SAEDNEWS: Sardar Maryam Bakhtiari was one of the courageous and prominent women of modern Iranian history, who played a significant role during the Constitutional Revolution as well as in the struggle against foreign powers, especially Russian and British colonial forces. She was the only woman to earn the title of Sardar (Commander) in Iran.
According to the political service of SaedNews, citing Hamshahri, Bibi Maryam was born in 1874 (1253 SH) in the land of the Bakhtiari tribe. She lost her father during childhood, and as a result, endured a difficult childhood and adolescence. At the age of 15, she married a man twenty years older than herself. Although her husband already had another wife, Bibi Maryam soon gained the respect of both her husband and the entire tribe thanks to her capability and strong management of household affairs.
However, after only four years, her husband was killed in a family conspiracy. The marriage produced three sons: Alimardan Khan, Mohammad-Ali Khan, and Sohrab Khan. After her husband’s death, Bibi Maryam returned to her father’s home and tribe, where she raised her children with the help of her brothers—a form of upbringing that shaped her sons into prominent commanders in Bakhtiari and Iranian history.
The Supreme Leader of Iran stated regarding Alimardan Khan and his mother Bibi Maryam:
“His mother—Bibi—was anti-British and anti-foreign. This truly shows how a mother’s upbringing shapes the character of her child. This mother raised her child in such a way that he became a distinguished and remarkable figure. Honoring figures such as Alimardan Khan and his mother, and others who fought against despotism, against Reza Khan, and against the Pahlavi dynasty, is a worthy and commendable act. Their orientations and motives should be made clear. That flag of La ilaha illallah they carried is, in my view, of great importance, demonstrating that they fought with faith-driven beliefs and sentiments strengthened by their religious convictions.”
Bibi Maryam, mother of Commander Alimardan Khan, Mohammad-Ali Khan, and Sohrab Khan, lost her eldest son Alimardan Khan in 1934 (1313 SH), when he was executed in Qasr Prison for resisting Reza Shah’s dictatorship. His burial place remains unknown to this day.
During World War I, Sardar Maryam armed herself and fought against colonial forces at a time when Russia and Britain had invaded Iran. Although Iran had declared neutrality, the colonial powers sought to draw the country into the war as a pretext to occupy and divide it.
With unparalleled Bakhtiari courage, Sardar Maryam and the Bakhtiari fighters showed remarkable sacrifice in defending their homeland, offering many martyrs for Iran’s soil.
Mir Fendereski Tekyeh is among the most important shrines of Takht-e Foulad, housing exceptional artistic and architectural works as well as the tombs of notable figures.
I visited Mir Fendereski Tekyeh in Takht-e Foulad through Sheikh Mofid Street. Mir Fendereski was one of the greatest philosophers and mystics of the Safavid era. The tekyeh’s simple yet elegant entrance consists of a modest iwan decorated with delicate muqarnas.
Upon entering the courtyard, one finds a large rectangular yard filled with tall, lush, centuries-old trees that create a refreshing and delightful atmosphere. The southern side of the tekyeh contains the Bakhtiari burial chamber, known as the Bakhtiari Tekyeh.
Passing through the rectangular courtyard and its intertwined iwans, and after being captivated by the colorful doors and stained-glass windows, you reach a beautiful chamber filled with artistic masterpieces—stunning mirrorwork, exquisite stucco carvings, and a magnificent painted wooden ceiling.
This enchanting chamber is known as the “Bridal Room,” and Mir Fendereski Tekyeh is often called the “Bride of the Shrines” due to its unique beauty among the mausoleums of Takht-e Foulad.
Zahra Torki, Communications Officer of the Takht-e Foulad Historical-Cultural Complex, told Fars News:
“The Bridal Room is a colloquial name referring to a young Bakhtiari bride who passed away and was buried here. The chamber was decorated with tilework, stucco, mirrorwork, and painted wooden panels adorned with petals and vibrant colors—similar to the art seen in Golestan Palace.”
She added that most individuals buried in this chamber are Bakhtiari women. The Bakhtiari Tekyeh, part of Mir Tekyeh, traces its heritage to the renowned Safavid figure Mir Fendereski. The first Bakhtiari tribal leader buried here was Hossein-Qoli Khan Ilkhani.
Torki noted that other influential women, such as Bibi Maryam Bakhtiari—an important figure in modern Iranian history and a freedom-seeking fighter against Russian and British colonialism in Isfahan—are also buried here. She emphasized that the Supreme Leader has referred to her as one of the most significant and distinguished Iranian women.
She continued: “Mir Fendereski Tekyeh is one of the most important and prominent complexes of Takht-e Foulad, showcasing a historical continuum from the Safavid era to the modern period.”
Torki also highlighted the tekyeh’s cultural and historical significance, its Islamic-Iranian architectural beauty, the 400-year-old tree, the calligraphy of Mir Emad Hassani (the famous Safavid calligrapher), and the intricate gravestones featuring plant, animal, and abstract carvings—including the portrait of Samsam-os-Saltaneh—that together give this shrine remarkable charm.
Researcher and author Mahmoud Forouz-Bakhsh told Fars News:
“Mir Fendereski Tekyeh dates back to the Safavid period, though its Bakhtiari burial chambers were added during the late Qajar and early Pahlavi eras.”
He added: “This mausoleum contains the graves of notable Bakhtiari leaders, including Sardar Asad I, II, and III, as well as Bibi Maryam.”
Forouz-Bakhsh explained that the northern side of the tekyeh is reserved for men’s burials, while the southern part contains a unique artistic chamber designated for Bakhtiari women—a room known as the Bridal Room due to its extensive stucco work, elaborate mirrorwork, and remarkable combination of artistic styles.
He concluded:
“Takht-e Foulad embodies three spiritual and cultural dimensions: a space for solitude and remembrance, a resting place of historical luminaries, and a treasury of art and beauty. Mir Fendereski Tekyeh encompasses all of these elements, making it a place full of wonders and an exceptional site for attracting visitors.”
