World Heritage Identification Number: 1188
World Heritage since: 2005
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇮🇷 Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Soltaniyeh: A Glimpse into the Grandeur of Persian Architecture
Soltaniyeh, located in the Central District of Soltaniyeh County, Zanjan Province, Iran, serves as the administrative center for both the county and the district. However, it is not just a city; it is a testament to the grandeur and artistic prowess of Persian architecture that has left an indelible mark on the annals of history. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Soltaniyeh stands as one of the most significant examples of Islamic architecture and a pivotal milestone in the evolution of Persian architecture.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
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 50 m 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’.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (ii): The Mausoleum of Oljaytu forms an essential link in the development of the Islamic architecture in central and western Asia, from the classical Seljuk phase into the Timurid period. This is particularly relevant to the double-shell structure and the elaborate use of materials and themes in the decoration.
Criterion (iii): Soltaniyeh as the ancient capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty represents an exceptional testimony to the history of the 13th and 14th centuries.
Criterion (iv): The Mausoleum of Oljaytu represents an outstanding achievement in the development of Persian architecture particularly in the Ilkhanid period, characterized by its innovative engineering structure, spatial proportions, architectural forms and the decorative patterns and techniques.
Encyclopedia Record: Soltaniyeh
Soltaniyeh is a city in the Central District of Soltaniyeh County, Zanjan province, Iran, serving as capital of both the county and the district.Additional Site Details
Area: 790.146 hectares
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
Coordinates: 36.43528 , 48.79667
