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Sheikh Safieddin Ardebili's mausoleum in this northwestern province is visited daily by dozens of domestic and foreign tourists.

Considered one of Iran's 10 top ancient monuments, its cornerstone was laid in the name of Sheikh Safieddin Ardebili by his son, Sheikh Sadreddin Moussa, in 1335 (735 AH).

Meanwhile, given the special respect of Safavid monarchs for their ancestor, several sections were added to the complex in the course of time.

The monument is currently made up of eight major sections, including the Jannat-Sara mosque, Qandilkhaneh, Haramkhaneh, Chinikhaneh, Chellehkhaneh, Sharbatkhaneh, Allah Dome and Shahidgah.

In addition, the mausoleum of Shah Ismail I and the tombs of many other Safavid princes and Qezelbash commanders such as those martyred during Chaldoran and Shirvan wars are located near Sheikh Safieddin Ardebili's mausoleum.

Many valuable artifacts have been taken out of this mausoleum over the past centuries some of which are currently on display in museums in the US, Russia and Europe, including the famous Sheikh Safi carpet.

Meanwhile, the mausoleum of the ancestors of the Safavid Dynasty is situated in the Sheikh Garden. It measures 150 x 200 meters at the entrance of Kalkhoran neighborhood in the provincial capital of Ardebil.

The mausoleum of Sheikh Safieddin's father, Sheikh Jabrail, which is hexagonal, is located in the middle of this garden.

Two other brick mausoleums are also located in the complex including those of the fourth ancestor of Sheikh Safieddin and Seyed Aarabi.

This historical complex has been reconstructed over the past years by the province's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department at an expense of 30 billion rials.

Ardebil province is considered one of Iran's most significant historical and cultural areas due its history and dozens of precious ancient monuments in the province dating back to pre-Islamic and post Islamic periods.