Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini

The Tomb of Imam Khomeini

The Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini, the father of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is recognised as a cornerstone for understanding the history of modern Iran and the role of the revolution in shaping the lives of three generations of the Iranian people. The mausoleum is located on the southern outskirts of Tehran, near the main Persian Gulf Highway, which runs south from Tehran towards the Persian Gulf. Although this landmark is not included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is regarded as a key starting point for comprehending the official ideology of modern Iran.

This imposing complex is the first prominent site encountered on the route from Imam Khomeini Airport into Tehran. Seemingly by design, both the name of the airport and the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini serve as reminders to all entering the country that the legacy of the Islamic Revolution endures, along with the memory of its ideologue and leader.

Architecture of the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini

Construction of the mausoleum began some time after the death of the Imam in 1989 and, due to delays, continues to this day. The total cost has reached $2 billion. Nevertheless, the mausoleum is quite popular with tourists – it is open to all 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free of charge.

Four gilded minarets and the dome of the mausoleum are surrounded by a slender row of two-storey working premises, which house Shia educational institutions, as well as hotels for pilgrims and shops. Inside the mausoleum, the green onyx floors are covered with carpets, and the ceilings are adorned with lush, intricate patterns.

Visitors to the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini

The mausoleum serves as a refuge and a place of rest for visitors from the provinces. Inside the mausoleum, which is divided into female and male sections, visitors can be seen resting and dozing on the floor. At the tomb itself, in front of the intricate lattice polished by the hands of pilgrims, people can be seen praying with devotion. For them, Imam Khomeini is more than just a political and religious figure who altered the course of his country's development, the fate of millions of Iranians, and influenced the history of the entire Middle East.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as the Leader of the Islamic Revolution

The encounter with Imam Khomeini does not end until you leave Iran. His images can be seen on signs and posters, in hotel lobbies, in the halls of train stations and airports, and even on Iranian rial banknotes. All of these serve to commemorate the Islamic Revolution, which shaped modern Iran as we know it today.