Takht-E Foulad: Exploring Isfahan’s Timeless Historical Cemetery

Nestled in the heart of Isfahan, Takht-e Foulad stands as a testament to centuries of Iranian history, faith, and architectural mastery. While time has taken its toll—unfortunately, nearly all mausoleums from the Ilkhanid era have been lost, except for the ancient Baba Rokn Ed-Din mausoleum, the oldest surviving structure in the cemetery—the site continues to captivate visitors with its historical and spiritual significance.

During the Safavid era, Takht-e Foulad was home to over 400 mausoleums, though today only 8 of these remain. The Qajar era brought further destruction to parts of the cemetery, yet Takht-e Foulad never lost its prominence. By the end of the Pahlavi era, it had become the most important cemetery in Isfahan, showcasing a rich tapestry of Iran’s cultural evolution.

Today, the cemetery preserves 20 structures from the Qajar period and 17 from the Pahlavi era, each narrating its own chapter of history. Originally known as Lessan ol-Arz and Baba Rokn Ed-Din, the site has been called Takht-e Foulad since the Safavid period.

In 1994, in response to public demand, authorities established the Takht-e Foulad Cultural and Religious Complex, dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and organization of this priceless necropolis. Since then, countless gravestones and mausoleums have been meticulously repaired, allowing visitors to experience the cemetery’s historical grandeur.

For those wishing to explore the site, Thursdays and Fridays are the ideal days to visit, as most mausoleums are open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into Isfahan’s enduring legacy and spiritual heritage.

Takht-e Foulad isn’t just a cemetery—it’s a living chronicle of Iran’s past, where every mausoleum tells a story, and every pathway echoes centuries of faith, culture, and memory.