Ahar Museum of Literature and Mysticism; A Manifestations of Iranian Culture

Every civilization and culture leaves behind many tangible and intangible treasures. However, due to the fact that the intangible heritage of a nation has become a part of its daily life, it sometimes gets to be neglected. In recent decades, museums have been established all over the world to display both tangible and intangible cultural heritage and treasures of the nations. Taking into consideration the thousands of years of Iranian civilization and culture, a number of museums have also been established in Iran one of which is the Ahar Museum of Literature and Mysticism, making it possible to acquaint visitors with the culture of this land by displaying the magnificent and luxurious treasures of the Iranian civilization.

History and Features of Ahar Museum of Literature and Mysticism

Ahar Museum of Literature and Mysticism was established in 1995. There are three halls in this museum to display Iran’s cultural heritage and treasures. The objects of this museum belong to the historical period of the 13th to the 20th century. Manuscripts of the Holy Qur’ans belonging to the Safavid era (16th to 18th century AD) and Qajar period (19th century AD), fabric inscription decorated with Qur’anic verses, in an old door related to the mausoleum of an imamzadeh, prayer mat, prayer turbah or mohr, qibla compass, painting related to the Qajar period, and calligraphic Islamic prayers are among the objects displayed in this museum.

Who was Sheikh Shahabuddin Ahari?

Sheikh Shahabuddin Mahmud Ahri, the son of Ahmad Ahari, was born on November 28, 1184 AD. After learning the basics of Islamic sciences in his hometown, he went to Baghdad and after completing his education at the top possible level, he returned to Ahar to preach the religion of Islam and guide the people.

“Eshgnameh” is a written work of this Iranian mystic that contains his mystical beliefs. Shahabuddin Ahari passed away in Ahar in 1267 AD and was buried in the courtyard of his Khanqah.

Where Is the Ahar Museum of Literature and Mysticism Located?

This museum was established in the city of Ahar and the northern part of the mausoleum of Sheikh Shahabuddin Mahmoud Ahari. Ahar is the fourth most populated city in the East Azarbaijan province of Iran and is one of the main tourist destinations of the province. Ahar is about 1360 meters above sea level and has between 310 and 450 mm of rain annually. Numerous rivers passing through this area have created unique perspectives in it. Among these rivers, "Kichikchai", "Aharchai" and "Rangulchai" are more famous than the others. In addition to natural attractions, this city also has many historical attractions - due to its historical background - and perhaps the tomb of Sheikh Shahabuddin Ahari is the most famous of them.

The mausoleum of Sheikh Shahabuddin Ahari includes a Khanqah, a mosque, a tall porch, a minaret, and several pavilions. The exact date of construction of this building is not known, but it seems that it was built before the death of Sheikh Shahabuddin Ahri. Of course, some experts consider this building to be related to the Safavid period (16th century AD).

The large space under the dome is known as Khanqah, which had been used for the training and gathering of Sufis as well as their living place. Usually, the murshid (teacher or guru) of each sect lived in the Khanqah and was buried there after his demise so that his tomb would be a place for his followers and disciples to gather again. This part of Sheikh Shahabuddin Ahari’s mausoleum is a square-shaped area of 11 into 11 meters having walls with a thickness of 1.3 meters. The mosque is also located in the east of the mausoleum and decorated with plasterwork and paintings. Of course, the interior space of this Khanqah is relatively simple and, like similar places, devoid of any particular decorations.

Previously, a clay wall surrounded the 11-hectare area of this mausoleum, which has, due to the expansion of the city and building construction, rather been destroyed. However, the existing remains of the wall show that the height of this wall must have been more than six meters.

The mausoleum of Sheikh Shahabuddin Ahari includes a Khanqah, a mosque, a tall porch, a minaret, and several pavilions.