You may have never seen Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh in Zanjan; this structure is the world’s largest brick dome after the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral dome. With a simple search online, you can find numerous images of this monument. This brick dome has been considered one of the most unique and exceptional examples in Iranian and world dome architecture due to various factors such as proportions among different elements, decorations, different architectural styles, spatial relationships, structural resistance, stability, use of local materials, and employing various techniques for the aesthetics and decoration of the dome.
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Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh in Zanjan at first glance
Address: Zanjan Province, Sultanieh City, Alameh Helli Square, Alameh Helli Boulevard, Gonbad Street.
Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh in Zanjan marks a turning point in the evolution and development of Islamic architecture in Central Asia, Western Asia, and also a smart style transition from the Seljuk era to the Timurid era. In the past, this dome was intended for various and diverse uses. For example, conducting prayer ceremonies, group Quran recitations, hosting classes and educational sessions, establishment of schools and universities, short-term accommodations for visitors, and even as a place for accommodating the sick – all have been among the various uses of this dome. However, it is now considered a tourist attraction unlike any other that has been built.
On the 15th of Dey month, 1310, Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh was registered as number 166 in the list of national monuments in Iran. In 1384, on the 24th of Tir month, it was also registered as the seventh Iranian site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among the reasons that have made Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh valuable among Iran’s historical monuments are the exchange of human values in terms of advancements in architectural art, technology, urban planning, and future prospects. In other words, the existence of exchanges that have taken place through this structure in a specific cultural context and time frame are what make this structure valuable.
Different Parts of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
As is evident in the published images of this dome, Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh appears from afar like a single dome that is seen alone. However, in reality, it is composed of several main sections.
The Tomb Chamber Section of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
This part of the structure is located on the southern side of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh and belongs to the same section where the mihrab is placed. It has a length of 18 meters, a height of 16 meters, and a width of 8 meters, added to the complex after the construction and completion of the dome. Interestingly, it is worth noting that in the construction of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh, they used soil from places like Karbala and Najaf. Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh, after being unable to transfer the bodies of Imam Hussein and Hazrat Ali to this tomb, ordered that soil from Najaf and Karbala be brought to the city and used in the construction of this dome.
Exactly on the walls of the mihrab and also facing the main door of the building, they have inscribed Surah Al-Mulk in two lines of Kufic script and Thuluth script using the soil from the tomb of Imam Hussein. For this reason, this part is famous as the Tomb Chamber.
The tiles used in the construction of this building are all golden in color, engraved, and octagonal, forming different parts of the Tomb Chamber and its niches. The decorative border of the wall is covered almost from the floor of the rooms to a one-meter height with these tiles. Artistically, these tile works are very valuable, astonishing, and rare. Some researchers believe that in the past, there was a large door in the area under the dome, made of gold and copper, and it is highly likely that this door has either been stolen or lost.
The Crypt Section in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
The crypt in the lower space of the dome is considered a side area located on the southern side and precisely in the tomb house. Researchers believe that this part of the building was constructed before the dome and was used before the completion of this structure. The Ilkhanids, based on their religious customs and the practices of their ancestors, buried the dead with their jewelry and belongings in tombs in the crypts and underground. These jewelry items indicated the social status of the deceased. The crypt of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh was also a place for burying dignitaries and kings in the past.
Access to the crypt is done through the southern ivan of the tomb house. The entrance to this crypt is very low, and you must bend your head when entering this place. In other words, the entrance is designed in such a way that all individuals, upon entering the crypt, bow their heads in respect for the deceased. In the middle of the crypt, there is a burial place, with two smaller spaces seen on either side. According to conducted excavations, there are no graves in this crypt. However, some historians and researchers believe that Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh was buried in this crypt.
The Dome Chamber Section of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
You may not know that the dome in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh is one of the first examples of double-shell domes in the world, which is why it holds great importance both architecturally and historically. The dome’s height is approximately 50 meters, with a mouth diameter of 26 meters and an outer diameter of 38 meters estimated. Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh has a thickness of 160 centimeters, and the empty space between its two shells is 60 centimeters. The double-shell nature of this dome, by creating a hollow space, helps the structure be completely resistant to earthquakes.
An important point that showcases the architectural intelligence of this building is the design of a double-shell dome, which prevents the dome from collapsing and being destroyed. The curvature of the dome is drawn and very sharp, and in terms of the structure of its mouth and height, it is incomparable to any other structure in Iran. From the exterior view of this dome, you can easily see alcoves on each of its eight sides, which are essentially part of the details of this structure.
Minarets in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
An interesting point to note about the minarets surrounding this dome is that there are two types of minarets present. Some are turret-like structures placed on the building, while others are hidden within the framework. In the past, there were eight minarets atop the structure of this dome, but except for two of them—one located on the northeast corner and the other on the northwest corner, with only half of it visible—the rest have completely collapsed and disappeared. All these minarets were similar to each other in terms of structure and dimensions, adding a special splendor and grandeur to this building.
