Shah Cheragh is a 12th century funerary monument and religious complex located in Shiraz, Iran. It is centred around the mausoleum of Sayyid Ahmad, the son of Musa al-Kadhim, who is known as Shah Cheragh (King of the Light) in local traditions, and hence the building is named as such. The site is the 363th national monument of Iran.
The first structure over the grave of Sayyid Ahmad ibn Musa was built in the 13th century during the rule of the Salghurids, by the minister, a former Buyid prince. He built a domed mausoleum over the grave and a porch. Local folklore tells that the grave was found when a light appeared over it, which caught the attention of the people, who told the minister about what they had seen. The mausoleum stayed in that state for several years until the rule of the Injuids. During that time, female Injuid monarch, Queen Tash Khatun, further expanded the structure. She built an Islamic institution as well as a tomb for herself on the southern side. A small marketplace was built next to the new structure as well.
During Safavid rule in the 16th century, the building was extensively renovated. Then in the 18th century, Nader Shah Afshar donated a golden chandelier, which was hung under the dome. But a few years later, an earthquake struck Shiraz, and the complex of Shah Cheragh was heavily damaged by the tremors. The golden chandelier was lost during this time. But a year after the earthquake had passed, a man named Qandeel found some remains of the donated gold, which he used to fund the reconstruction of the Shah Cheragh funerary monument.
During the Qajar period, several repairs were made to the building. A silver zarih was also installed around the grave. Finally, in 1940, the Shah Cheragh was listed as an Iranian national heritage monument.
The religious complex consists of a mosque and the mausoleum of Sayyid Ahmad. A museum for ancient works is also situated in the complex. A total of two minarets are present, flanking either side of the main shabestan. Mirror works are frequently visible within the interior of the mosque, especially the ceilings.
One of the prayer halls adjoining the mausoleum
The mausoleum of Sayyid Ahmad is topped by a large dome. The mausoleum itself is made of plaster and stone. Around his grave, a silver zarih is visible. Another revered saint, Mir Muhammad, is buried within the mausoleum.
Tomb of Sayyid Ahmad inside the Shah Cheragh
The dome over the mausoleum contains a lot of mirror work on the interior. It is a Qajar period construction as well, and it replaces the original Safavid era dome which was destroyed in the earthquake. It has a metal skeleton as well. Persian calligraphy lines the base of the dome.
The dome of Shah Cheragh
Museum
The museum located within the Shah Cheragh complex was established in 1925 in a corner of the shrine. In this museum, at least 600 pieces of pottery and clay artwork are stored, as well as several coins from the Parthian and Sassanian periods. Also inside the museum are weapons (such as swords) from the Safavid and Qajar periods. Several examples of manuscripts and documents are archived in there as well.
