In Mashhad, at the start of Safavi Street, stands the Abbas gholi Khan Shamlu Practical School, commonly referred to as the Abbas gholi Khan School. Constructed during the Safavid era in 1077 AH by Abbas gholi Khan Biglarbeigi, his name is inscribed above the school’s entrance. The Abbas gholi Khan School in Mashhad was officially listed as one of Iran’s national monuments in July 1357 AH. Presently, this school is recognized as one of Mashhad’s practical schools, attracting tourists fond of exploring historical buildings.
History
The Abbas Gholi Khan School has witnessed numerous fluctuations throughout its history. Despite enduring various adversities, it stands today as a school showcasing captivating architecture from the Safavid era, hosting both Mashhad locals and international students in its rooms. Abbas Gholi Khan Shamlu, the school’s founder, was among the eminent rulers of the Safavid era. He belonged to the lineage of Khorasani Biglarbigis and governed Mashhad and Herat akin to his predecessors. It is recounted that Abbas Gholi Khan had a penchant for science and knowledge. Unlike the autocratic rulers of his time, he had a poetic inclination, attracting renowned poets to his court.
There exist numerous endowments attributed to Abbas Gholi Khan, although the precise count remains unknown. Notably, the bazaar, customs, and endowments for the holy shrine of Razavi stand out among these contributions. A significant and enduring endowment by Abbas Gholi Khan is a school named after him located near the holy shrine of Imam Reza. Legend has it that the school’s foundation stone was laid on a morning of the lunar year 1077 AH after the morning prayer. Throughout its history, this school endured numerous hardships and changed hands among various trustees. Finally, in 1974 AD, Morteza Khan Sepehri Shamlu, claiming to be the seventh generation descendant of Abbas Gholi Khan Shamlu, substantiated his claim after 12 years and assumed responsibility for the affairs.
Architecture
Wide porches and eye-catching tiling exhibit the architectural style of the Safavid era manifested in this school. The two-story building comprises four porches. Surrounding the school’s rectangular space are 104 rooms designated for student accommodation. Each room faces a booth overseeing the schoolyard. Amid the shrine’s development and Nawab Safavi Street’s expansion, the school’s main section was repositioned without altering its appearance. Presently, the complex’s primary section sits on the southern edge of the street.
It’s intriguing to note that 12 staircases interconnect the first and second floors. The primary material utilized in this structure is brick. Additional embellishments evident in the school building encompass tiling and muqarnas work at the entrance of porches, rooms, and porches. The school’s library was incorporated into this complex in 1344 AH. Seyed Ali Beheshti endowed this library to the school, hence it is recognized as the Seyed Library.
Current situation
Abbas Gholi Khan School stands as a notable architectural gem in Mashhad, overseen by the Khorasan Cultural Heritage Organization. Situated in close proximity to the Razavi shrine, this school serves as one of the Mashhad seminary’s key centers, engaging over 100 active students. Entry into this madrasah at the preliminary level is open to university graduates who have completed their education in diverse fields and subsequently pursue studies in Islamic studies within the seminary. The higher levels of student enrollment in this school, operating as the “Specialized School of Intellectual Sciences,” commenced in 2016.
Finally
If you are planning a trip to Mashhad and you love visiting historical monuments, you should not miss Abbas Gholi Khan School. This school is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Safavid era, which, like Mirza Jafar School, is one of the best places to visit in Mashhad. Visiting this building typically takes about two to three hours, and we strongly recommend experiencing it firsthand to grasp the essence of Iran’s ancient Islamic architecture.