Discovery of Royal Ilkhanid Cemetery Near UNESCO World Heritage Site of Soltaniyeh Dome
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, teams have unveiled sections of a royal Ilkhanid cemetery near the UNESCO-listed Soltaniyeh Dome in west-central Iran. This discovery sheds light on the historical significance of the region and its connection to the Mongol Ilkhanid dynasty.
The head of the excavation team, Abolfazl AAli, who also manages the Soltaniyeh World Heritage site, announced the finding on Sunday. Excavations took place in an area known as Abwab al-Berr, revealing parts of an underground tomb.
“Based on existing evidence, historical texts, and the skeletons found, the burial site likely belongs to members of the Mongol Ilkhanid royal family,” said AAli. He further noted that the cemetery may have served as the final resting place for relatives of Oljaytu, the eighth Ilkhanid ruler, including one of his wives and children, as documented in historical accounts.
Archaeologists emphasize that royal cemeteries can provide valuable insights into social hierarchy and the status of individuals in past societies. The burial practices and artifacts discovered can reveal significant information about the beliefs and religious practices of the era. AAli explained, “The way the dead were buried and the objects buried with them can offer insights into the beliefs and religious practices of the period.”
The excavation began in early August in the south-western section of the Soltaniyeh citadel and is expected to continue until late September. Items typically found in such burials include:
- Human remains
- Valuable objects
- Architectural structures
- Inscriptions
The Soltaniyeh Dome, constructed in the 14th century by Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh (Oljaytu), stands as the world’s largest brick dome and is a major tourist attraction in Zanjan province. Renowned for its innovative double-shell structure and intricate turquoise tilework, it is celebrated as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
The city of Soltaniyeh briefly served as the capital of Persia’s Ilkhanid dynasty, a branch of the Mongol Empire. UNESCO recognizes it as a crucial link in the evolution of Islamic architecture in Central and Western Asia.
According to UNESCO, the mausoleum’s interior decoration is so exceptional that scholars like A.U. Pope have described the building as “anticipating the Taj Mahal.”
This stunning dome is adorned with turquoise-blue faience tiles, dramatically dominating the skyline of Soltaniyeh, an ancient city in Zanjan province, north-western Iran. Rising 48 meters above its base, it sits near dusty archaeological digs and crumbling walls.
UNESCO describes the Mausoleum of Oljaytu as an essential link and key monument in the development of Islamic architecture throughout central and western Asia. The dome is the earliest extant example of its kind in Iran, serving as a vital reference for the future development of Islamic domes.
Furthermore, the richly decorated interior of the mausoleum, featuring elaborate brickwork, glazed tiles, marquetry, stucco, and frescoes, can be considered a masterpiece in the realm of Islamic architecture.
Understanding the Ilkhanid Dynasty
The Ilkhanid dynasty, also referred to as Il-Khanid, was a Mongol dynasty that governed Iran from 1256 to 1335. The term “Il-Khan” translates to “subordinate khan” in Persian.
Founded by Hulegu, a grandson of Genghis Khan, the dynasty emerged after Hulegu received orders from the supreme Mongol chieftain, Mongke, to conquer Iran. Hulegu set out around 1253 with a Mongol army of approximately 130,000 men and established the Ilkhanid dynasty in 1256, conquering Baghdad and all of Iran by 1258, as recorded by Britannica.
The Ilkhanids unified Iran as a political and territorial entity following centuries of fragmented rule by smaller dynasties. During the reign of Maumud Ghuzun (r. 1295-1304), the Ilkhanids lost contact with the remaining Mongol chiefs in China. Mahmud Ghuzun embraced Sunni Islam, leading to a cultural renaissance in Iran, where scholars like Rashid al-Din thrived under his patronage.
Ghazan’s brother, Oljeitu (r. 1304-16), converted to Shia Islam in 1310, which sparked significant unrest. Following his death in 1316, a civil war loomed. His son and successor, Abu Sa’id (r. 1317-35), reverted to Sunni Islam, helping to prevent conflict.
Despite Abu Sa’id’s efforts, factional disputes and internal unrest persisted. Upon his death without an heir, the unity of the dynasty was shattered, leading to various Il-Khanid princes ruling parts of the former territory until 1353.
