THE CONTEMPORARY HOLY CITY AND THE SANCTUARY OF FATIMA (HAZRAT-E MASUMEH)

Qom seems to be entirely oriented towards the teaching of fiqh, religious law. In the shadow of the golden dome of the mausoleum of Fatima, many fervent theological students listen to religious sermons. Students and mullahs with black or white tunics reign in masters. Women are covered by chador, with few exceptions.

As a city of pilgrimage, Qom also attracts thousands of Shi'a pilgrims throughout the year, converging to the magnificent Hazrat-e Fatemeh Masumeh Sanctuary or Fatima la Pure sanctuary. During the Moharram month of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Hossein, the crowd is at its height. Kneeling in the face of the grave of Fatima, women preached beauty, fertility and marital happiness.

Located near the river, the immense sacred enclosure, surmounted by its impressive dome of gold leaves, is the heart of the holy city. A picturesque little square, dominated by the soaring soaring soaring minarets and the huge entrance gate, allows access to the interior courtyard of the mausoleum. All visitors are allowed to enter the sanctuary, provided they are dressed properly. Highly recommended respect and discretion.

The magnificent sanctuary around the tomb of Fatima was built under Shah Abbas I and the following safavides kings, eager to establish their power under Ottoman occupation and to counterbalance the sect's tombs in Najaf and Kerbala. The mausoleum became the object of extreme veneration and it is around the tomb of Holy Fatima that the City developed. The magnificent golden dome of the mausoleum is a beautification due to Fath Ali Shah, which made it cover with pure gold plates.

A walk in the adjacent streets will allow you to grasp the atmosphere. The usual «marchands merchants of the temple  » offer their religious articles - citations from the Koran, compressed holy earth briquettes intended for prayer, rosaries, prayer rugs, etc. See also the beautiful Persian silk carpets. Even in the holy Land, the gourmands will be tempted by the delicious sohun, caramel patties and saffron exportées exported worldwide.