Shiraz, the city of love and beauties, hosts many historical and natural attractions of Iran. One of the historical monuments that truly double the awes of this city is the Quran Gate of Shiraz. This gate is among the oldest gates available in Iran which its first foundation was under Buyid Dynasty. The gate was built and a holy Quran was placed on its top because it is believed among Muslim that passing from under the holy book of Quarn will keep you safe, especially while you are heading to a trip.

On your way to Persepolis, in northeast Shiraz, close to the city exit towards Marvdasht, you can can spot the arch of a huge religious historical gate called Quran Gate. This is one of the oldest and the most prominent gates of the old city of Shiraz. Muslims believe if you walk under the holy book of Quran before traveling, you will have a safe and blessed journey.

This is the only remaining gate out of the ones built around Shiraz. However, the ruined gates have held their position in the active memory of the people who still mention them in conversation, such as Kazeroun gate.

During Zand period (1751 – 1794) , the Quran Gate of Shiraz was renovated and a room was built on the top to house two valuable manuscripts of Quran. The current situation of this beautiful historical monument is an arched underpass having two columns with the same figures on each side. It is decorated with Quranic verses in different calligraphy styles.

Unfortunately, the gate was damaged in 1936 during a road construction project. 12 years later, one of the prominent Shirazi merchants, Hossein Igaar, known as ‘Moein Al-Tojjar‘ restored it with a new design. The new Qur’an Gate, which still exists, is bigger, has a pointed arch and two small entrances reaching the top chambers. The small room on the left side of the gate houses Tomb of Moein Al Tojjar. The precious Qurans are now kept in Pars museum in Shiraz.

Quran Gate is located in Allah Akbar valley near the Tavous (Peacock) square. It is in a close distance from Khaju Kermani‘s tomb, less than 500 meters to Jahan Nama Persian garden and less than 1000 meters to Hafiz’ tomb. Most visitors find Qur’an Gate a must-see spot, especially when visiting the tomb of Khaju Kermani after a short hike. Modern parks, water channels, pools, and gardens have made the area really delightful.

The handwritten holy Quran called “Hefdah – Man” – meaning 51 kg: referring to the weight of the book –  written by Timurid ruler Ibrahim Sultan in the year 1430 AD is one of the heaviest Qurans in the world. It was located above the Quran gate in Shiraz until 1936, and after that it was transferred to the Pars Museum of Shiraz for restoration and protection purposes.

This Quran is engraved with seals and relics of many famous historical figures. It is said that during the time of Nader Shah Afshar (r. 1736 – 1747), this Quran and similar ones were always carried through caravans as a spiritual support so that they could be safe during travel and war.