Sheikh Safi Aldin Ardebili Mausoleum

The mausoleum of Sheikh Safi Aldin Ardebili is among the main historic sites in the city of Ardebil and an exceptional building in the country which showcases the masterpieces of architecture and tiling of the 8th century AH and the next years.
It was founded by Sheikh's son, Sadr Aldin Musa, in 735 AH after his demise and Shah Abbas added major buildings to the site, making improvements.
The significance of this historic building relates to the dynasty of the Safavid. The predecessors of the Safavid kings and Shah Ismail I, the founder of the dynasty, were buried in the spot.
On the tomb of Shah Ismail stands a dome over which 5 swords are installed that reflect the weapons of the families that assisted Shah Ismail to gain power and reach to the throne.
On the tomb, there are other graves of the Kings, Princes, governors and dignitaries of the Safavid dynasty including the tomb attributed to the mother of Shah Ismail.
The current structure, known as Sheikh Safi, involves Ali Ghapo, which is outside the mausoleum, the entrance door, the large courtyard, Revagh, the Sheikh's mausoleum, Haram Khaneh, the tomb of Shah Ismail, Chini Khaneh, where charming plaster works and a couple of exquisite wooden and silver doors exist, Jannat Sara Mosque, Khanghah(a place where Sufis gather around for doing spiritual activities), Cheragh Khaneh, Chelle Khaneh, Shahidgah and the like.
The main entrance along with the space which contains 3 domes decorated with mosaic tiles, and inscriptions in Roghae and Kufic have made the place amazingly charming.
Sheikh Safi Aldin Mausoleum is a cylindrical tower with a short dome on top. Below the dome there is an inlaid crate which is highly precious and on the edge of which an inscription carved in Roghae script is seen.
The dome of Shah Ismail Tomb is even shorter and its external part is decorated in colorful tiles and an inscription in Kufic. Below the dome an elegant precious crate stands on the grave.
The crates in other tombs are quite interesting and delicately carved.
Sheikh Safi Mausoleum offers tens of unique art works such as the the superior types of tiling, mosaic works, Mogharnas (a form of architectural ornamented vaulting) , plaster works in beautiful and elegant inscriptions adorned with the calligraphy of the great artists of the Safavid era, valuable inlaid, silver works, illumination, gilded works, paintings and stone chiseling.
The architectural style of the building is of note and the combination of these unique artistic works is sort of premier in the history of the country.
The highly-valued collection was enlisted as the 11th historic site throughout the country by UNESCO on Tire 5, 1389, solar calendar.
One of the most famous art works in the building is the Ardebil carpet which is highly reputable in the globe. In the past it used to be kept in the tomb but now it is showcased in Victoria and Albert Museum in England.