Dome of Soltaniyeh

The city of Soltaniyeh is a historical gem located in Zanjan Province, about 43 kilometers from Zanjan city. Renowned for its stunning Soltaniyeh Dome and various ancient sites, it is not only a key tourist destination in Zanjan but also recognized as one of the most significant historical and architectural landmarks in Iran. Historically, the transfer of the capital of the vast Ilkhanate Empire from Tabriz and Maragheh to the Zanjan region and Soltaniyeh during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Khodabandeh marked a pivotal moment in Iranian history. This shift transformed Soltaniyeh into one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world. Even up until the beginning of the Safavid era, Soltaniyeh was considered one of the most important and flourishing cities in Iran, if not the world. It served as the third capital of the Ilkhanate Empire, following Maragheh and Tabriz. The city is home to 17 historical sites that are nationally registered, with ages ranging from 100 to 700 years. The Soltaniyeh Dome is one of the oldest historical monuments in Zanjan and Iran, symbolizing the city's peak during its historical significance. It is listed as the eighth Iranian site on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Following the Florence Cathedral and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the Soltaniyeh Dome is the third largest historical structure in the world and the largest brick dome globally. It is estimated that this massive dome weighs around 250 tons. This dome features a double-shell design, with nine chambers nestled between the two domes. In the past, due to the heavy and bulky nature of mosque domes and other large structures, an inner dome was constructed to reduce costs and energy waste while enhancing the beauty of the interior space, allowing for decorative elements like plasterwork and tile work.

Background and History of Dome of Soltaniyeh

The outer dome is adorned with beautiful decorations and tiles, with the outer dome tiles being a distinctive blue color that significantly enhances the building's aesthetics. The Soltaniyeh region has long been favored by kings due to its pleasant climate, and many command centers during various wars were established here, leading to its nickname "Chaman Shahy" or "Royal Meadow." Fath Ali Shah of the Qajar dynasty spent a significant part of his life here, enjoying the climate and overseeing the Iran-Russia wars. The Soltaniyeh area is characterized by vast meadows and grasslands, providing ample opportunities for raising livestock and horses, making it a favored retreat for kings and princes, especially during the Ilkhanate period. The term "Chaman Shahy" originates from this context. The Mongol Ilkhans were particularly fond of this region due to its favorable climate and extensive pastures, as well as its strategic location on the route between Azerbaijan and western regions like present-day Iraq, ultimately choosing it as their capital. The development and growth of this city peaked during the reign of Oljeitu, the eighth Ilkhan of the Mongol Empire. He attracted many artists, craftsmen, and merchants to the city, laying the groundwork for its establishment in 702 AH. By 713 AH, to commemorate the completion of the new capital, the city was named Soltaniyeh, and with the king's special attention, it became the second-largest city of the Ilkhanate after Tabriz. Oljeitu ordered the construction of a wall stretching 30,000 steps, with a grand and magnificent tomb named the Soltaniyeh Dome at its center. This dome is recognized as the third largest brick dome in the world, following the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Italy and the Hagia Sophia in Turkey.

Oljeitu intended to transfer the remains of Imam Ali and Imam Hussein to this tomb and gradually bring the remains of 11 other Imams, but due to various reasons and strong opposition from religious scholars, he abandoned this plan and the idea of establishing a Shiite capital in Soltaniyeh. During the Mongol Ilkhanate, Soltaniyeh reached its peak and became a magnificent metropolis, receiving attention as the capital and center of political, economic, cultural, and social life in the Mongol Empire. It remained one of the major cultural and economic cities until the Safavid era. Under the Mongol emperors, the city became home to significant political, cultural, economic, and military figures, attracting many artists and scholars of the time. The grandeur of Soltaniyeh led many to compare it to great cities like Baghdad.

According to Clavijo, Soltaniyeh was a center of trade, with merchants from regions like Hindustan, Baluchistan, and Afghanistan bringing their goods for trade. Pearls and precious stones were transported from the Persian Gulf to Soltaniyeh, establishing economic ties that extended to Venice. During this period, Soltaniyeh became a meeting point for traders from China, India, and Europe.
Before long, Soltaniyeh transformed from a political and economic center to a cultural hub of Islam, attracting many thinkers and scholars from the Islamic world. However, following the death of Oljeitu, attention shifted away from Soltaniyeh as Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan rose to power, leading to a decline in the city's significance. As Tabriz grew in prominence, Soltaniyeh's importance diminished. The city's glory began to fade, and it suffered a devastating conquest by Timur, resulting in its destruction and eventual ruin during the time of Miran Shah. Clavijo, the Castilian ambassador at Timur's court, visited Soltaniyeh in 805 AH (1404 AD) and wrote: "On Tuesday, June 26, we finally arrived at the great city of Soltaniyeh, where Miran Shah was waiting for us. The city is situated in a plain and has no walls. In the center of the city stands a large palace made of stone, featuring numerous towers, each equipped with a cannon. Soltaniyeh is a very populous city, though not as grand as Tabriz. A short distance outside the city is a large palace with many chambers, built by a khan who is buried in a very magnificent tomb here."

Miran Shah ordered the destruction of this structure and the exhumation of the body. During the Safavid era, the city's significance diminished, but it remained an important stop along the route to Tabriz and a summer residence for the kings of the time. Notable travelers like Chardin and Tavernier visited Soltaniyeh and left accounts of their experiences. Tavernier described Soltaniyeh in his travelogue as: "Soltaniyeh is a village located half a league away from the main road, near a mountain. What remains serves as a testament to what has been destroyed; only ruins remain, which will eventually fade away with time." Later, during the Safavid period and the wars between Iran and the Ottoman Empire, Soltaniyeh became a base for cavalry and Qizilbash troops during the reign of Shah Abbas I, accelerating the city's decline. During the Qajar wars with Russia, Fath Ali Shah ordered the construction of a building using materials from the old city of Soltaniyeh on the hills surrounding it.

A devastating earthquake in 1290 AH led to the destruction of what remained, including the Grand Mosque, which, according to travelers, was the tallest building in the city after the Soltaniyeh Dome. Today, the Soltaniyeh region is considered one of the most important and valuable tourist destinations in Zanjan Province, attracting thousands of visitors each year. If you plan to visit Iran and Zanjan, make sure to see this magnificent historical monument, which shines like a gem with its blue dome in the beautiful surrounding plains. For a smooth visit to the Soltaniyeh Dome, you can benefit from the expertise of the Sana Persian team, who are ready to answer your questions promptly. We look forward to welcoming you to Soltaniyeh in Zanjan, Iran, in the near future!