Abbasqoli Khan School

The Abbasqoli Khan Shamlu Seminary, known as the Abbasqoli Khan School, is one of the most important and oldest theological schools in Mashhad in Razavi Khorasan Province. It stands near the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, in the area around Navab Safavi Street. The building was constructed in 1077 AH (lunar Hijri) on the orders of Abbasqoli Khan Shamlu, a Safavid governor of Herat and one of the beylerbeys of Khorasan, and it is regarded as a prominent example of Safavid-era architecture. Today the school still serves its educational purpose and is used as one of the active centers of the Mashhad seminary.

The founder, Abbasqoli Khan Shamlu, was an influential figure of the Safavid period who paid special attention to learning, endowments (waqf) and the development of educational institutions. A significant part of the surrounding properties and bazaars was registered as endowments of this school. Over the centuries the building has gone through many ups and downs, yet it has kept its original structure and is known as one of the few surviving Safavid-era schools in Mashhad. In 1357 (Solar Hijri; 1978) the complex was inscribed on the Iran National Heritage list under registration number 1617, and it is still administered under the supervision of the Cultural Heritage organization. Architecturally, the Abbasqoli Khan School is a two-story building with a four-iwan plan and a rectangular courtyard, surrounded by about 104 cells that housed the students. The extensive use of brick, together with delicate tilework, striking muqarnas decoration and tall iwans, is a distinctive expression of Safavid religious and educational architecture. Numerous staircases, arcades and rooms overlooking the central courtyard complete the functional and educational layout of the school. The historic entrance portal was also moved without being demolished during urban development, and it is still preserved as one of the defining elements of this valuable monument.

The Abbasqoli Khan School is easily reached via Navab Safavi Street and the streets around the shrine. The 17 Shahrivar metro station is also a convenient way to approach the complex; from there you can reach the school with a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes or by taxi. The best time to visit this historic building is spring or autumn, when the weather is milder and strolling through the historic district around the shrine is more pleasant. Since the complex still serves educational and religious purposes, visitors should keep quiet, respect the students' study environment, avoid entering the teaching areas without permission and keep the site clean, all of which are important principles of responsible tourism.