Tomb of Sheikh Zahed Gilani

The Tomb of Sheikh Zahed Gilani lies on the outskirts of Lahijan, in the village of Sheikhanbar. It stands on a mountain slope, surrounded by tea plantations and lush rice paddies. It is the burial place of Sheikh Zahed Gilani, a prominent mystic and Sufi of the 7th and 8th centuries AH (13th and 14th centuries CE), and it is registered as number 824 on Iran's National Heritage list.

The tomb is built from a combination of wood and brick. Despite its simplicity, it expresses a deeply rooted sense of tradition and history. Its most distinctive feature is a steeply pitched, turquoise octagonal dome decorated with floral tilework in blue, white, yellow and black, which stands out against the greenery around it. The building consists of two rooms, with verandas supported by wooden columns on three sides, offering views over the village and the surrounding fields.

To reach the site, simply head from Lahijan toward the village of Sheikhanbar, about three to four kilometres east of the city. The access route is short and flat, which makes the visit easy. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the turquoise dome set against the rice paddies and tea gardens creates a soothing atmosphere. Respecting the sanctity of the place, keeping quiet, avoiding any damage to nature and observing the customs of pilgrimage will help preserve this spiritual heritage for future generations.