TEHRAN – Fars province’s tourism chief has announced the launch of a project aimed at standardizing the landscaping, lighting, and visitor signage at Hafez mausoleum, a historical and cultural site where the 14th-century Persian poet is laid to rest.

“The project aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this unique site,” Mohammad Sabet-Eqlidi said on Sunday on the sidelines of his visit to the cultural site, which is located in Shiraz, the capital of Fars province.

He noted that the initiative also serves as a pilot project for the standardization of other historical and cultural landmarks across the southern Iranian province.

“The tomb of Hafez, dedicated to one of the greatest literary figures in Iran and the world, consistently draws admirers and enthusiasts from across the globe,” Sabet-Eqlidi said.

“It is essential that the atmosphere of the site reflects the appropriate grandeur of such an iconic figure. The beautification and standardization efforts are currently underway to meet this objective.”

Better known as Hafezieh in Iran, the site is set in a charming orchard. Hafez’s tomb is surmounted by an octagonal dome supported by eight stone columns. The internal side of the tomb bears elaborate tilework.

Hafez poetry soaked in a deep sense of humanity echoes ranges of historical events, biographical descriptions, and details of life in his hometown, Shiraz. He is most famous for his Divan and among the many partial English translations of this work are those by Gertrude Bell and H. Wilberforce Clarke.

Celebrated as the heartland of Persian culture for over 2000 years, Shiraz has become synonymous with education, nightingales, poetry, and crafts skills passed down from generation to generation. It was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and was the Iranian capital during the Zand dynasty from 1751 to 1794.

AM