TEHRAN – A new restoration project has been commended on Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine, a revered historical and cultural monument, which stands tall in Mahan of Kerman province, southern Iran.

Amin Mahani, head of Mahan’s Cultural Heritage Office, on Sunday stated that this phase focuses on restoring the shrine’ intricate tilework.

Scaffolding has been erected, and the old, deteriorated surface will be removed to prepare for new tiling and grouting, the official said.

“20 billion rials (some $35,000) from national funds has been allocated to the restoration project so far,” he added.

The dome, a significant feature of the shrine, boasts 11 turquoise-tiled segments decorated with white geometric patterns and black borders. Constructed using traditional plaster materials, the dome is double-layered and has been periodically restored, approximately every 25 years, according to Mahani.

Originally built during the Timurid era, the dome's current form dates back to the 15th century. However, sections were reconstructed in the 1980s following damage from an earthquake and the deterioration of the original wooden structure.

The shrine is dedicated to Shah Nematollah Vali, a renowned 14th-century Iranian mystic and poet who passed away in 1431. It was first erected in his honor in 1436 and has since become an important pilgrimage site, with successive rulers adding to the complex over the centuries.

The shrine complex includes four courtyards, a reflecting pool, a mosque, and twin minarets adorned with turquoise tiles. The Safavid monarch, Shah Abbas I, undertook major renovations in 1601, including the reconstruction of the dome, which is considered one of the most remarkable architectural achievements of ancient Persia.

In the Qajar era, the shrine gained further popularity, leading to the construction of additional courtyards to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims. The minarets and other notable features, such as the prayer room of Shah Nematollah and the intricate tilework, remain significant elements of the complex.

AM