Mirza Jafar School

Mirza Jafar School is one of the valuable historic buildings of Mashhad in Razavi Khorasan Province. It stands on the northern side of Enqelab Courtyard, within the complex of the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS). The school is regarded as a landmark of the Safavid era. It was built in 1059 AH (lunar Hijri) through the efforts of Mirza Jafar Sarvaqadi, a well-known merchant of Khorasan who traded with India. In 1285 AH (lunar Hijri), the building was restored on the orders of Zahir al-Dowleh, the governor of Khorasan, and with its mosaic tilework and eye-catching decoration it took on a distinctive splendour. Its location beside the shrine has given the school a spiritual and cultural role in addition to its educational function, and over the centuries it has been counted among the most important centres of religious studies in Mashhad.

The school has authentic Iranian-Islamic architecture, with notable features such as the northern iwan with its muqarnas work, mosaic tilework and rare inscriptions, all of which have preserved their original character. The school's historic library, created at the same time as the building, is among the architectural treasures of the complex, with its stucco work, gold-leaf paintings and numerous niches. The school's cellar is another important part of it. It is the burial place of several religious figures, including Sheikh Hurr al-Amili, and in the past it was connected to the courtyard through a window. For more than three centuries the school served as an important educational centre of the Mashhad seminary, and today, as part of the Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, it still keeps its academic function.

Because the school lies within the Imam Reza Shrine complex, it is very easy to reach. You can get to it through the various entrances of the shrine and the pedestrian routes around it. The best time to visit is in the mild seasons, such as spring and autumn, when conditions in the crowded area around the shrine are more comfortable. When visiting this historic and religious site, it is very important to follow the principles of responsible tourism: keep quiet, respect the spiritual atmosphere, do not touch the decorations, and avoid damaging the building. The school's proximity to attractions such as Goharshad Mosque and the Astan Quds Museum makes it possible for visitors to enjoy a complete cultural tour.