The tomb of Hamdollah Mostowfi, the famous writer, historian, and author of Tarikh-e-Ghazideh (The Selected History), is located in the Malek Abad neighborhood of Qazvin. The tomb is situated in a basement, with a square building constructed on top, which transforms into an octagonal shape before reaching the dome.
The tomb of Hamdollah Mostowfi dates back to the Ilkhanid period and is located in Qazvin, on Taleghani Street, in the former Malekabad Street, in Mostowfi Alley. This monument was registered as a national heritage site on February 9, 1940, under registration number 332. The structure of the tomb is a small brick tower from the 8th century AH, with a square plan that transitions into an octagon by four pendentives and is covered with a conical dome.
The tomb’s courtyard covers 280 square meters, of which only 40 square meters are dedicated to the foundation. The entrance is decorated with the phrase "La ilaha illallah al-mulk al-haqq al-mubin, wa Muhammad Rasulullah al-sadiq al-amin". Inside, the building features simple turquoise tiles, and around the base of the dome is an inscription of Surah Al-Insan in Naskh script, with intricate gypsum carving. The lower part of the double-door entrance features floral designs and wood carving. One of the carved doors has deteriorated and the other has been transferred to the Iran National Museum, with a new door now installed in its place.
Undoubtedly, learning that this tomb belongs to one of the most important figures of several centuries ago and is over 700 years old will intrigue you to visit. At the tomb, you will see the resting place of a prominent Ilkhanid scholar and geographer, who lies just a few meters below the current street level. This may raise questions as to why this tomb is so much lower than the current street level of Qazvin. This reflects the changes in the city's landscape and streets over the centuries. The beautiful architecture, old bricks, and stunning turquoise tiles take us deep into history and captivate all our attention.
The tomb dates back to the Ilkhanid era, during which Hamdollah Mostowfi was one of the most significant intellectuals. He was a renowned geographer and poet who lived between 682 and 750 AH and held a bureaucratic position. He served as one of the officials in the Ilkhanid government in Qazvin, where he was known by the title "Mostowfi." Hamdollah Mostowfi made significant contributions throughout his life and earned high status, which led to the construction of a tomb to preserve his legacy. The tomb was registered as a national monument on February 9, 1940.
The tomb is surrounded by an iron fence to protect the valuable structure. Upon entering the courtyard, the turquoise dome catches your eye, adorned with beautiful tiles. The base of the dome is covered with old bricks, skillfully restored by expert restorers in Iran, maintaining the Ilkhanid style. The intricate muqarnas design around the dome adds to its beauty. It is said that the tomb suffered damage in the 14th century, after which a wall was built around it, and partial repairs were carried out. The main restoration took place in 1940.
You can start by visiting the 280-square-meter open space around the tomb, which you can enter through a few small steps. In addition to admiring the conical dome and the beautiful Ilkhanid bricks, you can also explore the old inscriptions in Nasta'liq script, which narrate the history and life of Hamdollah Mostowfi. One of the most fascinating parts of this tomb is the main burial chamber of Hamdollah Mostowfi, which is located in a basement. After descending a few steps, you will visit the tomb and realize how much lower the old streets of Qazvin were compared to the present level, showcasing how much the city has changed over time.
The easiest way to find most historical and tourist spots in Qazvin is by locating the Vali Asr Square (Aj). From there, you can easily access your destinations, as many historical sites are nearby. Once you reach the square, head straight to Ayatollah Taleghani Boulevard, take a right turn toward Bagh Street, and continue straight until you reach the first intersection. Mostowfi Street will be on your right, and if you follow it a few meters, you'll reach the tomb. Alternatively, you can take a shortcut by using Shahid Street instead of Taleghani Boulevard.
The tomb of Hamdollah Mostowfi is a legacy of the Ilkhanid Mongol era, about 7 centuries old. Hamdollah Mostowfi was a writer, historian, and author of Tarikh-e-Ghazideh, Nuzhat al-Qulub, and Zafarnama, works from the Ilkhanid period. One of the unique features of the tomb is its turquoise-colored conical dome and an inscription in Thuluth script, which introduces Mostowfi’s ancestors and works. The tomb, a significant landmark in Qazvin, was registered as a national monument on February 9, 1940.
