Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble

Photo

by علی عالی ابوذر

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

The Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, Iran, is a significant architectural complex and a masterpiece of Iranian art and architecture. Constructed between the early 16th century and the early 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site serves as the burial place of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, the founder of the Safavid order. The ensemble includes a mosque, library, school, mausoleum, cistern, hospital, kitchens, and a bakery. The complex is renowned for its intricate tile work, detailed calligraphy, delicate stucco, and sophisticated dome structures, reflecting the height of Safavid architectural innovation.