A Study of Architecture and the Historical Evolution of Ghāyeb Shrine in Kashan

In the southwest of Kashan, a short distance from Fayz Cemetery, there is a shrine known as the Ghayeb Shrine. According to aerial photographs of 1956 and 1964, this tomb was mainly located between farms and gardens. Although the current situation has changed slightly and residential units and other buildings can be seen in the vicinity, still, a large part of the surrounding area includes gardens and farmlands. According to the existing stone inscription, this tomb was the shrine of Ghāem al-e Mohammad and dated back to 1514. The building consists of a chamber in the center, other spaces, and Shabistans around it. It also includes a newly built mosque, a Hosseinieh (religious center), and a courtyard. The whole complex is located on a passage that is roofed next to the tomb. Also, a cistern is located on the other side of the passage and in front of the tomb. The study of the building shows that some parts have already been destroyed while some other parts have been added to it. Hence, the questions that are raised are how the building looked like in origin, when it was built, and what changes it has undergone. This study seeks to find the core of the original tomb and the process of its development. The research method is descriptive historical, and most of the information has been collected through the survey and documentation of the building and of its surroundings as well as interviews. All the information and documents have been interpreted to determine the original form and the following development of the building. The results showed that the original building was a small tomb built in place of a water management room (sarejeh peymayi), and then was developed and found this form, including a dome with eight spaces around it.