Sheikh Ruzbehan’s Tomb

Sheikh Ruzbehan’s Tomb is one of the sightseeing sites of Shiraz that was built in the new era and its tiling and brick decorations as well as numerous inscriptions have made it spectacular. This tomb was built by Sheikh Ruzbehan in 560 AH (1164 AD) and as per his will, he was buried in it after his demise. The tomb is located in the “Darb-e Sheikh” neighborhood of Shiraz.

Who was Sheikh Ruzbehan?

Abu Muhammad Ruzbehan Baqli, popularly known as Sheikh Ruzbehan, was an Iranian scholar who was born in Fasa in 1128 AD. He came from a family that was engaged in selling vegetables and fruits and was, hence, given the nickname “Baqli”. Sheikh Rozbahan studied the Qur’an in the old schools known as “maktabkhaneh” and then learned the common sciences of the time. He withdrew from people at the age of 25 and started worshipping and austerity in the mountains around Shiraz and it was during this time that he memorized the entire Qur’an. At some point in his life, he went on a Hajj pilgrimage and saw Egypt and Shaam (present-day Syria) closely. After that, he returned to Shiraz and spent the rest of his life teaching and training students and died on May 21, 1209 AD. Before his death, the sheikh was engaged in sermons and speeches for 50 years in Atiq Jame’ Mosque and had many students. He left nearly 30 books.

Sheikh Ruzbehan was honored by the famous Iranian literary personalities who lived after him and Sa’di and Rumi have mentioned him in their works.

A book was written about Sheikh Ruzbehan by one of his descendants in 695 AH (1294 AD), i.e. 95 years after his demise.

Architecture of Sheikh Ruzbehan’s Tomb

Three stone steps connect the tomb area to a roofless porch, which is stretched around the building. There is a roofed porch after this roofless porch that is connected to another porch with a smaller width, which houses the graves of the Sheikh and two of his children. The names of the Shiite Imams are written on the tombstone of the Sheikh in Thulth script. The tombstone is 170 cm long 56 cm wide and is 46 cm above the ground.

There is a brass plate above the porch on which a verse of the Holy Quran is written. An inscription can be seen in the south of the complex, on which the genealogy and a short biography of Sheikh Ruzbehan have been inscribed. There is also another inscription, on which the names of Sheikh’s books can be seen. Some poems of Sheikh can also be seen in different parts of this building.

The courtyard of this tomb is covered with slabs of stone and the floors of the porches are covered with mosaic.

Where is Sheikh Ruzbahan’s Tomb Located?

This spectacular building is located near the shrine of Shah Cheragh at the end of a street named after “Sheikh Ruzbehan”. The place is accessible after crossing Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street.

Sheikh Ruzbehan’s Tomb was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1975.

Sheikh Ruzbehan’s Tomb was built by himself in 560 AH (1164 AD) and as per his will, he was buried in it after his demise.