Ghiasieh Madrasa of Khargerd

The Ghiasieh Madrasa of Khargerd is one of the most valuable historic monuments in Iran and one of the finest surviving works of the Timurid era. It stands in the village of Khargerd, about 5 kilometres from the city of Khaf in Razavi Khorasan Province. Built in the first half of the 9th century AH (Hijri lunar) on the orders of Khwaja Ghiyath al-Din Pir Ahmad Khafi, vizier of the Timurid ruler Shahrukh, it is considered one of the oldest madrasas in Iran. It was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 15 Dey 1310 under registration number 126. This magnificent building was designed by two of the greatest architects of the Timurid period, Master Qavam al-Din Shirazi and Ghiyath al-Din Shirazi, and is now regarded as one of the most important historical and architectural attractions in eastern Iran.

The Ghiasieh Madrasa is a rare example of Azari architecture and Timurid art. It was built on a four-iwan plan with a rectangular central courtyard, two storeys, 32 cells, eight domed spaces and iwans about 11 metres high. The skilful combination of brick and mosaic tilework, calligraphic inscriptions, delicate muqarnas, geometric and arabesque motifs, exquisite stucco work and the wind catchers built into the structure has made this madrasa one of the most complete examples of educational architecture in Iran. The striking similarity of its tilework to that of the Goharshad Mosque, along with historical wall inscriptions from various periods, adds to its cultural and artistic value and makes the Ghiasieh Madrasa one of the most important subjects for research into Iranian Islamic architecture.

To visit the Ghiasieh Madrasa, take the Khaf–Torbat-e Heydarieh road from the city of Khaf and after about 5 kilometres you will reach the village of Khargerd, where the monument stands in the centre of the village. The best times to visit are spring, early autumn and late winter, when the weather in the area is milder and conditions are well suited to sightseeing. When visiting the madrasa, please do not touch the decorations, historic tiles, inscriptions or valuable wall writings, and practise responsible tourism to help preserve this precious piece of Iran's architectural heritage.