Walkway within Sheikh Safi World Heritage undergoes restoration 

September 11, 2022 - 20:30

TEHRAN—The Gazeran walkway in the courtyard of the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, northwest Iran, has undergone some rehabilitation works, the provincial tourism chief has said.

A budget of 90 billion rials ($300,000) has been allocated to the project, Fardin Eini explained on Saturday, CHTN reported.

Flooring and cobblestone installation are part of the project, the official added.

The UNESCO-designated Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is a microcosm of Sufism, where arrays of harmonious sun-scorched domes, well-preserved and richly ornamented facades, and interiors, and, above all, an atmosphere of peace and tranquility have all made a must-see stopover while traversing northwest Iran.

The ensemble is named after Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardebili (1253–1334), who was a Sufi philosopher and leader of Islamic mystic practices. It embodies the essence of Sufi traditions by having a microcosmic ‘city’, which embraces a mosque, a madrasa, a library, a cistern, a bathhouse, kitchens, and a hospital, as well as religious houses amongst others. The place also boasts a remarkable collection of antique artifacts.

Developed between the early 16th century and the end of the 18th century, this place of spiritual retreat enjoys the principal elements of traditional Iranian architecture to make the best use of the existing space for accommodating various functions.

ABU/AM