Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is a historic monument in Ardabil which contain different sections with unique Islamic Architectural style.
The Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble was built with the Azeri style, one of the best Islamic Architectural styles. This well-known monument is located in Ardabil province. It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Sheikh Safi al-Din was the founder of the Safavid dynasty. After his death, his son Sadr al-Din Musa tried to build a shrine for his father. This historic site was completed during the Safavid dynasty. Due to the respect of the Safavid kings for Sheikh Safi al-Din, various sections were added to this Shrine. Different sections of this site are as follows: Tomb of Ismail I (The first king of the Safavid dynasty), Tomb of Bibi Aqa Mahmonir (wife of Ismail I), Allah-Allah Dome, Jannat-Sara, harem, Qandil-Khaneh, Nanva-Khaneh, and Naqareh-Khaneh. Moreover, martyrs of the Battle of Chaldiran were buried in the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble.
This complex has four courtyards. The house of Sheikh Safi al-Din is located in this complex. According to the will of Sheikh Safi al-Din, his corpse was buried in a room next to the Khalvat-khaneh. Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble has marvelous ornamentation as follows: Mosaic, Muqarnas, Stucco, fabulous inscription, effects of famous Safavid calligraphers, worthy wood carving, silversmith, illuminated manuscript, and painting.
The entrance gate of the Shrine is placed on the east side of Ali Qapu Square, whose wooden door opens to the large courtyard. The portal of Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble was placed in front of the entrance gate on the west side of the Ali Qapu Square. Currently, this portal has disappeared.
Jannat-Sara was designed with an octagonal shape without an altar on the left side of the entrance gate. This part was used in Sama (Sufism) ceremonies. This mosque had a dome in the past, but it was destroyed. A wooden ceiling on the 16 wooden pillars was built during the Qajar dynasty. You will see a girih lattice window in front of the Jannat-Sara.
This part is the most important section of the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, which is placed with a two-story structure in front of the entrance gate. Five wooden windows on both stories have created a marvelous view.
Chinie-Khaneh is placed on the east side of the Qandil-Khaneh. It contains four Shah-Neshin, which have vaults with plaster muqarnas. The harmony of colors has created an astonishing view with the arabesque. Shah Abbas I had kept the dishes of Zarrineh, Simmineh, and the custom dishes from China at this place.
Due to the cold climate of Ardabil province, the best time to visit the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is from late June until late September.
Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is located on the Ali Qapu Square, Sheikh Safi Street. If you want to take a taxi, you will call 133. You can ride a bus and get off at the Ali Qapu station. It is a four-minute walk from the bus station to the shrine.
“Oh! Squander not this breath that Heaven hath lent thee, Nor make too sure another breath to borrow!’” Khayam