The mausoleum of Sheikh Safi:
Sheikh Safiodin Ardabili was a mysterious person in Persian history who somehow changed the destiny of the Middle East around six hundred years ago and his prominent influence is absolutely tangible nowadays.
Sheik Safi was a great fan, follower and son in low of Sheikh Zahed Gilani who was a great leader of Sufis. He learnt a lot from Sheikh Zahed and continued his way and became a great leader of Sufism. They were Shia Muslims who also used Sufism to fight against Sunnis. Their ideological structure was so complicated and it was a combination of Islam, Sufism and Mithraism to present a strong ideology to rule the minds and hearts. For so many years they had not been after governing and ruling the country and in general gaining power but after Sheikh Zahed, little by little their followers decided to gain power and in result the Safavid Empire blossomed in 16th century by Shah Ismael the first the successor of Sheikh Safi.
They made Shia as the main religion of Persia and could fight easily against Sunnis especially the Ottoman Empire.
This mausoleum was built by a son of Sheikh Safi and little by little the constructions were competed until the 18th century.
When you enter the main gate there is a nice big yard which leads you to another beautiful yard which presents the outstanding Persian architecture in a dome and fine tile works.
Then you enter from the left side and right after a kind of pavilion you face the most beautiful mausoleum in Iran where Sheikh Safi and Shah Ismael have been buried. Afterwards on the left side a corridor leads you to a chapel which used to be a place for praying and musical dances.
Visiting this mausoleum or better to say this shrine is a great opportunity to feel Persian mysticism besides visiting the grand bazaar of city in the heart of Ardabil.
