Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini - Tehran
The burial Complex
The mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini is located inside the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in the southern part of Tehran. The shrine of this famous Iranian leader is close to the metro station of Haram-e Motahar. Some members of the family of Ruhollah Khomeini and few political leaders are also buried in this complex.
The construction on this complex started in 1989 and it is still on going. When completed will be the centerpiece in a complex spread over 5,000 acres (20 km2). Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini was born on 24 September 1902 in Khomeyn and he passed away on 4 June 1989. He was the major force behind the 1979 Revolution of Iran which got rid of corrupt Shah of Iran (Reza Pahlavi).
The area round the shrine is vast and it is a wonderful place with many cafes, restaurants, tourist centre and a university for Islamic studies. The building has a dome which is eight meters tall and there are four minarets on the four corners of the building.
After passing a beautiful hall built underground, I came across security which told me that cameras were not allowed. I had to walk back a long way to deposit my camera at the entrance. There was a central courtyard which was accessible through many doors. My visit was cut short by a security who told me not to photograph and I was told to leave.
