Research, conservation and restoration of Bodagh Sultan tomb, in Mahabad

The tomb of Bodagh Sultan belongs to the Mukrian’s ruler, during the reign of Shah Suleiman the Safavid. It’s a tomb from the Islamic era in West Azerbaijan province, in Mahabad city. This historic building is the family tomb of Bodagh Sultan and other members of the Mukri’s family, who ruled this area for about four centuries. Bodagh Sultan made great efforts to develop his region and participated in forming the Mukrian’s city by constructing commercial and social centers such as: caravanserai, aqueduct, bazaar, mosque, bath and bridge. Bodagh Sultan’s tomb is located in the center of the old cemetery. According to the historical texts, tombstones and citation of trustees and survivors of Mukrian family, this tomb belongs to Bodagh Sultan and it is the place of a number of prominent members of his family who buried here in the Safavid period. Most of the members of this family, from Shah Ismail Safavi to Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar, were governors in Mukrian region. They fought with invaders, and because of popularity of the Sultan and the elders who buried in the tomb, some people of different parts of Kurdistan always visit the tomb. After the fall of Safavid Dynasty, the tomb of Bodagh Sultan damaged a lot, because of insecurities and local disputes. Even though this building was registered as national monuments in Iran, the damages hadn’t been done and tomb had become half destroyed. The north Ivan and the south Ivan were completely destroyed, and heterogeneous repairs and additions were made. Also a humble door was installed to enter the domed nave. The graves’ inscriptions, were also completely destroyed, except the tombstone of Abdullah Khan, the last governor of the family. From 1991 to 1995, according to an approved planning, the cultural heritage department of West Azerbaijan provinc restored this historical monument after doing archeological and architectural researches. At the first step, debris and mass of the shrine grounds on the northern side of the mausoleum removed, with an area of about 42 square meters. After completing the excavations in the destroyed spaces and discovering the foundations and remnants of the walls and part of the arches, niches, walls on both sides of the entrances to the shrine (north Ivan), and the entrance Ivan (south side), the reconstruction map was prepared, under supervision of Dr. Baqir Ayatollahzade Shirazi. In 1992, the reconstruction and completion of the north and south Ivans and the outer body of the tomb continued, and the reconstruction of the side walls, arch and dome, and the architectural elements of both Ivans were completed. Now this building is a symbol of the city and one of the historical and tourist attractions of Mahabad.