Imamzadeh Taher

Imamzadeh Taher is one of the religious landmarks and cultural attractions of Karaj, in Alborz Province, and part of its history dates back to the Safavid era. The shrine lies along the Karaj–Qazvin Freeway, east of Shahrak-e Darya and north of the Mehrshahr Apple Garden (Bagh-e Sib). Thanks to its religious standing, its spacious grounds and its well-known cemetery, it attracts pilgrims and anyone interested in cultural heritage. The complex covers roughly six hectares and, besides the shrine itself, has areas where families can rest and spend time. Throughout the year Imamzadeh Taher welcomes pilgrims who come to pay their respects and spend time in a religious setting. It is also the burial place of a number of Iranian artists, poets, writers and musicians, which adds cultural significance to its religious value.

Over time the building of Imamzadeh Taher has undergone changes: the old shrine building was demolished because of its dilapidated condition, and a new building took its place. The present building, with an area of about 1,400 square metres, includes a domed chamber, two prayer halls (one for women and one for men), two porticoes on the northern and southern sides, two minarets and an attached iwan. The building's tall dome, its traditional zarih (the latticed enclosure over the tomb) and its interior are among the shrine's most notable features. The six-hectare grounds also include a courtyard, green spaces, a fountain, an ablution hall, a car park and a children's playground, making the site suitable for families. One of Imamzadeh Taher's distinctive features is its cemetery, where a number of prominent figures of Iranian culture and art are buried. They include Ahmad Shamlou, poet and writer; Ahmad Mahmoud and Houshang Golshiri, renowned authors; Mohammad Mokhtari and Mohammad-Jafar Pouyandeh, writers and translators; Gholamhossein Banan, a singer of Iranian classical music; Habibollah Badiei, composer and musician; and Delkash, a celebrated singer. This combination of a pilgrimage site and the graves of well-known figures makes Imamzadeh Taher a notable destination for those interested in the cultural and artistic history of contemporary Iran.

To reach Imamzadeh Taher, take the Karaj–Qazvin Freeway and, shortly before the Mehrshahr Bridge, follow the road leading to Shahrak-e Darya and the entrance of the complex. Since local roads can change, it is best to check the exact entrance on a map before you set out. The shrine can be visited in every season, and the best time depends on the purpose of your trip. Ordinary weekdays are usually better for a quieter visit, while Thursdays, religious occasions and the last days of the year may bring more pilgrims and visitors to the cemetery. In the grounds you can visit the shrine, stroll through the green spaces and respectfully visit the graves of cultural figures. Keeping the religious setting and the cemetery peaceful, dressing appropriately for a place of pilgrimage, not disturbing the families present and keeping the grounds clean are important principles of responsible visiting.