It is interesting to know that the minarets surrounding Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh are hollow, with a spiral staircase inside each one, extending from the roof to the ceiling of the third-floor ivans and further up to the top of the minaret. In the past, each of these minarets housed a muezzin, but currently, there are no traces left of them. These muezzins were positioned on the minarets to broadcast the call to prayer and news uniformly throughout the city. If only one muezzin had been placed on these minarets, due to the large size of the dome, the sound would not have reached the entire city.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the presence of eight minarets symmetrically positioned with the side ivans around the structure of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh created a restraining force that stabilized the dome and increased its strength. Some researchers also believe that the minarets originally served a protective role to collapse in the event of an earthquake, preventing damage to the main structure.
Ruined Sections of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
Regarding the structures and sections that have been lost in this dome, mention can be made of the surrounding buildings as well as the royal palace that existed. Additionally, a barrier was constructed with 16 towers and a tower, along with a ditch built to prevent enemy entry, all of which are among the structures that have unfortunately been completely destroyed or only partially damaged. Some inscriptions, too, were completely demolished by order of Miranshah or the third son of Timur Lang.
Furthermore, it is worth knowing that around this dome in the past, there were areas considered public spaces or gates that have all been completely lost, with no trace of them visible today. In the southern part of this dome, you can also see traces of a mosque building with a plastered mihrab, indicating that besides the main structure, another grand and significant building existed alongside the mausoleum.
Architecture of the Grand Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
The main plan of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh on the ground and first floors is entirely rectangular, while on the second and third floors, it is designed in an octagonal shape. The facade style is in line with the Seljuk architecture, showing signs of adherence to Islamic principles in the structure. For example, in the building, 110 steps are named after Hazrat Ali in Abjad letters, or by extending a line of symmetry, you will notice that Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh faces completely towards the qibla. Additionally, the materials used in the main structure are entirely brick, and only in the dome part can you see a covering of turquoise and lapis lazuli tiles in a mosaic style. The mortar used is a mixture of gypsum and a little lime.
Some researchers believe that the construction of this dome was inspired by the design of the mausoleum of Ghazan Khan, the most powerful and famous Ilkhanid king. A structure that itself was influenced by the design of the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the second Sultan of the Seljuks. It should be noted that the plan of the mausoleum of Ghazan Khan is square, whereas the plan of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh is completely octagonal in design.
Marvels of Architecture in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
An important point to note about this dome is that its architecture was inspired by Gothic architecture. In other words, “Brunelleschi,” the famous Italian engineer and architect in the 15th century, and also “Lorenzo Ghiberti,” an Italian architect, writer, and sculptor, designed and built the dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore church in Italy, which was done 100 years after the construction of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh, drawing inspiration from this dome. “Arthur Upham Pope,” a prominent American historian and renowned Orientalist, also considers the design of the Taj Mahal in India to be influenced by Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh and believes that this dome had a significant impact on the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Another interesting point about the main structure of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh is that this building is almost half a meter thick. However, the building is so robust that with a weight equivalent to 1600 tons over 700 years, it has only settled 8 centimeters. This dome has endured 33 earthquakes to date, with the most severe being a 6 on the Richter scale.
The foundation of the dome building is made of compacted sand and gravel layers with a depth of 8 to 10 centimeters. The excellent resistance of the ground beneath the dome has led the architect to consider the foundation of this immense structure very minimally with a depth of 50 to 60 centimeters. The foundation of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh is only one and a half meters lower than the ground surface in the northern part. All the foundations of this dome are made of completely regular stone blocks measuring 20 by 25 centimeters, constructed with lime and gypsum mortar.
Secrets of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
You might find it interesting to know that hidden within this structure are secrets and mysteries that knowing them will not be devoid of charm.
The mystery of using the number eight
As we mentioned, the plan of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh is octagonal. This building has eight porticoes, eight doors, and eight minarets alike. It is not clear why the number 8 has been used in the construction of the building because this number is not considered sacred like the numbers 7 or 12. However, some researchers believe that the possibility of creating a sundial is the reason for using the number 8 in this structure. Others believe that the use of this number was considered for the strength of the building. Ultimately, some other researchers imagine that Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh was constructed in an octagonal shape inspired by the eight gates of paradise.
Sundial in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
It is interesting to note that in the past, determining the time for a Muslim individual for the purpose of performing religious duties was of great importance. Based on this, when constructing Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh, a sundial was incorporated into its structure so that the residents of this area could easily determine the time with the least possible error. The function of this sundial is such that when sunlight shines on the main dome, the time of the midday call to prayer is determined. In other words, the light shining through the large windows actually represents the movement of the hour hand of a clock, and the light from the small windows approximately indicates the minutes. Furthermore, during the night, you can easily determine the passage of time by observing the stars that are visible through these windows.
