Avicenna Mausoleum
The Bu Ali Sina Mausoleum, also known as the Avicenna Mausoleum, stands as a captivating complex nestled in the heart of Hamadan. This site serves as a tribute to the renowned and erudite Persian physician, Avicenna, and has become an emblem of the city of Hamadan.
History
Constructed in 1954, the design of the Avicenna Mausoleum draws inspiration from the Qabus Tower, replacing the earlier mausoleum that was tragically destroyed in 1950.
Description
Located at the center of Hamadan, the Avicenna Mausoleum was meticulously designed and built to pay homage to this exceptional physician. While Avicenna’s medical prowess is well-known, he also made groundbreaking contributions to fields such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, alchemy, optics, and pharmacology. He lived from 980 to 1037 CE and authored significant scientific works, many of which were translated into European languages and employed by scholars.
Covering an impressive 3090 square meters and towering to a height of 28 meters, the Avicenna Mausoleum boasts a striking and distinctive architectural style. Designed by the renowned Persian architect Hooshang Seyhoun, this monumental structure embodies various facets of Avicenna’s life. Its architectural style reflects the period in which Avicenna lived while drawing inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage site, Qabus Tower, in northeast Iran. This complex combines elements of pre-Islamic Persian architecture with those of the Islamic era, featuring a towering structure, lush gardens, and traditional Persian house elements reminiscent of ancient palaces. Notably, the mausoleum’s Iwan showcases ten pillars representing ten centuries following Avicenna’s passing, while the tower itself incorporates twelve pillars crafted from granite stone, symbolizing the twelve scientific fields in which Avicenna excelled. The juxtaposition of rough stones on the lower portion symbolizes Avicenna’s resilience and indomitable spirit, while the tower’s refined elegance represents his precision and meticulousness in the realm of science.
The entrance to the tower is located on the eastern side, granting access to a single-room museum, Avicenna’s tombstone, a small library, and a collection of medicinal herbs. This remarkable collection offers insights into the medical knowledge of the past. Additionally, the Avicenna Mausoleum’s museum showcases exquisite Persian carpets. Notably, the complex also houses the tomb of the famed Persian poet Aref Qazvini.
A semicircular garden and a statue of Avicenna, holding a book in hand, enhance the overall splendor of the Avicenna Mausoleum complex, celebrating the legacy of this extraordinary man.
Visiting Hours
This magnificent mausoleum in Hamadan warmly welcomes visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the spring and summer months. In winter and autumn, its doors are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
