TEHRAN - Hamdollah Mostowfi, revered as one of the eminent historians of the Ilkhanid period, holds a significant place in the hearts of the people of Qazvin.

The striking edifice housing his mausoleum stands tall, crafted from brick with an imposing azure blue dome crowning its summit. Adorned with intricate tilework throughout, the structure exudes beauty and elegance.

Comprising two levels, the lower floor, known as the basement, serves as the original resting place of Mostowfi, though it remains inaccessible to the public. Ascending to the upper story reveals a charming space adorned with understated turquoise-blue tiles.

According to Visit Iran, a notable architectural feature of the mausoleum is its distinctive conical dome, characteristic of the Rok Dome style prevalent in traditional Iranian architecture. This double-shell dome, with its melon-shaped interior and conical exterior, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Persian architects.

Another remarkable aspect of this historic site is the incorporation of Se-Konj or Filpoosh technique, whereby skilled artisans transformed the original square plan into octagonal, sixteen-sided, thirty-two-sided, and finally circular forms to accommodate the dome structure. The mausoleum is adorned with two intricately crafted walnut wood doors, one of which bears a Quranic verse. While these doors are replacements dating back approximately eighty years, the original pair, one lost to fire and the other preserved in the National Museum of Iran, underscore the site’s rich history.

Within the courtyard of Gonbad-e Deraz, visitors will find an inscription detailing the life and contributions of Hamdollah Mostwofi, along with access to a traditional household cistern, open for public viewing.

Qazvin was once the capital of the mighty Persian Empire, under Safavids, from 1548 to 98. It is a major tourist destination with a wonderfully restored caravanserai-turned-arts precinct, some quirky museums and a handful of decent eating options. For most travelers, Qazvin is also primarily the staging point for excursions to the famous castle of the Assassins and trekking in Alamut Valley.

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