The Qur’an Gate stands tall, with a grand central archway flanked by two smaller entrances. The western side of the gate is adorned with a staircase that ascends to the room above. This room, adorned with intricately designed mosaic windows, once housed the Qur’an Hafiz that looked over travelers. Engraved in the eastern arch, one finds the name, “Hajj Hussein Igar”, a testament to the hands that helped restore it. Today, the gate itself has become one of the must-visit attractions in Shiraz.
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Historical Layers
The Gate was first built during the reign of ‘Adud ad-Dawla. By the time of the Zand dynasty, it had sustained a lot of damage, so it was restored and a small room on top was added, in which were kept hand-written Qur’āns by Sultan Ibrahim Bin Shahrukh Gurekani. The two Qur’āns are known as Hifdah-Man. Travelers passing underneath the gates were believed to receive the blessing of the Holy Book as they began their trip or journey from Shiraz.
During the Qajar dynasty, the gate was damaged by multiple earthquakes; it was later restored by Mohammad Zaki Khan Nouri. In 1937 the two Qur’āns were taken from the gate and were taken to the Pars Museum in Shiraz, where they remain today. In 1949 the arch of the gate was restored by Hossein Igar.
Qur’an gate is a historical monument in Shiraz. The name is chosen , cause the Qur’an book ( Muslims Holy Book) on top of the gate.
Cultural Significance
In Iranian culture, walking behind Qur’an, when you are going to go to travel , cause bring auspicious moments through the journey. Thus, they had installed the holy book to cause lucky things.
The beside of this gate is a highway to Isfahan and Tehran cities, nowadays; but there were Allahu Akbar valley about 50 years ago.
Kajou Kermani tomb is on top of this site and let’s take a look, it has fantastic scene, also.
Quran Gate is a historical gate located in northeastern entrance of the city of Shiraz in the canyon of Allah-o Akbar between Chehel Maqam Mountain and Baba-Koohi Mountain located at the exit of Shiraz towards the city of Marvdasht.
Cultural Resonance
Why did the city’s entrance become synonymous with the Qur’an Gate? ‘Adud al-Dawla Dailami built the gate using bricks and sarooj and placed a Qur’an atop its arch. This was done with the belief that travelers passing underneath would be protected and blessed by God on their journeys. Over time, this sentiment resonated deeply with the locals. People started gathering near the gate not only before embarking on travels but also at the beginning of the lunar month, seeking divine protection throughout the month.
From its inception, the Qur’an was prominently positioned at the gate’s apex. As mentioned, Karim Khan Zand added a special chamber for the Qur’an and enriched it with two precious manuscripts. While in Shiraz, visitors are encouraged to view these exquisite Qur’ans, now housed in the Pars Museum.
A Mesmerizing Spectacle
By night, the Qur’an Gate is a sight to behold, illuminated splendidly, offering a different charm. In daylight, delve into its architectural intricacies, marveling at the craftsmanship and detailed calligraphy. Shiraz, as one of the premier tourist destinations for both locals and international visitors, is especially bustling during official holidays like Nowruz.
Visiting the Qur’an Gate is a journey through time, history, and culture, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.
