Iran’s former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be laid to rest on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza.
The Dargah of Imam Reza located in Mashhad city of Iran is not only a religious place, but it is also a wonderful confluence of history, art and politics. Many great personalities are buried here who changed the course of the Middle East and Islamic history. It is here that Ayatollah Khomeini, the supreme commander of Iran, will be buried on July 9. Preparations for his funeral are being done on a large scale by the Government of Iran.
Come, let us know which other celebrities of Iran are buried in this important Dargah? What has been his contribution?
Why is the holy shrine of Mashhad special?
The city of Mashhad, located in the north-eastern part of Iran, is the largest center of faith for Shia Muslims around the world. The word Mashhad literally means place of martyrdom. This name was given after the martyrdom of Imam Raza. This Dargah complex is considered to be one of the largest mosques in the world in terms of area. Every year more than 3 crore pilgrims come here to pay obeisance. The place has flourished over the centuries under the patronage of various dynasties such as the Timurid, Safavid and Qajar rulers.
Imam Raza’s tomb.
Imam Raza, the chief custodian of the Dargah
In the center of the Dargah is the tomb of Ali Ibn Musa Al-Reza alias Imam Raza. He was the eighth Imam of Shia Islam. Imam Raza was known for his knowledge, generosity and patience. Fearing his growing popularity, Abbasi Caliph Al-Ma’mun called him to Khorasan and murdered him by poisoning in 818 AD. After his martyrdom, this small village Sanabad turned into a huge holy city Mashhad. The golden dome on the tomb of Imam Raza is the most prominent identity of this entire complex.
Imaaz Raza, in whose name the Dargah is.
Caliph Harun al-Rashid: a historical paradox
Right next to the tomb of Imam Reza is the tomb of the famous Abbasi Caliph Harun al-Rashid. The name of Haroon al-Rashid is famous all over the world through the stories of Alif Laila. He died here during a military campaign in 809 AD, about 10 years before Imam Raza. At that time this place was called Haruniyah. It is a big paradox of history that the most powerful Caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, which perpetrated atrocities on the Imams, got a place at the same place where Imam Raza was later buried.
Crown Prince Abbas Mirza of the Qajar dynasty is also buried here. Photo: Wikipedia
Prince Abbas Mirza: Pioneer of Modernity
Crown Prince Abbas Mirza of the Qajar dynasty is also buried in this complex. He was the commander of the Iranian army in the beginning of the 19th century. He fought bravely in the Russo-Persian wars. Abbas Mirza is remembered as the leader who initiated modern military and administrative reforms in Iran. Although he died before becoming king, his stature remains very high in history. His tomb testifies to the royal history here.
Sheikh Bahai: Confluence of Science and Spirituality
Another important tomb within the shrine is that of Baha al-Din al-Aamili, known to the world as Sheikh Bahai. He was a great scholar, mathematician, astronomer and architect of the 16th-17th century. He played a big role in the construction of the city of Isfahan during the Safavid period. He is also considered a great Sufi saint. The architecture and water engineering system of the Dargah are said to be his contribution. Even today scholars and students come to his grave to pay respect.
Ibrahim Raisi. Photo:
Ibrahim Raisi: Buried at the feet of Imaaj Raza
The most famous name in recent history is that of Ibrahim Raisi. Former Iranian President Raisi died tragically in a helicopter crash in May 2024. He was a resident of Mashhad and had also served as the guardian of the Dargah. Considering his will and public sentiments, he was buried at the feet of Imam Raza. Lakhs of people from all over Iran gathered for his funeral. His grave is now seen as a new political pilgrimage site.
Khamenei supporters.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Born in Mashhad, will be buried here
Iran’s former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had also expressed his wish that he be buried in the Imam Reza Dargah. A place has already been identified for them in the Dargah premises. Khamenei was born in Mashhad, hence his connection with this soil is very deep. The burial of any supreme leader here shows how important this place is for the religious and political power of Iran.
Celebrities of Timurid and Safavid Dynasty
Many princes and queens of the Timurid dynasty are buried in various courtyards of the Dargah. The famous Goharshad Mosque here, which was built by Queen Goharshad, also has many royal tombs. During the Safavid period, when Shiism was made the state religion in Iran, many Safavid kings and their viziers were buried here. The carving and calligraphy work on these tombs is worth seeing, which keeps the art of that period alive.
Imam Raza’s tomb.
Goharshad Begum: Patron of the Arts
The main tomb of Goharshad Begum is in Herat, Afghanistan, but her influence is visible on every stone in the Dargah of Mashhad. Many members of his family are buried in the mosque built by him and its surrounding areas. The promotion he gave to art and culture is still reflected in the beauty of the Dargah.
Land of scholars and martyrs
Apart from royal figures, hundreds of ulama and clerics are buried here who devoted their entire lives to spreading Islamic teachings. Many prominent commanders and martyrs of the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s are also interred in sections of the small cemetery here. This place is also a symbol of national pride for Iran.
Darshana and importance of Dargah
Being buried in the shrine of Imam Reza is considered the greatest honor for any Iranian. The belief here is that Imam Raza will recommend people buried in his neighbourhood. This is the reason why everyone, from the emperor to the Caliph and the revolutionary leaders, wants to get buried here. This Dargah is not just a stone building, but it is a living document of a thousand years of history of Iran. The peace here, the golden minarets here and the stories of the celebrities buried here deeply influence every visitor.
Also read: Who was Imam Reza, in whose shrine Khamenei will be laid to rest? Know the whole story
