Imam Reza Shrine

The Imam Reza (AS) Shrine, or Razavi Shrine, is the mausoleum of Ali ibn Musa al-Reza, the eighth Imam of the Twelver Shia. It stands in the center of Mashhad, in Razavi Khorasan Province. This sacred site is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Shia Muslims and one of the best-known religious attractions in Iran, welcoming a great many pilgrims and tourists every year. The origins of the complex go back to the burial of Imam Reza (AS) in Sanabad of Tus, where the tomb of Harun al-Rashid had previously stood. The oldest surviving parts of the shrine date to around 610 AH (lunar Hijri), and over the following centuries, especially under the Timurids and Safavids, the building was rebuilt and expanded many times. During the Safavid era, and particularly in the reign of Shah Tahmasp I, the shrine's expansion gathered pace, and further sections were added in the Afsharid, Qajar and Pahlavi periods. Today, covering an area of about one million square meters, the complex is considered one of the largest religious complexes in the world.

The heart of the complex is the Rawza Munawwara, which houses the tomb of Imam Reza (AS) and his silver-and-gold shrine (zarih). Around it stand a series of mosques, porticoes (riwaqs), courtyards (sahns), iwans and historic buildings, each reflecting a part of the history of Iranian Islamic architecture and art. The Balasar Mosque is one of the oldest structures attached to the Rawza Munawwara, and the Goharshad Mosque, an outstanding work of the Timurid era and the first congregational mosque of Mashhad, is among the most important historic parts of the shrine. The Enqelab (Revolution) and Azadi (Freedom) courtyards are also among the oldest courtyards of the complex, alongside others such as Jomhuri-ye Eslami (Islamic Republic), Qods, Payambar-e A'zam (the Great Prophet), Ghadir, Kowsar, Hedayat and Be'sat. Numerous porticoes, historic iwans, saqqakhanehs (public water shrines) and gateways (bast) that link the courtyards to the surrounding streets make up the vast layout of the complex. The golden dome, the minarets, mosaic and lusterware tilework, mirror work, muqarnas, stucco, brickwork and exquisite inscriptions are among the most distinctive artistic features of the shrine. Other sights in the complex include the museums of Astan Quds Razavi, with their historical artifacts, handwritten Qurans, fine carpets and valuable objects; the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi, with its long history; the Naqqarekhaneh (drum house); and the tombs of figures such as Sheikh Baha'i, Sheikh Hurr al-Amili and Pir-e Palandouz.

To reach the Imam Reza (AS) Shrine, you can use the main streets around the complex, including Imam Reza Street, Shirazi Street, Tabarsi Street and Navab Safavi Street. The Bab al-Reza, Bab al-Javad, Sheikh Tusi, Sheikh Tabarsi and Sheikh Hurr al-Amili gates are among the main entrances for pilgrims, and the shrine can also be reached by metro, bus and taxi. The shrine welcomes pilgrims all year round; however, spring and autumn, thanks to Mashhad's milder weather, are better times to travel and to visit the nearby attractions. The number of pilgrims rises during religious occasions, the Nowruz holidays and special pilgrimage days. When visiting, it is important to respect the sanctity of the pilgrimage space, keep a calm atmosphere, respect the privacy of other pilgrims, avoid damaging historic features, and keep the courtyards and porticoes clean.