Where is the Tomb of Bibi Shahrbanu? Location + Details
The Shrine of Bibi Shahrbanu
The tomb of Bibi Shahrbanu is one of the oldest shrines in Rey, always serving as a place for prayers and devotion. Before discussing this sacred site, let’s first clarify what a tomb is, and then we will explore the details of Bibi Shahrbanu’s tomb. Stay with us till the end.
Contents
What is a Tomb or Mausoleum?
A tomb or mausoleum is essentially a structure built over a grave as a memorial. Tombs often have unique architecture that varies depending on the location, the person buried there, and the era of its construction. Tombs are usually not built for ordinary people but for those with notable positions or fame. These tombs often feature significant Islamic and religious architectural elements, making them historical landmarks. One such tomb in Tehran is the Tomb of Bibi Shahrbanu, whose architecture resembles that of many other shrines.
The Shrine of Bibi Shahrbanu
The shrine of Bibi Shahrbanu is located in Rey, on top of a high mountain near a beautiful flowing spring. This location has made the tomb a popular site for both pilgrimage and leisure among locals. Rey itself is a city with thousands of years of history, drawing numerous visitors from Iran and around the world interested in its historical landmarks. Known as the “Bride of Cities,” Rey is one of the three significant Islamic cities, bordered by Tehran to the north, Islamshahr to the west, and Varamin to the east and south. The tomb’s architecture is primarily stone-based.
Who Was Bibi Shahrbanu?
Bibi Shahrbanu was the wife of the third Imam of the Shia, Imam Hussain (a.s.). There is a famous legend about her burial place. After the tragedy of Karbala, Imam Hussain’s wife followed his instructions, riding Zuljanah (Imam Hussain’s horse) towards her destined location. Pursued by enemies, she reached the mountain and called upon God for refuge, exclaiming, “Oh mountain!”. By divine intervention, the mountain split open, and she found shelter within it, with only a part of her scarf visible. The pursuers marked the spot with three stones stacked together and planned to return the next day. When they returned, they found that the entire mountain had turned into formations of three stones, and they could no longer identify the marker.
This folk tale is documented by Mary Boyce, a renowned historian, in her book. It is also mentioned in Abi-Mikhnaf’s writings. However, Mohammad Baqir Behbudi (editor of Nasikh al-Tawarikh) considers this story a myth and does not attribute it to Bibi Shahrbanu. He believes the tomb is that of the village headman’s daughter, around 300 years before the writer’s time.
There is also an inscription at the site, and many people believe that it is indeed the shrine of Imam Hussain’s wife. However, Mary Boyce’s research indicates that the stone architecture of this shrine is much older, dating back to the pre-Islamic and Sassanian periods. Her findings were published in a journal named Historical Studies. Despite the historical ambiguity, this location has become a symbol to honor this noble lady. The shrine was registered as a National Heritage Site of Iran on June 20, 1936, with registration number 256.
Architecture and Historical Significance
According to Mary Boyce, the architecture of this shrine resembles that of the Anahita temples, suggesting that the title “Shahrbanu” might have originally been used for the goddess Anahita. The shrine’s proximity to a spring, a recurring theme in many ancient texts, further supports Boyce’s theory that it was originally dedicated to Anahita, the goddess of water and fertility.
Most historians agree that there is no solid evidence linking Bibi Shahrbanu as the mother of the fourth Shia Imam. In many historical texts, his mother is named Jahanshah, and if Yezdegerd III’s daughter was indeed Imam Hussain’s wife, she is believed to be buried in Medina, not Rey. Researchers also note that this site more closely resembles Zoroastrian worship sites and that there was a burial site for the deceased nearby.
The original structure of this tomb dates back to the Sassanian era. Architecturally, the southeastern part of the tomb features solid stone walls, brick arches, and other elements from the Buyid period. The southern hall and large chamber are from the Sassanian period, while the exterior walls date back to the Seljuk and Buyid eras.
In later periods, additional rooms, corridors, and walls were constructed, dividing the original site into two courtyards. The Deylamids added the tomb’s dome. Inside the shrine, there is a cave-like space where people light candles, praying for their wishes to be fulfilled.
On the grave, there is a carved wooden box inscribed with sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and titles of Bibi Shahrbanu, dating back to 888 AH, along with the names of the craftsmen and sponsors. There is also a beautiful wooden carving from the time of Shah Tahmasp in the southeastern part of the shrine, marking the original entrance.
Bibi Shahrbanu’s Tomb Architecture
The tomb is located in a rectangular area oriented north-south, measuring 33 meters by 22 meters, with stone walls dating to the Seljuk and Buyid eras. It borders the mountains of Rey to the north. To the south are several old stone structures with domed brick roofs. Over time, new rooms, corridors, and other structures were added, dividing the shrine into two sections.
The main tomb is built of plaster and stone, while the rooms are made of brick. The original structure is believed to date back to the Sassanian era, with later modifications during the Buyid period to adapt it into a mausoleum. The tomb consists of a small square chamber roughly 3 meters across. The main entrance faces east and features an arch from the Safavid period. In the Qajar era, various plasterwork and tiling were added to the building, and a tiled dome was constructed beside the existing brick dome.
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Conclusion
The historic city of Rey is home to this sacred shrine, which serves as a place of worship and spiritual reflection. Whether it is the tomb of Bibi Shahrbanu or a Zoroastrian shrine, today it remains a significant religious site, located within the heart of the mountains, attracting numerous pilgrims.
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