Unveiling the Secrets: Ongoing Exploration of the Historic Soltaniyeh Dome

The archaeological excavations at the Soltaniyeh World Heritage Base are set to continue, focusing on uncovering the rich history of Ilkhanid architecture. Abolfazl Ali, the director of the site, recently shared insights about the ongoing excavation season in the Abvab al-Bar area, which aims to shed light on historical structures constructed during the Ilkhanid era.

According to historical texts, Oljaytu, the eighth Ilkhanid Mongol ruler, commissioned the construction of a mausoleum for himself while establishing the new capital of the Ilkhanid government in Soltaniyeh, famously known as the Soltaniyeh Dome. This monumental structure not only serves as a mausoleum but also marks a significant architectural achievement of its time.

Following in the footsteps of his brother Ghazan Khan, who built similar structures in Tabriz, Oljaytu, guided by Iranian ministers, initiated the construction of a series of public buildings known as Abvab al-Bar, situated next to the dome within the citadel. These buildings were designed to serve both the residents of Soltaniyeh and travelers, functioning as a charitable foundation with a distinct administrative structure and a self-sufficient budget.

• Abvab al-Bar comprised 19 buildings of various functions.
• These structures catered to the needs of citizens and visitors alike.
• Historical texts provide limited information about their exact locations and architectural designs.

Ali emphasized that the lack of detailed information about these buildings has motivated the current excavations. The Soltaniyeh World Heritage Base has embarked on explorations on both the eastern and western sides of the dome. The focus is on defining the precincts of the dome, identifying entrances, and understanding how this complex is integrated with other parts of the historical Soltaniyeh Citadel.

In line with the research objectives, the ongoing excavation season aims to build upon previous findings from the 1970s by Dr. Ganjavi, as well as excavations conducted in the 1980s and 1990s by Dr. Mirfattah on the eastern side of the dome. The goal is to clarify and interpret the results of past excavations.

During this excavation season, significant discoveries have been made on the western side of the dome. Archaeologists have identified spaces adjacent to the dome that date back to the Ilkhanid period, along with artifacts from subsequent periods.

Constructed between 1302 and 1312 under Oljaytu’s reign, the Dome of Soltaniyeh is situated in Zanjan province and symbolizes a pivotal achievement in Persian and Islamic architecture. This octagonal mausoleum boasts a stunning 50-meter-tall turquoise-blue faience dome, recognized as the earliest known example of a double-shelled dome in Iran, adorned with eight slender minarets.

The dome’s intricate interior decoration has garnered admiration from historians. Renowned scholar Arthur Upham Pope famously noted its grandeur, suggesting that it “anticipates the Taj Mahal” in vision and magnificence.

As highlighted by UNESCO, the Mausoleum of Oljaytu is a crucial link and a key monument in the progression of Islamic architecture across central and western Asia. The Ilkhanids further developed architectural concepts that emerged during the classical Seljuk period (11th to early 13th centuries), a time when Iranian arts flourished within the Islamic world. This laid the groundwork for the Timurid period (late 14th to 15th centuries), recognized as one of the most illustrious epochs in Islamic art.

Of particular significance are the dome’s double-shell structure, consisting of an inner and outer shell, along with the materials and themes incorporated into its interior decoration. These features highlight the architectural advancements made during this era, showcasing the evolution of design and artistry that would influence future generations.

In conclusion, the ongoing excavations at the Soltaniyeh World Heritage Base not only aim to uncover the physical structures of the past but also strive to recontextualize the rich history of the Ilkhanid period. As researchers continue to explore the remnants of Abvab al-Bar and the surrounding areas, the hope is to gain deeper insights into the lives and architectural innovations of this remarkable period in history.