Takht-e Foulad Cemetery

The most sacred cemeteries of the Islam World

In the south east of Isfahan, there lays one of the oldest historic cemetery of Islamic world. Namely, this cemetery is one of the holiest among Al-Baaghi in Medina, Abotaleb in Mecca, and Wadi-Salaam in Najaf.  This graveyard is known to be a pre-Islamic one since the tomb of Yusha, (who may be the Biblical Joshua), the Jewish prophet, is laid there.

Jean Chardin impression of Takht-e Foulad

The growth of Takht-e Foulad cemetery during the time of Shah Abbas the second (Shah Suleiman) was noticeable. Jean Chardin (French, 1643-1713) is one of the witnesses of this fact. On his journey to Isfahan, he cited over 400 Takyas (sections of the cemetery), monasteries and other structures in the cemetery. In part of his travel account he has mentioned all different parts of Takht-e Foulad.

“The entire area and surroundings of the mausoleums are filled with guest houses, monasteries, takyas, and gardens. A small creek and two huge morgues….”.

Whispered tales of the past

Next to the cemetery, there is a caravanserai belonging to the safavid era which used to be a place for caravans (entering Isfahan from the south) to rest before entering the city. also, it was a place for the gatherings of the Sufis in a monastery.

During safavid era, Takht-e Foulad was specially built for burring courtiers and figures of science and culture. Then, it became a public cemetery during Shah sultan Hossein reign (the last years of Safavid era). Actually, the demolition of Takht-e Foulad began during his reign. Then, it went further during the reign of Fathali Shah (Qajar dynasty). However, he added a complex named madar Shah to this garden of remembrance. It appears that, most of the destructions happened during the time of Zelol Sultan.

Why should there be a scissor or a hair comb sculptured on a gravestone?

Of its main characteristics are the range of variety and notable figures and writings inscribed on the gravestones. They depict history in an artistic way.

As an example, depending on the professions of the people, their gravestones were patterned. As for the barbers there were patterns of scissor or hair comb sculptured on the grave.

Overview

Explore Takht-e Foulad Cemetery on these Suggested Tours