Dome of Soltaniyeh
| Dome of Soltaniyeh | |
|---|---|
گنبد سلطانیه | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Mausoleum |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Soltaniyeh, Zanjan province |
| Country | Iran |
Location of the mausoleum in Iran | |
| Geographic coordinates | 36°26′2.3″N 48°47′45.7″E / 36.433972°N 48.796028°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Islamic architecture |
| Style | Ilkhanid architecture |
| Completed | c. 1313 CE |
| Specifications | |
| Dome(s) | One |
| Dome height (outer) | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Dome dia. (outer) | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Minaret(s) | Six |
| Shrine(s) | One: Öljaitü |
| Materials | Bricks; tiles; plaster; marble; timber; bronze; gold; silver |
| Official name | Mausoleum of Oljaytu |
| Part of | Soltaniyeh |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iii), (iv) |
| Reference | 1188-001 |
| Inscription | 2005 (29th Session) |
| Area | 790 ha (2,000 acres) |
Jean Chardin etching of the dome in 1673 | |
| Official name | Dome of Soltaniyeh |
| Type | Built |
| Designated | 6 January 1932 |
| Reference no. | 166 |
| Conservation organization | Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran |
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The Dome of Soltaniyeh (Persian: گنبد سلطانیه; Arabic: قبة السلطانية) — variously called the mausoleum of Oljaytu, Tomb of Uljaytu, or Soltaniya complex, among other designations — is an historic mausoleum and monument complex, located in Soltaniyeh city, in the province of Zanjan, Iran. It was built as the mausoleum of the Ilkhanid Mongol ruler Öljaitü (also known as Muhammad Khodabandeh). It was originally the centerpiece of a larger complex of buildings that included a mosque, residences, and other services, though these other buildings have generally not been preserved.
The mausoleum was built sometime between 1307 and 1313 CE. Its double-shelled main dome is one of the largest brick domes in the world, measuring almost 25 metres (82 ft) in diameter and approximately 50 metres (160 ft) high. Much of its exterior decoration has been lost, but the interior retains superb mosaics, faience, and murals. The Dome of Soltaniyeh paved the way for more daring Iranian-style cupola constructions in the Persianate world, such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi and the Taj Mahal. Its importance in the Islamic world may be compared to that of Brunelleschi's cupola for Christian architecture. The structure is currently undergoing extensive renovation.
The mausoleum was added to the Iran National Heritage List on 6 January 1932 and is administered by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran; and, since 2005, has formed part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Soltaniyeh.