Hāfezieh in Shiraz is a strange and unique place that whether as Iranian or foreign, you perceive it’s feeling and the mood. Hāfezieh in Shiraz is last resting-place of Lisan al-Ghaib, one of the greatest poets and gnostic of Iran, and each part represents one or more concepts.

Hafez Tomb and Hāfezieh Hall are two monuments which are on the northern margin of Shiraz city and south of the Quran Gate. Hāfezieh is the reminder of one of Iran’s greatest ode composer,Hafez Lisan al-Ghaib. All of us Iranians have a close relationship with Hafiz and his poems. Few can be found in Iran who did not augur to this great poet’s poetical works for encouragement or special occasions in life. Let’s go to his marble tomb, Hāfezieh in Shiraz, to find out more about it.

Introducing Hāfezieh in Shiraz:

The tomb of Hafiz and the Hāfizeh in general is designed by the French architect Andre Godar. Godar, for his love of Iran, has greatly contributed to our culture and history during his long years staying in this country. Hāfezieh in Shiraz was founded since 7 A.H. (1452 A.D.)  I.e. about sixty five years after Hafiz’s death. It has been restored and mended over and over in various governments until finally, by the command of Pahlavi and at the mighty hands of Andre Godar, has been become into its current form. It was then that an orchard and orangery were added to the southern part of Hafizeh.

In the northern part of the tomb of Hāfez, there are 8 doors which harmonizes with 8 tomb columns. These doors symbolize the kingdom of heaven, and the pillars of the tomb are reagent of the century of Hāfiz’s advent to the earthly world. Some have also linked these eight doors to the doors of heaven.

The dome-shaped construction of the tomb is aware of the sky, with turquoise blue, purple red, black and white and dark brown. If you look at the shape of the dome you will see that it looks very much like a Turkish dervish’s hat. To reach the grave of this great poet we have to climb a few steps to attain the marble left of Karim Khan Zand’s time. In addition to prophet Hāfez, the tomb of the Qavam and Moadel families   are also housed in the Hāfezieh complex.

As Hafiz himself predicted, his tomb, nowadays, is like a shrine that lightened heavy-hearted:

Symbolism in the Hāfezieh:

Like Hāfez’s poems, Hāfezieh is full of symbols and hidden words. Once you enter the collection you can identify these signs and watch this mixture of the arts:

1- Hāfezieh   Entrance:

Hāfezieh is located on one of the busiest streets of Shiraz. If you pass this street you will find no sign of the tomb of a great poet and gnostic; and this can be a symbol of bondage; Bondage of Hafiz’s eminent and mystical thoughts compared to the industrial world.

2-Southern part of Hāfezieh:

As we pass through the entrance door, we are merged by beauty and mundane appearance. The flower-designs and the beauties that attract everyone. This part symbolizes the material world and its gaudiness. To cross it we have to climb a few rows of stairs, which is a symbol of mystical conduct, itself. And then the closer we get to Hāfiz’s tomb, the more we get away from the world and its fancies.

3- Hāfezieh Hall:

Crossing a few rows of stairs we reach a hall. We’ve had a spiritual sightseeing here and now the curtains are gone away…

Yes, Hāfezieh Hall is very beautiful view of Hāfez Shirazi tomb; and as we descend the stairs, it is as if we have bowed in honor of Hāfiz.

4-Northern part of Hāfezieh:

As we said earlier, the eight northern gates of Hafizeh are a symbol of the kingdom of heaven which we have actually come to truth with reaching them.

This section has eight entrances and eight exits that are in harmony with the eight pillars of the tomb.

5-Tomb of Hafez, symbol of the shining sun:

The tomb of Hafez is known as a symbol of the shining sun, but in detail there are other signs, such as the mystical hat, the sky, and so on.

If you happened to pass by Hāfezieh, certainly practise an Hāfez bibliomancy and read a sonnet of his poetical works.

There is no doubt that reading the great poems of this eminent gnostic next to his last resting-place makes different sense.

You can also follow the cultural programs hosted in this collection by reviewing relevant websites: poetical contest, live music, concerts by authentic Iranian singers and more. Feel free to visit Hafez after sunset when the night falls and his tomb is nicely illuminated.