Marble is a type of limestone. Marble has been used for making statues and buildings in Iran since 3000 BCE. Sheets of marble (white, black, purple, and yellow) are used for the walls of ornate buildings, palaces and sacred edifices.

At Shah-Cheragh, flat white marble is used for the floor and the lower half of the walls.

Takht-e marmar, originally created in Shiraz as a throne over 250 years ago, but now exhibited in Tehran, is another example of marble being used for creating statues, steps, floors, and enclosing walls.

Shi’a Muslims are obligated to pray before sunrise. They are called to prayer by the Azan (a prayer usually transmitted by a horn sound, but now usually by loud speakers). The Azan is called out from a minaret of a specific holy site by the Azangoo, or cantor. Minarets are traditionally built in the front corners of a Shi’a mosque or a sacred edifice.

The dome of Shah-Cheragh reminds Muslims in Shiraz of the beauty of the sunrise.

The shrine (haram) is central in holy edifices and it is traditionally given the place of prominence. Adherents of the faith assemble at the haram in order to venerate God. The faithful usually have the goal of getting close enough to the haram in order to touch its walls.

This haram serves as a mausoleum over the grave of brothers Ahmad and Muhammad, sons of Musa al-Kadhim (the seventh disciple of the Prophet Muhammad).This mausoleum looks like a cage approximately the height a doorway and double the width. It has a roof and a small door in front which is locked. It is opened only to collect the donations dropped in through the reticulated silver walls.

Shah-Cheragh is a place that pilgrims can experience the feelings of a spiritual retreat and find tranquility and peace. Two elements are very important to the holy places in Iran:Chandeliers, often contributed by believers wishing to honor a loved one; andMirrored mosaics covering the walls. The abundant reflection of light from the chandeliers provides the feeling of peace and reconciliation.

The floors of holy places in Iran are marble. Persian rugs provide beauty and warmth for people when they pray.

To know more about Persian rugs, please refer to the diorama made specifically on carpets (the history, evolution, and weaving).

Calligraphy is a visible expression of spirituality for Iranians. Calligraphic poetry on or around a grave is our way of showing feelings of respect toward the deceased.

The gravestone of Shah-Cheragh is not visible because it is covered with green fabric.

Metalwork using copper, brass, gold and silver greatly evolved in Iran. Since the early bronze age, Persians in different geographical areas such Khuzestan, the western lowlands, and the southeast, made vessels such as wine glasses, plates, and trays.

The walls of the haram are silver-work.

Calligraphy is a visible expression of spirituality for Iranians. Calligraphic poetry on or around a grave is our way of showing feelings of respect toward the deceased.

The gravestone of Shah-Cheragh is not visible because it is covered with green fabric.

The roof of the haram is covered by artificial flowers. The Iranian love of flowers was influenced by the great civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia. Iranians believe that a soul has no end — life is eternal. Bringing flowers to funerals or offering them in sacred places is a sign of sympathy, respect, and love.

Worship participants are free to use the Quran or other sacred scriptures, and ceremonial vessels for prayer. Rosewater is also available for asperging, i.e., splashing on one’s face or clothes in order to purify.