Tomb of Baba Taher — Attraction in Hamedan

Baba Tahir (Persian: باباطاهر عریان‎) or Baba Taher Oryan Hamadani (Persian: باباطاهر عریان همدانی‎) was an 11th-century Persian poet from Hamadan, Iran. His poetry is written in the Hamadani dialect of the Persian language. According to L. P. Elwell-Sutton he probably wrote in the Hamadani dialect, adding: "Most traditional sources call it loosely Luri, while the name commonly applied from an early date to verses of this kind, Fahlaviyat, presumably implies that they were thought to be in a language related to the Middle Persian language. Rouben Abrahamian however found a close affinity with the dialect spoken at the present time by the Jews of Hamadan." According to The Cambridge History of Iran, Baba Tahir spoke a certain Persian dialect.

Baba Tahir is known as one of the most revered early poets in Persian literature. Little is known of his life. He was born and lived in HamadanProvince in Iran. He was known by the name of Baba Taher-e Oryan (The Naked), which suggests that he may have been a wandering dervish. Legend tells that the poet, an illiterate woodcutter, attended lectures at a religious school, where he was not welcomed by his fellow-students. The dates of his birth and death are unknown. One source indicates that he died in 1019. If this is accurate, it would make Baba Tahir a contemporary of Ferdowsi and Avicenna and an immediate precursor of Omar Khayyam. Another source reports that he lived between 1000 and 1055, which is unlikely. It is said that Baba Tahir lived for seventy-five years. Rahat al-sodur of Ravandi, whose work was completed 603/1206, describes a meeting between Baba Tahir and the Seljuq conqueror Tughril (pp. 98–99). At the time when Baba Tahir lived in the 10th century, there were great changes occurring in the development and growth of literature and art. Medieval artists and poets in Persia were greatly respected and valued and had the right to express their thoughts freely. According to L. P. Elwell-Sutton: "He could be described as the first great poet of Sufi love in Persian literature. In the last two decades his do-baytis have often been put to music".

His tomb, designed by Mohsen Foroughi, is located near the northern entrance of the city of Hamadan in Western Iran, in a park, surrounded by flowers and winding paths. The structure consists of twelve external pillars surrounding a central tower. It was...

Baba Taher Mausoleum is located on a hill in the northwest of Hamedan, in front of the Alvand peak. Baba Taher, known as "Baba Taher Oryan", a Sufi mystic and poet of the 11th century, was from the vicinity of Hamedan, who is known for composing mystical and brilliant Do-beiti (Persian quatrain). Scholars have obtained numerous dates for the birth and death of this famous poet from several sources that have been recorded in history. Baba Taher held a high position in Sufism. The old mausoleum of Baba Taher was built in the shape of an octagonal brick tower in 12th century. This tower was destroyed in the early 20th century. Therefore, in 1938, during the reign of Reza Pahlavi, Baba Taher Tomb was simply renovated. This tomb was repaired and renovated again between 1950 and 1952. The construction of the new building of the Baba Taher mausoleum began in 1967, by the order of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Eventually, in 1970, the construction of the current building of Baba Taher Mausoleum was completed by Engineer Mohsen Foroughi in a field with an area of more than one hundred thousand square meters. The Baba Taher Mausoleum, with dimensions of 10 by 10 meters, consists of a set of prisms that have entrances and light holes. The foundation of this construction is made of stone, lime and insulation. The plan of this amazing construction is an octagonal base, which the height is approximately 25 meters. In the construction of the eight pillars of the tower, the tombstone, the floor covering as well as the stairs around the tomb tower, excellent carved granite stone has been used and the exterior of the building is made of high quality white stone. Very delicate mosaic tiles and Bannai script used in the interior of the tomb, has given a special effect to this fantastic mausoleum. Some inscriptions of Baba Taher’s Do-beyti on 24 marble stones give this construction a very eye-catching design. Next to Baba Taher Mausoleum, there are tombs of famous...

Baba Taher Oryan, a renowned Persian poet and mystic, lived during the 11th century (4th-5th centuries AH). He is one of the most prominent figures in Iranian literature and mysticism, known for his heartfelt and impactful quatrains (doubaytis) composed in Persian and Lori. These verses are filled with themes of divine love, human emotions, and spiritual longing.

Little is known about Baba Taher’s life, but it is believed that he lived in Hamedan, where his mausoleum still stands today. The titles Baba (a term of reverence) and Oryan (the naked) reflect his spiritual status and ascetic lifestyle, signifying his detachment from worldly possessions and focus on seeking divine truth.

Baba Taher’s quatrains are celebrated for their simplicity, sincerity, and profound emotional depth. Written in a lyrical and mystical tone, these poems explore topics such as divine love, human suffering, and the beauty of nature. Despite their simplicity, his verses resonate deeply with readers, capturing universal emotions and spiritual insights.

His poetry often reflects a close connection to both people and nature, highlighting his cultural roots and authenticity. Some of his works are composed in a dialect close to Lori, emphasizing his regional identity and heritage. Baba Taher’s legacy remains alive, as his poetry continues to inspire readers, scholars, and lovers of Persian literature. His tomb in Hamedan is a revered site, attracting visitors who admire his enduring contributions to Persian culture and...