TEHRAN- The Qajar-era (1789–1925) Darugheh Tekyeh in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi province, has recently been inscribed on the national heritage list, a local tourism official has said. 

This historical monument is located on the pedestrian route towards the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) and has a history of over 120 years, Mahmoud Toghrai said on Monday. 

This building, designed in the common style of late Qajar period Tekyehs or Hussainiyas, which have a central courtyard surrounded by covered spaces, has a noticeable architectural identity and is still used and respected by the custodians and the local people, he added. 

During Muharram, apart from mosques, each neighborhood sets up its establishment for the ceremonial processions of the month known as Tekyeh (or Tekkiyeh), which are venues for the gathering of mourners known as ‘heyat’ (literally meaning group or delegation) honor the life of Imam Hussein (AS).

Tekkiyeh (stemming from the word eteka, meaning backup or reliable) was historically a staying place for visiting pilgrims and dervishes who relied on the goodness of the benefactors for daily sustenance. Today, Tekkiyehs, however, are specific locations for mourners who meet and participate in religious gatherings after which they head out on the streets in groups known as dasteh (literally meaning cluster) to parade dramatic mourning.

Mashhad is Iran’s holiest and second-largest city. Its raison d’être and main sight is the striking massive shrine complex of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam. Mashhad attracts millions of pilgrims each year.

In August 2020, the spiritual tradition of pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) was registered on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.

SAB/