Khaje Shams El Din Muhammad, also known as Lesan Ol Gheib or Hafez is a renowned Lyric Poet of Iran that lived in 14th century in Shiraz. He lost his father even before he was born and was sent to learn different sciences from an early age. He was soon captivated by mysticism; today he is known for his knowledge of mysticism and its reflection in his poetry. Hafez has memorized the whole holly book of Quran that is the reason he came to be called Hafez, which literary means the keeper or preserver.
Hafez Mausoleum, Ceiling Decoration of Tomb – Shiraz, Fars Province
When Zands came to throne, and when Shiraz became the Capital of Iran, Karim khan, the Zand ruler, ordered the construction of a mausoleum for the famous poet. The structure of this mausoleum included an Iwan with four strong pillars each made from a one-piece stone. There were two small rooms on either side of the Iwan, with the Mausoleum being on the northern side, overlooking an outstanding garden. By the order of Zand king, a stone was made to be used as the tombstone of the great poem and some lines of his poetry were carved on it.
Karim khan, the Zand ruler, ordered the construction of a mausoleum for the famous poet. The structure of this mausoleum included an Iwan with four strong pillars each made from a one-piece stone.
The marble tombstone was adorned with two of Hafez Ghazals (Lyrics) using the Calligraphy of Haj Aghasi Beyg Afshar. The only thing that remains from the Zand construct is this tombstone. The importance of the great poet among Iranian has made the mausoleum to be a priority of all rulers that tried to keep it from damage and destruction. An attention that sometimes acted as a disadvantage since many rulers destroyed the mausoleum to build one of their own. The mausoleum was restored by the Qajar rulers which was again destroyed and nothing remains of it today.
The current monument was designed by the famous French Architect, André Godard inspired by the architecture of Zand Dynasty. The structure is a platform with eight pillars made of one-piece stones and with a domed ceiling covered in Tilework. The place is one of the main attractions of Shiraz for the beauty of its structure, Hafez place among Iranian and the pleasant atmosphere that is felt there.
