A Tourist’s Guide to Ray: Discovering the City’s Spectacular Attractions ?
Ri is one of the ancient and historical cities in Iran, located in Tehran Province, with numerous historical and natural attractions. The history of settlement in this city dates back to pre-Islamic times, around 3000 years ago. Ancient fire temples, archaeological mounds, old castles, shrines, and other scenic areas have turned the city of Ri into one of the tourist hubs of the capital, where residents can easily explore all the historical sights in a one-day trip. In this article, you can become more familiar with the most famous and important attractions in Tehran’s city of Ri.
Toghrol Tower
Address: Ri, east of Ibn Babooyeh Mausoleum
A journey to the city of Ri is incomplete without visiting Toghrol Tower. Toghrol Tower is one of the remains from the Seljuk period located east of the Ibn Babooyeh Mausoleum. Resembling the hands of a clock, you can tell the time by the sunlight on its conical surfaces.
Ibn Babooyeh Cemetery
Address: Shahr-e Ri, Ibn Babooyeh Street
Ibn Babooyeh Cemetery is one of the ancient cemeteries in Tehran, serving as the resting place for many Iranian luminaries. The cemetery is named after “Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Hussein,” also known as “Sheikh Sadooq.” His mausoleum in this cemetery has an octagonal structure with a large Romanesque arch and mirror decorations. Other notable figures buried in the Ibn Babooyeh Cemetery include Gholamreza Takhti, Rahim Moazen Zadeh Ardabili, Ali Akbar Dehkhoda, and others.
Bahram Fire Temple
Address: Shahr-e Ri, 12 kilometers southeast of Shahr-e Ri, Chaleh-Tar Khan Village
Bahram Fire Temple, also known as Ri Fire Temple or Mil Hill, is one of the Sassanian-era relics located 12 kilometers southeast of Shahr-e Ri, towards Varamin, on a vast hill in Qaleh-No Village. The remains of this fire temple, built on two large pillars, resemble a conical shape from a distance, giving it the name “Mil Hill.”
Bibi Shahrbanu Mausoleum
Address: Shahr-e Ri, Aminabad Road, Bibi Shahrbanu Road
The Bibi Shahrbanu Mausoleum is situated on a mountainous rock in the southern foothills of Bibi Shahrbanu Mountain, surrounded by a stone wall. According to inscriptions in the mausoleum and local beliefs, “Shahrbanu” is believed to be the wife of the third Imam of Shia Muslims, Imam Hussein (AS).
This translation provides an overview of some of the prominent historical sites in the city of Ri, allowing visitors to experience the rich history and culture of this ancient Iranian city.
Cheshmeh Ali
Cheshmeh Ali has a history of around 8,000 years and is considered one of the ancient, scenic, and recreational spots in the city of Ri. It emerges from a large rock and flows towards the south and then southeast. In the past, carpet sellers and Tehran residents used to bring their carpets and rugs to wash in this spring, believing that the spring had excellent cleansing properties, making the colors of the carpets brighter and more vibrant.
Fathali Shah Qajar’s Prominent Relief
Address: Shahr-e Ri, North Shahr-e Ri, Cheshmeh Ali
In the vicinity of Cheshmeh Ali, on the slopes of Barui in Ri, there are remnants of a historical prominent relief said to be carved by order of “Fathali Shah Qajar.” In this relief, Fathali Shah is depicted riding on a throne and holding a dagger.
Barui of Ri
Address: Above Fathali Shah’s prominent relief
The history of Barui of Ri dates back to the Medes era, around 6,000 years ago. Its foundations are believed to belong to the time of the Medes. This fortress, with defensive and military applications during the Arsacid rule, once encompassed the city and now only about 3 kilometers of its remains are left on the rock above Cheshmeh Ali.
Baqe-ye Javanmard Qasab (Javanmard Qasab’s Tomb)
Address: Ri, Kamil Street
“Javanmard Qasab” is a semi-legendary and semi-historical figure, and his shrine is located near the city of Ri. Some locals believe that this location is the burial place of “Abu al-Abbas Qasab Amoli,” also known as “Abu al-Abbas Javanmard.”
