th century A.H., and is a masterpiece of that age. Its gilded tiles and cornices that display about 94 humans, and floral and animal motives besides sacred inscriptions in 'Naskh' script can be noted here. The gilded altar and arched ceilings to the south of the mausoleum, constructed in the year 734 A.H., today adorn the national treasury of the country. Imamzadeh Esmaeil (Shahzadeh Esmaeil), Qom The same is located on the skirts of Bidqan, at a distance of 18 km. from Qom. It is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites of the province. This is the mausoleum of three personalities being, Shahzadeh Esmaeil and his offspring Hamzeh and Shahzadeh Mohammad. Historical relics in this Imamzadeh are named as its priceless doors, beautiful tiles and carved chest that has been placed on the tomb. The structure comprises of a mausoleum, dome, porch, courtyard and mosque. The mausoleum, which has been constructed of stone and gypsum, is relevant to the 7th century A.H. Externally, the structure is cylindrical, but internally turns into a quadrangle. The cornices of this structure resemble the Mongol style, worked in octagonal sun baked tiles. On the fringes of which are inscriptions revealing the date of 668 A.H. The dome of the mausoleum was from the period of Shah Esmaeil Safavid, but due to later repairs acquired a pyramid shape with 16 panels. The Imamzadeh has a decorative pulpit to the date of 922 A.H. Imamzadeh Ma'soomeh, Qom The same is in the Kehak Qahestan village, and at a distance of 24 km. from Qom. The present structure was constructed by the efforts of Shah Begum, the daughter of Shah Esmail. The said is the tomb of one of the descendants of Imam Moosa Kazem (P.B.U.H.). It is an irregular octagon externally, but internally is square in shape. It has been constructed of stone and gypsum. To each side of the structure an area for the elite has been procured, from each of which a door leads to the outside and in front of these doors are the halls. The outer dome is a short pyramid shaped one with 16 panels and adorned with turquoise colored tiles. To the three sides of the mausoleum are the halls which are connected to each other. Flanking the northern hall, are two spaces with an eye-catching view. This layout was added to the mausoleum in Safavid era. Today artistic relics dated 979 A.H. adorn the treasures of the Fin Garden of Kashan. Imamzadeh Moosa Mobarqeh, Qom Imamzadeh Moosa Mobarqeh is the offspring of Hazrat Imam Mohammad Taqi (A.S.), who lived in Qom in the year 256 A.H. His sisters also migrated to the city and were deceased here. They were laid to rest alongside the sacred tomb of Hazrat Ma'soomeh (A.S.). Moosa Mobarqeh passed away in the year 296 A.H. and was buried in this site. In respect to the artistic remnants of this mausoleum, are the corridors of the mausoleum related to the 9th century A.H. Imamzadeh Shah Ebrahim, Qom This structure is situated in the pastures of Shah Ebrahim, 24 km. from Qom, and the present structure is related to the Safavid age. The dome rises to a height of 7 m. and is adorned with turquoise colored tiles. The entrance of the mausoleum is to the west and has a porch to its opposite. Internally the structure is a quadrangle, with additional half arches in the four corners, thereby changing its shape to a sphere. The ancient relic of this Imamzadeh consist of its carved wooden door dating to 1015 A.H., a piece of carved wood belong to 1015 A.H., which is affixed on the southern porch near the entrance, and four engravings which are affixed to the southern portion of the western porch. Imamzadeh Shah Hamzeh, Qom Shahzadeh Hamzeh is the offspring of Moosa Ebne Ja'far and the sibling of Imam Reza. This Imamzadeh is located in the Old Square of Qom and is highly honored by the inhabitants. This structure has a very interesting plan. Its entrance doors of the courtyard open at such an angle so as to face the eastern and western sides. The courtyard is rectangular in shape surrounding it are arched roofs and adorned in the roman style. One of the spectacular adornments of this mausoleum is the entrance porch to the shrine, which reveals a row of inscriptions worked on a background of azure, and dates back to 1301 A.H. (The year that this structure was erected). The checked white tiles on the walls of the porch are that of the Qajar era. Its ceiling has spiral effects together with conical shapes, and its dome has a spherical form at its apex. Internally and below the dome is constructed in a vaulted style with gypsum. Near this Imamzadeh is another Imamzadeh by the name of Imamzadeh Shah Ahmad, who is believed to be the sibling of Shahzadeh Hamzeh. Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Abu Ahmad, Qom The said structure is on the outskirts of the gateway of Ray, and to the north east of Qom. The same accounts as a very ancient vestige of the city of Qom, and is the tomb of one of the descendants of Hazrat Ali (A.S.). This structure underwent repairs and was adorned in the year 932 A.H. The mausoleum displays plasterwork while tomb displays tile work. There is also an inscription of sun baked bricks in the Tholth script and of the same date. The inscription on the tomb has been uniquely adorned in oriental style, and with sacred verses in the Tholth script. The dome of the mausoleum is a simple 6-paneled pyramid shaped one and is of brick. Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Ahmad Qasem, Qom The above mentioned is near the Qal'eh Gateway of the city to the south east of Qom. This is a relic of the Ali Safi household, and on the whole is an example of the unique and spectacular plasterwork which was at its peak during the said period. The same was constructed in the year 780 A.H. The facade of the structure was octagonal, but in the upper portion turns to a 16 sided structure. The dome is arched and made of brick, but in later years a cupola was added to this. On a tablet of the tomb, which is now kept in the Berlin Museum, and is known as 'The Altar of the Qom Mosque', and dates back to 663 A.H. in the month of Safar (a month of the Muslim calendar) can be observed. Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Zakaria, Qom Between the villages of Issa Abad and Maidanak of Khalajestan, flows a small river which has a small dam constructed by brick, gypsum and cobbled stones alongside. This dam is the foundation of the Imamzadeh that has been constructed on it. From the external view the structure is octagonal, though internally it is a quadrangle, to each side of which is an area for the elite. Internally the walls are white washed and adorned with colored paintings, along with archaic arched sun-baked and colored tiles. The alcoves within have changed the quadrangle into a circular shape. In front of the mausoleum and under its porch is a door with old inscriptions related to the Safavid era. Amidst these inscriptions the name of Imam Ali' (P.B.U.H.) in the Tholth script can be observed. The beautiful dome of the mausoleum is also related to the Safavid age, and the same is adorned with tiles of various forms. Imamzadeh Soleiman, Qom This Imamzadeh is the burial site of one of the descendants of Imam Sajad (P.B.U.H.) and is situated at a distance of 2 km. north of the village of Sarom Abad and 26 km. south east of Qom. Externally, the structure is made of stone and gypsum, and at a later date a porch was added to it. Internally, the structure is an irregular quadrangle with two entrances. The flooring is of tiles, and its current dome is of clay, with a rod like structure at its apex, covered with tiles. To the east of the mausoleum are two small and historical tablets of black stone. The same is engraved with the 'Nastaliq' script and reveals the name of the demised and the dates 970 and 989A.H. It seems that the primary construction of this mausoleum is related to the Eilkhani period. Imamzadeh Sultan Mohammad Sharif, Qom This tomb belong to one of the descendants of the 4th Imam of the Shiite sect, is situated in a locality by the same name; and near the Qal'eh Gateway of the city. This structure was a fine example of the architectural effects of the 9th and 10th centuries A.H., which unfortunately turned to ruins a few decades ago. Today, the only remaining relic of those times is an azure colored tablet on the tomb, which is a remnant from the 7th and 8th centuries. Sheikh Aba Salat Mausoleum, Qom The same lies to the north east of Qom, and adjoins the former gateway of Ray. The brick made mausoleum is simple in style and a relic of the Safavid era. It is situated in the corner of a large vicinity, and is said to be the tomb of one of the scholars of Qom in the early centuries. Internally, the structure stands to a height of 8 m. and is square in shape, with an elevated entrance. Its dome is arched and is made of brick. Various writings can be seen on the western wall of the mausoleum dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries A.H. Other Imamzadehs, Qom Other Imamzadehs and pilgrimage sites of Qom Province are as follows: Imamzadeh Seyed Sarbaksh, in Azar Avenue related to the second half of the 8th century A.H. Imamzadeh Abol Abbas Ahmad near Imamzadeh 'in heaven' related to the 8th century; Imamzadeh Bavareh in the village of Fardo related to the pre-Safavid era; Imamzadeh Halimeh Khatoon, 12 km. south of Qom; Imamzadeh Sakineh Khatoon within 30 km. to the east of Qom related to the pre-Safavid era; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Ahmad and Ali Haras related to the Qajar era and located in Khak Faraj; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Jafar Qarib, 6 km. east of Qom related to Fath Ali Shah Qajar; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Jafar in the Geev village; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Seyed Ali, north of Qom; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Taher in the Taqrood village; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Abbas on the outskirts of the Jondab village related to the pre-Safavid period; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Abbas and Haft Imamzadeh near the Varjan Village of Qom; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Mohsen related to the 10th century; Imamzadeh Abdollah near Qal'eh Sadri Qom related to the Qajar era; Imamzadeh Safoora in Khak Faraj; Imamzadeh Fazel on the mountain overlooking the Beed Hind Village; Baba Mosafer mausoleum to the north east of Qom, near the Ray Gateway related to the Safavid period; the Chahar Imamzadeh Shohreh mausoleum and Molla Aqa on the outskirts of the city of Qom related to the Safavid age; Khadijeh Khatoon mausoleum; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Ebrahim and Mohammad in Mazdijan and to the west of Qom, related to the Eilkhanian period; Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Essaq; Imamzadeh Sheesh Imamzadeh in the outskirts of the Seif Abad related to the Safavid era; Imamzadeh Teiyaeb and Taher on the Qom-Sarajeh road related to the 8th century; Imamzadeh Fardoo in the village of Fardoo, district of of Qahestan. |
