On your trip to Mashhad, one of the things I recommend you do is visit the tomb of Hakim Abulqasem Ferdowsi. At this historical site, in addition to Ferdowsi’s tomb, there are other sights that i introduce in this blog at Overiran Tourism Magazine.
Who is Ferdowsi
Ferdowsi is one of the most pivotal poets in the history of the Persian language and literature. He is credited with saving the Persian language through his creation of the Shahnameh book.
Ferdowsi, the poet behind Shahnameh (the Persian Book of Kings), lived in 329 AH. He remains among the foremost poets of the Persian language, revered by every Iranian. Without Ferdowsi dedicating 30 years of his life to writing the Shahnameh, the Persian language might have vanished following the Arab invasion of Iran.
It’s intriguing to note that this book comprises approximately 61 thousand verses.
More sights at Ferdowsi’s tomb
This location offers a few hours worth of exploration, featuring a museum, library, and the tomb of the esteemed scholar, Hakim Abulqasem Ferdowsi. Additionally, there are other attractions in this vicinity that hold significant interest.
Initially covering an area of more than 6 acres, Ferdowsi’s mausoleum was originally smaller. However, in the early 20th century, an additional area surrounding the main garden was annexed, expanding its overall size significantly. The central structure, inspired by Achaemenid-era architecture, stands at the heart of this complex, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur and the reflections within.
Ferdowsi’s statue
In front of the pool stands Ferdowsi’s statue, created by Abolhasan Sedighi. Within the pool, three groups of ten fountains are arranged, designed in the shape of lotuses. These fountains symbolize the 30 years of dedicated labor by Hakim Abulqasem Ferdowsi in crafting his magnum opus, Shahnameh.
museum and library
Within the Ferdowsi tomb complex, notable structures include the office building, museum, and library. Interestingly, the current museum, previously a resting place, was transformed into a museum in 2004 through the efforts of Dr. Behrouz Ahmadi. This museum houses a distinctive collection of antiquities discovered within this area.
The museum primarily showcases historical artifacts from the region, comprising stone carvings, pottery dating back to the Islamic era, and a significant collection of gold and silver coins. Additionally, notable pieces such as Archery, the Shahnameh of Florence, and a 73 kg Shahnameh (donated by Abdul Rahim Jafari, founder of Amirkabir Publishing House), along with glazed pottery and donated works, enrich the museum’s exhibits
The library within the Ferdowsi Mausoleum houses more than 9,000 books and was constructed in 1347 AH. This two-story building dedicates its first floor to book storage while the second floor serves as the reading room.
tomb of Mehdi Akhavan-Sales
Additionally, within the Ferdowsi Mausoleum complex, visitors can explore the tomb of Mehdi Akhavan-Sales, a renowned Iranian poet situated on the south side of the museum. Adjacent to the tomb stands a statue commemorating this esteemed poet.
When you visit these locations, be sure to also see the Harouniyeh Dome, located near Tomb of Ferdowsi.
History of Ferdowsi Tomb
Hakim Abulqasem Ferdowsi was a Shiite, and history reveals that upon his death, authorities prohibited his burial in the cemetery. Consequently, he was laid to rest in the garden of his house in the city of Tus. This site faced numerous attacks for various reasons and was repeatedly razed to the ground. Eventually, Arslan Halazb, one of Tus’s guards during Ferdowsi’s era, erected Ferdowsi’s initial tomb in front of the eastern gate of Razan city in Tabran Tus. This structure stood for approximately 100 years following Ferdowsi’s passing. However, during the reign of Ghorgoz, a Mongol amir, the tomb was demolished, and its stones were repurposed in constructing a castle.
Throughout the years, Ferdowsi’s mausoleum underwent numerous alterations, eventually resulting in its structure being reduced to a heap of bricks and tiles, concealed within a wheat field. However, during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, the governor of Khorasan, Abd al-Wahhab Asif al-Dawlah, was tasked with locating Ferdowsi’s tomb and erecting a monument in his honor. At this juncture, they constructed only two rooms for the tomb, creating a modest building.
Valuable information about Ferdowsi Tomb
- Address: The end of Shahnameh Blvd, Toos town, Mashhad, Iran . google map
- Opening hours: The mausoleum opens at 9:00 am daily and remains accessible until 5:00 pm during the first six months of the year, and until 4:00 pm in the latter six months.
Finally
Mashhad offers numerous attractions worth exploring. I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Mashhad, and the Ferdowsi Tomb, highlighted in this article, stands as just one among them. In my view, it ranks among the most significant attractions in Mashhad.