Gonbad-e Kabud

The Gonbad-e Kabud (Blue Dome) of Maragheh is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in the city of Maragheh, in East Azerbaijan Province, and stands on Mousavi Street. This unique structure is built on a decagonal plan, and each of its sides, more than six metres wide, is skilfully decorated with blind arches, serrated brickwork and muqarnas ornamentation, which gives the facade a distinctive character.

There are differing opinions about the age of the Gonbad-e Kabud: some attribute its construction to the Seljuk period and others to the Ilkhanid period. The building consists of two parts, a crypt and a main chamber. Inside the crypt there are inscriptions in Kufic script, in which the words "Allah" and "wa'l-hamd" are written with artistic skill. The dome is also believed to be the tomb of Hulagu Khan's mother, although the documentary evidence for this is incomplete. The exterior of the dome combines brick and turquoise tile; the proportion of tile to brick is small, yet the visual effect is very striking. On each side of the building there are three rows of muqarnas, which enhance the architectural beauty twofold. Over time, part of the painted decoration inside the crypt has been damaged, but some sections are still visible. The interior walls also once had painted decoration in turquoise, most of which has been lost, with only a small portion surviving.

To reach the dome, visitors can travel from the centre of Maragheh by car or taxi towards Mousavi Street; tourist information signs mark the route. When visiting, it is essential to show respect for the monument and to avoid entering areas that are under restoration or damaged.