Tomb of the 12 Imams ( Mausoleum of Davazde Imam )

Let's visit Tomb of the 12 Imams , the oldest monument in Yazd which is over one thousand years old.

History of Tomb of the 12 Imams

The monument is significant due to its ancient brick dome architecture which is a master piece remaining from Seljuk era.
According to a colorful inscription in the mosque, Abu Yaqoob Ishaq and Abu Masoud Beheshti were its founders who ordered to build this monument in 429 (fifth century) SH in Seljuk era which was named and known as Tomb of the 12 Imams since Safavid era.

Mausoleum Of Davazdah Imam , Second Dated Dome in Iran

Did you know that dome of Tomb of 12 Imams is considered as the second dated dome in Iran?
Visiting this mosque, we will appreciate its architects for building such a beautiful and artistic circular dome on a square plan.
It's interesting to know that the problem of building a dome on a square plan was first solved by the architects of this monument. 
This problem was solved converting the square body of this mosque into an octagon by adding earrings (an architectural term for triangle corners) in which there are mantles in form of entrances. 

The corners made at the dome is one of the oldest structures in Iranian architecture which are built by locating twelve forwarding rows of niches making this corners uniquely picturesque.
The monument is lit by the windows located in its four parts.
The outer side of the dome is decorated by Kufic bearing Throne Verse ( Āyat al-Kursī verse ) of Quran.

Mihrab of Tomb of 12 Imams

Entering this tomb, we will be astonished with the mosaic tiles and incomparable molding around the Mihrab. Presence of Mihrab in this monument shows that it dates back to second and third Islamic century; i.e. in 429 SH in Alevis period. 
Look at the marble stone in the Mihrab which bears saluting on the 12 Shiite Imams and name of some celebrities of Yazd. Earrings of the tomb are like twelve Mihrabs which resembles Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul.
Gorgeous tile works cover the inner side of the dome bearing Kufic writing all over the ceiling.
On former wall of the tomb and one of its rooms, there is an inscription in black which, according to some testimonies, belongs to Zein Al - Abedin Heydar from the reign of Mohammad Shah Qajar.

The only way to reach the roof is climbing the ladder since there is no stairs for it.

Tomb of the 12 imams was registered in Iran National Monuments on July 22, 1934 with registration no. 207.
For more information about Tomb of the 12 Imams, please contact Raadina Support.