Tomb of Esther and Mordechai

An old  Jewish shrine belongs to the 8th century located in Hamadan province.

Tomb of Esther and Mordechai is one of the most important tombs of Jewish people all around the world. It is located in Hamadan province. Also, this old tomb is one of the most important reasons for the presence of Jewish people in Hamadan.

Esther was a young Jewish woman who married Xerxes I, the fifth king of the Achaemenid dynasty of Persia. Moreover, Mordechai was one of the courtiers of Xerxes I and Esther’s uncle. she had convinced Xerxes I to allow the Jewish people to settle within the borders of the Iranian Empire.
 

• History

  This tomb belongs to Persian Jews. The main building is a brick quadrangle which Arghun has made on the previous tomb in 8th century. This tomb contains different part as follows:

  Entrance, atrium, tomb, Iwan, and Shah-neshin.

  The entrance of the tomb is a short rocky door open and closed by the clone (a kind of traditional handle). Due to the short height of the door, you have to bend to enter the tomb. There are two wood carved boxes on the graves in the middle of the square space of the tombs. You see some sentences with the Hebrew alphabet which introduce the creator of the box. Also, there is a Hebrew inscription on top of the wall of the tomb with Stucco ornamentation. This inscription and ornamentation belong to the 8th and 9th century.

   

• What is the best time to go? 

  During Spring and Summer, you can enjoy the beauties of Hamadan. But the best time to go there is between late June till late August.

   

• Getting there:

  You can travel to Hamadan by train, airplane, and bus. Hamadan Airport is about 5 km far from the city. Tomb of Esther and Mordechai is situated in the downtown, at the beginning of Shariati Avenue. You can reach there via public transportation such as a taxi.