Tomb of Esther and Mordechai - A Sacred Echo in the Heart of Hamadan
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Hamadan, the Tomb of Esther and Mordekhai is one of the most unique and emotionally resonant sites in Iran. According to Iranian Jewish tradition, this modest brick mausoleum is the final resting place of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordekhai, the heroic figures from the biblical Book of Esther. The story goes that after saving the Jewish people from persecution in ancient Persia, they spent their final years in what was then Ecbatana — now Hamadan — and were buried side by side. The current structure, believed to date back to the 1600s, features a small domed chamber and a peaceful courtyard. Though simple in appearance, the site has long been a place of pilgrimage, especially during the Jewish holiday of Purim, when visitors would come to read the Book of Esther and pay their respects.
What makes this tomb so special is the way it bridges faiths and centuries. For hundreds of years, Iranian Jews, Christians, and even Muslims — especially women praying for fertility — have visited the shrine, drawn by its spiritual significance and the powerful story it represents. Inside, the tombs are marked by wooden coffins and Hebrew inscriptions, and the atmosphere is quiet and reverent. While the historical accuracy of the burial site is debated, the emotional and cultural weight it carries is undeniable. In a country where Jewish history is often hidden or overlooked, the Tomb of Esther and Mordekhai stands as a rare and poignant reminder of a shared past that still echoes today.
I want to visit
Tomb of Esther and Mordekhai
Tomb of Esther and Mordekhai
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Entrance: For free
- Region: Hamadan Province
- City: Hamadan
- Address: Hamedan city center, beginning of Dr. Shariati Street
- Postal code: 6516653594
- Phone number: +988132522285
- Is open to public visitors: Yes