Eshghabad Wetland
Address: 25 kilometers from the center of Ri, 2 kilometers from Eshghabad Village
Eshghabad Wetland is one of the best bird-watching centers near Tehran in the city of Ri. Currently, close to 140 bird species have been recorded in this wetland. Reed beds are also observed around the wetland.
Shah Abdol Azim Shrine
Address: Shahr-e Ri, Madrese Street, Madrese Square
Shah Abdol Azim Shrine is the burial place of “Abdol Azim Hassani” and one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Tehran, located in the city of Ri. Each year, many people from various parts of the country visit this area for pilgrimage. The complex includes shrines, porches, mosques, and multiple courtyards.
Ghaleh Gabari (Gabari Fortress)
Address: Ri, Alaviyeh Township
Ghaleh Gabari is one of the ancient structures in the city of Ri, located in the Alaviyeh Township neighborhood. It dates back 2,000 years to the Sassanian era. The tower and walls of this fortress have been eroded over centuries, and now only the long and tall walls made of mud and clay remain.
Dezh-e Rashkan (Rashkan Fortress)
Address: Shahr-e Ri, near Safaieh neighborhood and Cheshmeh Ali Hill
Dezh-e Rashkan is one of the protective fortresses surrounding Ri in various directions. This fortress, built with stone slabs and sarooj, belongs to the Arsacid period.
Yazid Tower
Address: North of Ri County, west of Aminabad
Yazid Tower, also known as the Needle House, is located in the north of Ri County, west of Aminabad. According to historical accounts, this tower was built approximately a thousand years ago on the orders of “Bozorg Omid” to serve as his burial place. Historians and experts consider “Bozorg Omid” to be a Zoroastrian, and since Zoroastrians consider soil as a sacred element, they never bury their bodies in the ground after death. Instead, they place the body in an elevated location until birds consume the flesh, collect the bones, and bury them in a pit called “astodan.” After visiting this notable tower, you can also see the historical structures of Inanj Tower and Tabarak Castle.
Harun al-Rashid’s Prison
Address: Shahr-e Ri, 12 kilometers from the Khurasan Road, Cement Square, left side in the hills of Masgarabad
Harun al-Rashid’s Prison is a structure remaining from the Al-Buwayh period. Contrary to its name, it did not serve as a prison, and its nomenclature is rooted in myths. Researchers believe that this two-story building, about 10 meters high, was an ancient fire temple built during the Sassanian era.
This translation provides an overview of several historical and cultural sites in the city of Ri, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and diverse attractions.
Historical Bazaar of Rey
Address: Shahr-e Rey, next to the shrine of Hazrat Abdol Azim
The Historical Bazaar of Rey is another captivating attraction in the city of Rey, located to the north of the shrine of Shah Abdol Azim. This bazaar has been reconstructed by the order of “Amir Kabir.” The Rey Bazaar consists of two rows of markets that intersect to form a four-sided square. In the past, this bazaar was one of the centers for selling spices, traditional medicines, and commercial goods. Today, you can purchase various items and colorful souvenirs from it.
Share your experiences of visiting the tourist attractions in the city of Rey with us and other Koocharoo users.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where is the city of Rey located?
– Rey is one of the ancient and historical cities in Iran, situated in Tehran Province.
2. What is the history of the city of Rey?
– The history of settlement and historical background of this city dates back approximately 3,000 years to the pre-Islamic era.
3. How many tourist attractions does the city of Rey have?
– Rey boasts numerous historical and natural attractions, including ancient fire temples, archaeological mounds, old castles, and shrines, making it a tourist hub in the vicinity of Tehran.
4. Where is Cheshmeh Ali located?
– Cheshmeh Ali, with a history of around 8,000 years, is considered one of the ancient and scenic spots in the south of Tehran, in the city of Rey.
