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Faryabi M, Hashemi Zarjabad H, Zarei A. (2025). The Role of the Tomb Complex of Shah Nematollah Vali in the Development of Mahan’s Urban Life from the Buyid to Qajar Periods. Athar. 46(109), 109-133. doi:10.22034/Athar.1929
URL: http://athar.richt.ir/article-2-1929-en.html

Abstract
The tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali is considered one of the architectural masterpieces of the Timurid era, and the process of its construction continued over the centuries until the Pahlavi period. This complex consists of various parts, including porches, courtyards, a bathhouse, a water tank, a caravanserai, and a library and has become one of the indicators of Mahan’s art and architecture. Based on written sources and research conducted in the Langar area, located 4 kilometers from Mahan, evidence has been found indicating that habitation in this area dates back to at least the Buyid period. Although archaeological data suggest that this region did not enjoy significant economic or population growth at that historical point, with the rise of Shah Nematollah Vali in the Timurid era, Mahan gained new life. The research method in this study is analytical historical, and information was collected through library studies such as using written historical sources, books, articles, and theses and through field research, including direct observations and photography of the building and grounds. This research seeks to answer the question: How did the tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali affect the organization and structure of the city of Mahan? The research results show that, in addition to the issue of water as a vital element, the existence of the tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali, his influence in the country’s political system, the frequent visits of emirs, rulers, and followers to Mahan, and the strategic location of this region in the vicinity of Kerman made this city a vital link in the service system to the capital and provided a large part of the needs of Kerman’s residents. As a result of these movements, and gradually since the Qajar period, the city expanded from the center to the south and concentrically around this sacred tomb.
Keywords: Mahan, Tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali, Urban Life, Islamic Period.

Introduction
At the time of the emergence of Islam in Iran, there was no tradition of tomb architecture that could inspire Muslims to build such structures. Tomb building was not a common tradition in early Islam, and the Holy Prophet was opposed to lavish burials as well as excessive wailing and lamentation. The burial of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina can be considered a turning point in tomb construction. However, the beginning of tomb construction in Iran cannot be precisely identified and presented. Religious tomb complexes have had a fundamental impact on the formation and expansion of many Iranian cities during the Islamic period, becoming the initial core and center of gravity for the formation of a city. By the fourth and fifth centuries AH, funerary architecture emerged in the form of towers like the Qaboos Dome and domes like those of Amir Ismail Samani, which laid the foundation for the form of Islamic tombs in later centuries. Tomb spaces were instrumental in the development of cities, attracting pilgrims and devotees, who transformed places into urban complexes by constructing public facilities. The importance of tombs in Iran is such that their existence has, in many cases, been the main reason for the initial construction or development of cities. Many Imamzadehs welcome pilgrims from other cities or regions.
One of the most important tombs in Iran is the tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali, which is considered a masterpiece of Islamic art and dates back to the Timurid period. Shah Nematollah Vali came to Mahan in 810 AH and settled there. During this period, he gained many disciples from all over Iran and even India. After his death in 840 AH, the first foundation of the tomb was laid by Ahmad Shah Bahmani from the Deccan, and in later periods, especially the Qajar period, additions were made to this building. The construction of this shrine mausoleum complex attracted many travelers, followers, and pilgrims, paving the way for the expansion of the city. To maintain the tomb, public utility facilities were established around the city, which caused the city of Mahan to gradually prosper, because it was necessary to meet the needs of travelers and pilgrims, as well as those who resided in the vicinity of these tombs and monuments. Urban facilities and spaces were therefore needed. As a result, many neighborhoods were formed around the Shah Nematollah Vali complex and along the seasonal rivers that flowed into the city.

Discussion
The formation of the city of Mahan can be attributed to the fourth century AH, because before the Buyid period, there is no mention of this city in written historical sources. Therefore, the physical spatial development of Mahan began in the Timurid period and gradually expanded in subsequent periods. This process gained momentum, especially during the Qajar period, given the religious political status of the city, and it experienced significant progress in all economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Tombs are among the key factors in the formation and development of urban spaces. The presence of these religious historical monuments attracted pilgrims and travelers, which gradually led to economic prosperity, the physical expansion of the city, and an increase in its population. The city of Mahan in Kerman Province is a prime example of such changes in the shape of Iranian cities. This city was considered one of the most important religious and communication centers. Therefore, the most important factors influencing the formation, expansion, and development of the city of Mahan can be stated as follows: (1) the natural geography of the region; (2) communication methods; (3) the residence and burial place of Shah Nematollah Vali. In general, it seems difficult to understand Mahan’s urban development before the Pahlavi period. The lack of information from maps before this period, as well as the lack of data from written historical sources, the absence of archaeological excavations in the city center, and the lack or absence of architectural works and evidence from before the Qajar period have further contributed to this uncertainty. Since the basis of the studies in this research is to determine the historical physical growth of Mahan, the following evidence and documents have been used for this purpose: (1) written heritage and archaeological research; (2) the oldest maps dating back to the fourth century AH; (3) an aerial map of Mahan city from 1346 AH; (4) a detailed plan map of Mahan city from 1395 AH. Given that no tangible architectural works have been found in Mahan since the Buyid period and that the original core of Mahan is unclear, it is challenging to draw firm conclusions, but based on written historical documents, it is possible to identify the oldest neighborhood located in the central part of Mahan. One of the oldest neighborhoods of Mahan during the Buyid period is probably the Qalatuyyah neighborhood. Written sources have depicted the development of the city in the Qajar period in more vivid detail.

Conclusion
Mahan began its formation process during the Buyid period and reached its highest level of development and prosperity during the Qajar period. An important and effective factor in the development of Mahan’s urban life, in addition to the issue of water as a vital and important element, was the existence of the tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali and his influence in the country’s political system, as well as the visits of emirs, rulers, and followers to this region. Analysis of data obtained from maps indicates the peak of Mahan’s urban development during the Qajar period, spreading from the center (the tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali) to the south. Considering Shah Nematollah Vali’s journey to India, his many disciples and admirers, and the attention he received from sultans, nobles, and emirs, development activities were initiated in the Khanqah tomb complex of Shah Nematollah Vali. This indicates the political religious importance of this city. During the Qajar period, the area of Mahan city began at the foot of Mount Jupar and extended northward. Thus, the southern parts of Mahan are higher than its northern, relatively flat parts, dividing Mahan into two parts: Upper and Lower. The city of Mahan is shaped like an elongated rectangle that extends perpendicularly in the northern direction (with a deviation to the west). The Mahan River, which flowed north from Mount Jupar and served as the main passageway for Mahan, was an important factor in concentrating settlement on its outskirts. Most neighborhoods were formed near the river crossing and around the tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali. During the Qajar period, construction intensified and aligned along the riverbed. The market was located next to the tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali in that same direction, and this led to the prosperity of the physical space of the city and its revival during this period. Among the natural factors that have had a significant impact on the growth of the city are the existence of seasonal and underground rivers. The Mahan Plain benefits from all of these water resources, including Tigran, Mahchal, Vakilabad, Mehdiabad, Kahno, Kushk Langar, and Goharriz Qanat. Since ancient times, the most important source of water flow for the Shah Nematollah Vali complex has been the Fermitan Qanat, which runs from south to north. This city has long been considered an important communication center and a bottleneck on the Silk Road.