Decorations in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
You may not know that the decorations used in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh took almost three years for its constructor and architect. Let’s explore the various decorations of this building together.
Islamic Patterns
Throughout the structure of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh, you can observe various decorative lines. These lines show you three main concepts, including the word “Allah,” representing the ultimate cause of existence, the word “Muhammad,” the founder of the school, and the word “Ali,” symbolizing the rule of divine justice. Various artists have used architectural lines and the words Muhammad, Ali, and Allah in combination with colorful tile or seven colors to decorate this dome. Additionally, cool colors are visible in all parts of this building, even in the body of the minarets. Even the walls of the ivans are adorned with these three words, which were inscribed with a combination of blue and brick tiles.
In some parts, you can also observe the phrases “Subhan Allah” and “La ilaha illallah,” and in terms of their placement and repetition, all these sentences follow a regular rhythm and pattern. Sometimes you can also see the word “Ali” in the form of a mathematical tile art with intricate combinations. Initially, the decorations used in this building consisted of Islamic phrases and the king’s name on tiles and bricks. However, after some time, for reasons that are not entirely clear, Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh ordered all the tile decorations to be covered with plaster and instructed that the same phrases and names be engraved on the plaster. Based on this, it can be said that the main structure of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh contains two periods of decorations, including brick, tile, and plaster.
Use of Blue Color
The blue color is the most important color used in the structure of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh. It is worth noting that this color is the only color that artists have used in the decorations of this building. A wide and extensive spectrum of blue colors, from navy blue to sky blue, and even teal blue that make up all parts of this building, especially the dome, are observable in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh. In the past, there were not many technical methods and facilities for creating colors. However, the coloring done in this building is striking and beautiful. Additionally, both on the exterior and inside the dome, you can clearly see turquoise color.
Numerous Wooden Decorations
In the structure of this dome, various wooden decorations made of cedar wood can be seen. These decorations are crafted and applied in a way that no nails were used to attach them. Cedar wood was transported from Lebanon and India to Soltaniyeh by the order of Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh. Before using this type of wood, artisans would soak it in saltwater to prevent damage by fungi. It is said that even Noah’s Ark was made with cedar wood.
Inscriptions in Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
In various parts of Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh, you can see inscriptions of Quranic verses on all walls. Among these Quranic decorations, Surah Al-Fath is precisely seen around the ground floor and Ayat al-Kursi at the top part of the main entrance door towards the mausoleum and in the eastern part of the building. Similarly, Surah Al-Tawhid or Al-Ikhlas is inside the first-floor ivan, and verses such as Surah Al-Anbiya, Al-Mulk, and Al-Muminoon are inscribed on the bodies. Additionally, inscriptions with the names Ali and Muhammad and a logo named “Unity” are present on all walls of the first and second floors. Other inscriptions engraved with six repetitions of “Subhan Allah,” five repetitions of the name of Prophet Muhammad, and five repetitions of the name of Imam Ali are visible alongside “Muhammad Messenger of Allah,” “Sultan Zill Allah,” and other phrases in this building.
Best Time to Travel to Zanjan and Visit Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh
As you may know, the climate of the region where Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh is located is much colder compared to other central areas of Iran. This city experiences snowy and icy winters and very cool and pleasant summers. For this reason, the best time to travel to Zanjan and visit Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh is during spring, you can also enjoy a trip to this area in the early autumn, experiencing the autumnal nature and magical landscapes. Nevertheless, the winter season is not at all suitable for traveling to this area, as most roads are slippery and icy, and the cold weather is extremely exhausting.
Final words
Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh is one of the most unique and flawless historical structures in Iran, which still shines with its former glory and majesty, serving as a dear legacy of ancient Iran for us. A trip to Zanjan will introduce you to various attractions, among which visiting the city of Soltaniyeh and exploring the numerous and diverse attractions of this region, alongside a visit to Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh, undoubtedly can create an unforgettable memory for you. Be sure to see Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh and inscribe its greatness in your heart and mind.
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FAQ
What is the significance of the Soltanieh Dome?
The Soltanieh Dome is revered for its architectural grandeur and historical importance. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is celebrated for its innovative architectural design, intricate tile work, and the impressive scale of its dome, which represents a high point in Islamic and Persian architecture.
Is the Soltanieh Dome open to visitors?
Yes, the Soltanieh Dome is open to visitors who can explore its stunning architecture, historical significance, and intricate decorations. Guided tours are available to provide insights into the history and cultural significance of this magnificent structure, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship of the Soltanieh Dome up close.