Mongol ruler Hulagu Khan constructed an observatory here in the 13th century for brilliant mathematician Nasruddin Tusi (Nasir al-Tusi), who advanced Ptomely's planetary theories using his geometric Tusi couple device, later used by Copernicus. On a windswept hill 3km northwest of town, a white golf ball–like geodesic dome has been built over the ruins as protection from the elements.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.67 MILES
The lovely Gonbad-e Kabul is thought to be the tomb of Mongol ruler Hulagu Khan’s mother. It’s attractively dotted with blue-tiled inlay but let down by…
1.94 MILES
Of several fine tomb towers scattered around town, this has the most interesting form, with a square plan topped by a pinched octagon. An upper window…
1.74 MILES
An attractive, domed stone building, Gonbad-e Arqala houses a fine collection of gravestones and pre-Islamic totems.
1.21 MILES
The squat Gonbad-e Qaffariyeh sits forlornly in a riverside garden with a tacky trio of concrete dolphins.
Nearby Iran attractions
1.21 MILES
The squat Gonbad-e Qaffariyeh sits forlornly in a riverside garden with a tacky trio of concrete dolphins.
1.67 MILES
The lovely Gonbad-e Kabul is thought to be the tomb of Mongol ruler Hulagu Khan’s mother. It’s attractively dotted with blue-tiled inlay but let down by…
1.74 MILES
An attractive, domed stone building, Gonbad-e Arqala houses a fine collection of gravestones and pre-Islamic totems.
1.94 MILES
Of several fine tomb towers scattered around town, this has the most interesting form, with a square plan topped by a pinched octagon. An upper window…