Tomb of the Prophet Habakkuk

The Tomb of Prophet Habakkuk (Persian: آرامگاه حبقوق نبی) is a historic mausoleum located in the city of Tuyserkan, Iran. It is number 969 on the list of national monuments of Iran. The mausoleum is believed to entomb the remains of the biblical prophet Habakkuk, who is revered in some Islamic traditions as one of the Prophets of Bani Israil.

Tomb of Prophet Habakkuk
Religion
AffiliationTwelver Shi'a, Judaism
ProvinceHamadan Province
Location
LocationTuyserkan, Iran
Tomb of the Prophet Habakkuk is located in Iran
Tomb of the Prophet Habakkuk
Shown within Iran
Geographic coordinates34°33′06″N 48°25′48″E / 34.5516921°N 48.4299650°E / 34.5516921; 48.4299650
Architecture
Typemausoleum
StyleSeljuk
Completed13th century
Specifications
Height (max)12 metres
Dome height (outer)7 metres

History

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The mausoleum was built during the Seljuk period, in the 13th century.[1][2] Local traditions lay claims that the site was originally a pre-Islamic tomb dedicated to Habakkuk as well.[1][2] Regardless of claims about the site, the mausoleum has always been revered by both the Shi'ites and the community of Iranian Jews. It has also been restored many times since its first construction.

 
A British illustration of Habakkuk

In 1372, illegal looters tunneled under the mausoleum to steal antiques.[2] In later years, these tunnels were investigated during excavation works, and it was discovered that there was a crypt below the mausoleum, where the actual tomb was found.[1][2] Several legends also describe the discovery of the body of Habakkuk there, which appeared to have been well-preserved.[1][2]

In the 20th century, the mausoleum was listed as a national monument of Iran.[1][2]

Architecture

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The mausoleum of Habakkuk, as pictured in 2022

The mausoleum is octagonal in shape from the ground up and made of brick. It is 12 metres in height.[2] The dome that tops the mausoleum is built in a unique conical formation, with a height of 7 metres.[1][2] On the exterior, Jewish motifs like the Star of David are subtly visible as part of the exterior designs.[1][2] The purported grave of Habakkuk is located underneath the dome.[1][2]

 
Inside, the grave of Habakkuk

At some point, four towers and a gate existed around the mausoleum.[1][2] The ruins of such objects were found during archeological excavations.[1][2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "آرامگاه حیقوق نبی (ع)؛ پیامبری که دو بار از دنیا رفت". تیتر شهر. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l آرامگاه حیقوق نبی. kojaro.com (in Persian). Retrieved 2023-12-06.