Architecture and Ornaments of Pir-Hamzeh Sabzpoosh Building in Abarkuh and Its Attribution to Aziz-ed-Din Nassafi's tomb

Sufi monasteries and tombs of mystics have always been respectable in Iranian culture. These places have been used for teaching and learning cycles, and also as shelters for helpless people. Among them is the tomb of Pir-Hamzeh Sabzpoosh in Abarkuh. Unlike the plain outer surfaces of the building, the inner surfaces are adorned with different kinds of stucco decoration, several coloured medallions, and a dado. However, the stuccoed mihrab, which is related to the sixth century AH, is one of the most important characteristics of the building. Pir-Hamzeh building has been renovated and restored at least three times since its original built in the sixth century AH. This tomb is popularly known as the burial of Aziz-ed-Din Nassafi, the eminent Sufi Golestān-e Honar 14, Winter 20094 master. He escaped from his birthplace Bukhara in the second half of the seventh century AH, due to Mongols attack, and after wandering in different cities, finally he settled in Abarkuh, where he died later. However, there is no evidence available about his burial in the building. The ornaments of the tomb can be put in two categories: stuccos and paintings of walls; the first is of the sixth century AH, and the second of the eighth. According to our studies, comparing different periods, different kinds of materials were used in the ornaments of each period.