Gonbad-e Alavian
Gonbad-e Alavian (or Masjid-e
Alavian) is a four-sided interesting 12th century mausoleum belonging to
the late Seljuk period. On the exterior, it resembles the Gonbad-e Sorkh
of Maragheh. Inside this Dervish Monastery, taken over by the powerful
Alavi Family ruling Ramadan for two centuries, is decorated by the same
type of gypsum moldings of Reydarieh Mosque of Qazvin. The Alavi Family
tombs (two in all) are in the crypt and can be reached by a spiral
staircase inside the tower. As regards its architectural merits the stucco
ornamentation of its mihrab with intricate geometric designs and
whirling floral. motifs on the exterior walls and several inscriptions in
Kuffic and Thulth styles, this monument ranks among the most beautiful in
its kind in Iran.
The most noteworthy monument in Hamadan, the dome may at one time have
been intended as a mosque. It is notable for the outstanding quality of
its stucco ornamentation, with whirling floral motifs on the exterior
walls and intricate geometric designs on its mihrab. The shrine stands in
the vicinity of Eyn ol-Qozat Square.
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