Azim-e Gohar Shad

Mashhad


Exploring the Haram you might glimpse the 50m blue dome and cavernous golden portal of this classic Timurid mosque, built from 1405 to 1418. Unfortunately, non-Muslims aren’t allowed to venture within to appreciate its splendid interior hosting the minbar (pulpit) where, according to Shiite tradition, the Mahdi (12th ‘hidden’ Imam) will sit on the Day of Judgement.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mashhad attractions

1. Imam Khomeini Ravagh

0.05 MILES

All a-dazzle with intricate, mirror-faceted tiling, this former courtyard is now enclosed and entirely covered by a sparkling ceiling held in place by…

2. Haram-e Razavi

0.07 MILES

Imam Reza’s Holy Shrine is enveloped in a vast series of sacred precincts collectively known as the Haram-e Razavi, or Haram for short. This magical city…

3. Holy Shrine

0.08 MILES

Amid tearful prayer and meditation, the climax to any Mashhad pilgrimage is touching and kissing the zarih (gold-latticed cage), which covers Imam Reza’s…

4. Carpet Museum

0.11 MILES

Arguably the Haram's best museum. Rugs displayed here range from beautiful classics through to garish coral gardens and a Tabriz-made carpet-portrait of…

5. Central Museum

0.11 MILES

This eclectic museum kicks off with chunks of now-superseded shrine decor interspersed with contemporary sporting medals presented by pious athletes,…