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Tomb of Hafez in Shiraz

The mausoleum of Hafez is located in the northern edge of Shiraz and it is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The tomb of Hafez is also called Hafezieh by the locals. Hafez is a famous Iranian poet who was born in Shiraz in 1325, his full name was Khwaja Shams-uddin Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi. Hafez wrote his immortal poems in this beautiful city of Shiraz in which he criticises the ruling elite of Ilkhanid.

 

The poems he wrote have a musical lyricism and easy spontaneity that express the spiritual experiences of a mystic in love with the Beloved. Considered the master of the Persian ghazal (a type of romantic verse), his work was an immense contribution to Persian literature and culture.

A walkway leading to the Mausoleum of Hafez Shirazi
Steps leading to the raised platform, in the background the tomb of Hafez can be seen
A beautiful garden surrounds the area around Hafez's tomb
This is a raised terrace and beyond this lies the tomb of Hafez, it is also called Hafezieh by the locals

One of the earliest buildings above his grave was erected in 1452. Andre Godard, the French architect was assigned the task of expanding and replanning the gardens.

Hafez died in Shiraz in 1390 and he had left for us his famous Divan-e-Hafez to remember him. 

Hafez lived in Shiraz where he wrote his work
Looking back at the entrance gate of Hafez's tomb
Facade of Hafez Shirazi's tomb
Looking at the ceiling of the tomb
Ceiling of the open pavilion which is built above the grave of Hafez

 

It is a common practice that when visitors come to the resting place of Hafez, they touch the tombstone with few fingers and they recite a chapter of Koran. Sometimes they bring flowers or spray rosewater to show their respect to Hafez and his literary work. Sunset is the most popular time of day for Iranians to gather at the garden to pay their respects; some come to perform the faal-e Hafez, a popular ritual in which a volume of Hafez’s works is opened randomly and the future interpreted therein.

Visitors paying their respects at Hafez's grave
Sometimes they bring flowers or spray rosewater at the grave
A closer look at the grave
People gather around the grave of Hafez
This appears to be one of the poems of Hafez, close to his grave
Around Hafez's tomb there are few notable burials, among them are the Muadel family of Shiraz
Area around the tomb of Hafez is a cemetery
Locals walking around the graves, next to the tomb of Hafez

Several rectangular pools have been added amongst the gardens, and well-maintained orange trees, paths, streams, and flower beds create a pleasant environment for the tourism hub of Hafez’s tomb and memorial hall. There is also Hafez Education Centre on site which offers services to those who interested in the work of Hafez.

This pool (sans water) is located beside the grave of Hafez (opposite side of the Muadel family graves)
Entrance to the complex is through a beautiful portal
This gravestone is made out of marble but name is very faint
This grave is inscribed with elaborate Persian verses
Some of the graves were covered in glass
Graves have different sizes, this one is almost flat on the ground
In many cases, some family members were buried next to eachother (also the family of Hafez)
A newly painted pool in the garden which surrounds the cemetery
Looking back at the open area through one of the arches
This is the front door of Hafez Education Centre
Another view of the pool, in front of the graveyard complex
An old style latch used on one of the doors