Pir-e Alamdar Tomb

The Pir-e Alamdar Tomb is one of the valuable historical monuments of Damghan in Semnan Province, dating back to the 5th century AH (lunar Hijri). This mausoleum stands in the east of Damghan, in the Khoriya neighbourhood, close to the Jameh Mosque and the Haj Fath Ali Beyg School, and is regarded as one of the outstanding examples of funerary architecture in Iran. The tomb was built in 417 AH as a round brick tower topped with a conical, onion-shaped dome, and it reaches a height of 13 metres. It was registered on Iran's National Heritage List on 15 Dey 1310 (Solar Hijri) under number 79. The tomb belongs to Muhammad ibn Ibrahim, the father of Abu Harb Bakhtiyar and a ruler of the Qumis region, and over the centuries it has survived as one of Damghan's ancient and valuable monuments.

The tomb has a cylindrical body with two main sections. The lower section is built of simple, delicate brickwork without pointing, while the upper section is decorated with seven bands of carved brick and an elegant inscription. The fame of the building owes much to its Kufic inscriptions, which are among the most striking features of its architecture and decorative art. The entrance lies on the southwest side, and its portal, with its frames, inscription, stucco work and elephant-foot columns, is particularly distinctive. Inside, too, there are inscriptions in Kufic script, and the dome, which once had an iwan around it, no longer has that iwan today. In form and architectural style, the overall structure resembles the Chehel Dokhtaran Tower in Damghan, and its delicate brickwork, Kufic inscriptions and the cylindrical proportions of its body add greatly to its architectural value.

To reach the Pir-e Alamdar Tomb, head to the east of Damghan and the Khoriya neighbourhood. The monument is close to the Jameh Mosque and the Haj Fath Ali Beyg School, and it can also be reached from the area around Imam Khomeini Square. Its proximity to the Jameh Mosque and other historical buildings in Damghan makes it possible for enthusiasts to visit several historical sites at the same time. Given the region's climate, spring and summer are good times to travel to Damghan and see this historical attraction. When visiting, please respect the sanctity of the tomb, avoid touching or damaging the brickwork and inscriptions, and follow the protection guidelines in areas where entry is restricted.