Dozal Tower: A Mausoleum atop a Peak on the Aras Riverbank

In the northern part of East Azerbaijan Province, along the southern banks of the Aras River, lie several beautiful villages. Some of these villages have gained fame for their breathtaking natural landscapes. However, among them are villages that, with their ancient structures, serve as ideal destinations for travelers interested in historical sites. The village of Dozal is one such destination — in addition to its abundant natural attractions, it boasts several historical landmarks, the most prominent of which is the Dozal Tower, located atop the tomb of Imamzadeh Shoaib.

History of the Dozal Tower

The village of Dozal is the burial site of several Imamzadehs (descendants of Shi’a Imams), but Imamzadeh Shoaib, whose tomb lies within the Dozal Tower, is the most renowned among them. He was the brother of Imam Reza and one of the sons of Imam Musa al-Kazim, the seventh Shi’a Imam. Historically, the death of Imamzadeh Shoaib is believed to date back to the Seljuk period (11th century AH / 17th century CE). However, the construction of the Dozal Tower is attributed to the Ilkhanid era (1256–1356 CE). During this time, the building of mausoleum-style monuments like this one was quite common. Similar structures can still be seen in Maragheh, which once served as the Ilkhanid capital. It is said that the tower originally contained a stone inscription providing genealogical details about Imamzadeh Shoaib and information about endowments (waqf) associated with him. Unfortunately, this inscription has been lost over time and is no longer accessible.

Features and Architecture of the Dozal Tower

The Dozal Tower has an octagonal plan and is built upon a stone base. This architectural style is common in many mausoleum structures in the region, especially those dating back to the Ilkhanid period. A similar tower, known as Momineh Khatun, is located in Nakhchivan. Both structures are alike in terms of construction techniques, choice of materials, and their elevated locations on hilltops. It is believed that both towers may have been designed by the same architect, highlighting the deep cultural connection between the communities on both sides of the Aras River.

The entrance of the structure is elevated about eight steps above the surrounding ground. Above the wooden entrance door, there are turquoise tile decorations, which have eroded over the years. The tower’s exterior is made of brick, and each of its faces features a pointed arch. A 110-centimeter band of azure tiles and exquisite mosaic work encircles the upper part of the tower, giving it an unparalleled grandeur. On the western side of the tower, there is a turquoise-tiled inscription displaying the name of the builder: “Master Mohammad ibn Jamal Ahmad.” The tower is situated on a hill overlooking the Dozal plain.

Overall, the tower consists of two parts: the crypt or base and the main body. From the floor of the crypt, the tower reaches a height of 11.9 meters. It appears that the tower once had a dome, which has collapsed over time due to erosion.

Where is the Dozal Tower located?

This tower is situated in a village called Dozal in Jolfa County, on the beautiful southern banks of the Aras River. Dozal village is part of the Siahroud district of Jolfa. About 500 people live in this village, making it one of the most populous villages in Jolfa. This population size is closely linked to Dozal’s strategic geographical location, as the village lies along key regional communication routes.

The short distance of this tower from the territory of Armenia is considered one of its interesting features. Opposite this village, across the Aras River, lies the village of Qarajavan (Qarchevan) in Armenia. Despite Dozal village’s geographical location, its climate is relatively warmer compared to the surrounding areas, making it possible to visit even in winter. It is said that “Bayender Beg,” one of the local rulers of the region, used to travel to this village during winter and return to his city after the weather warmed. The climate of Dozal has made it suitable for cultivating crops such as grains and legumes, as well as for sericulture (silk farming).

Dozal village is located near the historical village of Kordasht. During the Iran-Russia wars in the early 19th century, Kordasht served as a gathering place for Iranian army forces. This beautiful village also hosts notable historical structures, making it, along with Dozal, a key tourist hub in the region.

National Registration of Dozal Tower

The tomb of Imamzadeh Shoaib and Dozal Tower were registered on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1983 (1362 SH).