Gonbad-e Sorkh (Red Dome)

The Red Dome (Gonbad-e Sorkh) of Maragheh is one of the most valuable historic buildings in East Azerbaijan and the oldest surviving tomb from the Islamic period in the region. It was built in 542 AH (1147 CE) during the Seljuk era, and has been regarded ever since as a symbol of Islamic art and architecture. The building takes its name from the red bricks used in its facade. It was registered as a national monument of Iran on 15 Dey 1310 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 134.

The architecture of the Red Dome is distinctive and striking. The tomb stands on a raised platform and has a square plan with a small iwan at the entrance. The red bricks of the walls, the skilful brick ornamentation, the Kufic inscriptions and the geometric bands give the building a special beauty. The roof of the dome was built in a conical shape and has collapsed over time, but the main parts of the building still stand firm. According to the inscriptions, the Red Dome was built on the order of "Abdolaziz ibn Mahmud ibn Sa'd Yadim", the chief of Azerbaijan in the Seljuk period, by the architect "Bani Bakr Mohammad ibn Bandan ibn Mohsen". Its construction marks the end of the Razi architectural period and the beginning of the Azari architectural style. The combination of brick and tile, and the extensive use of tilework in the decoration, are prominent features of the Azari style that can be seen in this building.

Today the Red Dome of Maragheh is one of the most important historical tourist attractions of the city and draws visitors interested in history and architecture. Visiting it is a chance to experience some of the splendour of Seljuk architecture and to learn about the ancient culture of the Maragheh region. Its convenient location also makes it easy to include in a travel itinerary. The best time to visit the Red Dome of Maragheh is spring and autumn. In these months the weather in Maragheh is mild and pleasant, and a visit to the monument is very enjoyable. Especially from Farvardin to Khordad and from Shahrivar to Aban (roughly April to June and September to November), the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, which creates ideal conditions for sightseeing and visiting historical attractions.