Soltaniyeh
The mausoleum of Oljaytu was constructed in 1302-12 in the city of Soltaniyeh, the capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, which was founded by the Mongols. Situated in the province of Zanjan, Soltaniyeh is one of the outstanding examples of the achievements of Persian architecture and a key monument in the development of its Islamic architecture. The octagonal building is crowned with a 50m-tall dome covered in turquoise blue faience and surrounded by eight slender minarets. It is the earliest existing example of the double-shelled dome in Iran. The mausoleum’s interior decoration is also outstanding and scholars such as A.U. Pope have described the building as “anticipating the Taj Mahal.”| Year | Decision | Comments |
| 2005 | Inscribed | Reasons for inscription |
Reviews
Sheyda Ardalan (USA):
I just came back from Iran. My first stop to the western part of the country was at Soltaniyeh. Words can't express the beauty and delicacy of this massive structure. It sits in total harmony with it's surroundings. The blue tiles against the nutural brown bricks work wonderful patterns. Yet, funds are lacking and the resstoration of this building should have been finished years ago. Upon our arrival, a celebration was underway as Soltaniyeh was added to Unesco's World Heritage List. The governor of Zanjan was visiting the site, and we were given a nice bowl of "Aash" or thick Persian soup. Don't miss this place. Not too far from Tehran, and on the way to the city of Zanjan. Date posted: August 2005
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