It’s unlikely for a tourist to visit Toos and not witness the symbol of this ancient city: the Haruniyeh Dome. This thousand-year-old legendary building has withstood natural disasters, even alleged alien attacks, and the ebbs and flows of Iran’s history, teaching the lesson of perseverance. It boasts a simple yet magnificent architecture, its soil-colored exterior more captivating than any gold dome. in this blog I’ll provide you with more detailed information about it.
Why do I recommend visiting Haruniyeh Dome?
- It’s regarded as the oldest and most beautiful historical places in the ancient city of Toos.
- With its mysterious and elusive history, it holds interesting hidden secrets within its walls.
- Additionally, other attractions like the tomb of Hakim Ferdowsi are situated close by.
The mysterious history of Haruniyeh Dome
Haruniyeh is one of the best places to visit in mashhad and stands among Iran’s historical sites, shrouded in uncertainty regarding its construction date. No archaeologist or historian has definitively know the exact time this magnificent structure was built. While some experts suggest an 8th-century AH origin, others link its existence to the pre-Islamic era.
It’s intriguing to note that due to the name of this structure, some assume the Haruniyeh Dome was constructed during the reign of the fifth Abbasid Caliph, Harun al-Rashid. However, historical truth reveals a different story: as Harun al-Rashid planned a journey to Khorasan to quell public unrest, he fell ill on route and passed away in Toos. Throughout his life, he never had the chance to oversee the construction of such a magnificent edifice.
One of these legends suggesting that Harun al-Rashid utilized this dome to incarcerate criminals.
Some theories suggest that during the pre-Islamic era, this structure functioned as a fire temple. Other sources mention that this building was utilized as a site for the torture of Imam Musa Kazem and some of his followers.
But what all researchers agree on is that the Haruniyeh dome building was constructed after the Mongol attack on Iran. If this building had been built before that event, it would not have been possible to withstand the brutal assaults of the Mongols and remain strong and intact until today.
The architecture of Haruniyeh Dome
In general, the primary design of this building follows a four-cornered layout, showcasing features of 8th-century Hijri architecture. The overall dimensions of the building are 19.5 meters on the north side, 20 meters on the south side, 28 meters on the east side, and 29 meters on the west side.
The construction of this historical monument is entirely comprised of bricks, showcasing the Azeri architectural style. A two-shell dome crowns the roof, devoid of any tiles for decoration. The interior encompasses a porch, four thrones, a dome, and three sub-rooms, all of which are open for visitors to explore.
The exterior space also features a small memorial stone of Imam Mohammad Ghazali and a rectangular garden right in front of the porch. Besides its historical significance, the Haruniyeh building has been notable for its grandeur, the diameter of its foundations, the stability of the floor, and the dome.
The simple architecture of Haruniyeh Dome showcases the essence of simplicity, beauty, and strength. This square and spectacular building comprises a solid brick body and a two-shell, earth-colored dome.
It’s interesting to note that unlike the brick construction of the building, no bricks were used in the design of its dome. Similarly the interior of Haruniyeh Dome is crafted in a simple yet beautiful manner, mirroring its exterior.
places can be visited near Haruniyeh Dome
- Birch historical wall: 750 meters
- Toos ancient castle: 900 meters
- Tomb of Mehdi Akhwan the Third: 1.7 km
- tomb of hakim Ferdowsi: 1.8 km
- Birch Museum: 1.8 km
Finally
To reach the Haruniyeh Dome in Mashhad city, head towards the central area and Toos village where the dome is situated. If you don’t have a car, you can take bus line 202 from Ferdowsi Square to Ferdowsi Tomb. anyway, taking a taxi is the easiest. If you have any questions, ask and I will answer them as soon as possible.