Explore the Tomb of Khayyam: A Historic Landmark in Nishapur

Iran is one of the countries where a large portion of its tourist attractions are made up of cultural and historical sites. The history and culture of Iran have produced many poets, whose works continue to resonate with literary enthusiasts. Omar Khayyam of Nishapur is no exception. Visiting the tombs of great poets, such as the tomb of Omar Khayyam, is an interesting way to connect with the rich culture and literature of Iran.

Many people, when planning their trips and booking flights, also worry about discovering the tourist attractions in their destination city. In this article, we aim to introduce you to the city of Nishapur and the tomb of Omar Khayyam.

Who was Khayyam?

The starry sky of Iran’s great figures has seen many prominent individuals, but without a doubt, Omar Khayyam of Nishapur can be considered one of the brightest. Khayyam was a prominent Iranian poet, astronomer, philosopher, and mathematician, born in 439 AH in Nishapur. While most people recognize Khayyam for his poetry or mathematics, he also made significant contributions to astronomy. He was involved in the reform of the Jalali calendar and the observation of the royal court. Khayyam passed away in 526 AH and was buried in his birthplace. Throughout his 87 years, he left behind many books and treatises, and his poetry continues to inspire poetry lovers to this day. As a result, the tomb of Omar Khayyam in Nishapur is considered one of the must-visit places in the city for literary enthusiasts.

Furthermore, for those traveling to Mashhad or Nishapur, visiting the tomb of Khayyam is both an insightful and scenic experience, as it is located in a beautiful garden. Let’s explore more about this tourist attraction in Nishapur and its history.

History of Omar Khayyam’s Tomb

Until around 1313, Khayyam’s tomb was mostly abandoned, until visitors traveling to the opening of Ferdowsi’s tomb in Tus noticed it. This led to the suggestion of its reconstruction, and during the celebration of Ferdowsi’s millennium, Khayyam’s tomb was also under construction. The tomb was initially built next to the mosque and the tomb of Muhammad Mahroq, and it consisted of a square stone platform. Around this platform, an open stone building was constructed, with a stone column and a quatrain from the famous poet Malek ol-Shoara Bahar.

In 1328, the design of Khayyam’s tomb was entrusted to Houshang Seyhoun, which is the current structure. Due to the proximity of Khayyam’s tomb to Imamzadeh Mahroq, the structure was relocated to a site further from the tomb of Imamzadeh. The new building was inaugurated in 1342 with the efforts of Houshang Seyhoun and Hossein Judat, and the previous structure was transferred to Khayyam Square in Nishapur.

Architecture of Khayyam’s Tomb

The design of the current tomb is inspired by Khayyam’s most significant fields: poetry, mathematics (geometry), and astronomy. This was clarified by Engineer Seyhoun in an interview with a newspaper of that time. The tomb has 10 bases, which is the first two-digit number and the basic number in mathematics. The arches of the building were designed using complex mathematical and trigonometric formulas devised by Khayyam himself. The ceiling features star-like patterns, recalling Khayyam’s expertise in astronomy. On the walls of the tomb, you can find beautiful tile work featuring 20 quatrains by Khayyam, selected in 1339 by Jalal Homai and inscribed in Nasta’liq script by Morteza Abdolrasouli. Under the supervision of Engineer Seyhoun, these tiles were added to the tomb. Additionally, the tomb features intricate inlay work using very thin stones.

Another striking feature of this building is its several beautiful ponds, which are actually seven stone tents, symbolizing the seven heavens. Some believe the resemblance of the tomb to a tent is connected to Khayyam’s father’s occupation as a tent maker. The height of the tomb is 22 meters.

For poetry enthusiasts, lovers of mathematics and astronomy, and those captivated by architecture and art, this tomb is truly an unforgettable paradise.

Various Sections of the Khayyam Tomb

The tomb of Khayyam is located in a large garden of 20,000 square meters. In addition to the tomb, the garden houses the Khayyam Museum, which was established in 1376 and opened in 1379. The museum has four main sections:

Astronomy Section (including astronomical instruments such as astrolabes, star charts, and compasses)
Bronze Vessels Section (bronze and metal vessels from the 5th to 7th centuries AH)
Pottery Section (pottery from the 3rd to 7th centuries AH)
Manuscript Section (astronomical manuscripts, books, handwritten notes, and personal items of Khayyam)
The site also includes a café, restaurant, traditional tea houses, and a supermarket. Parts of the tomb complex are dedicated to selling Nishapur handicrafts and souvenirs. The library is another notable facility, containing over 10,000 books. As a result, visiting Khayyam’s tomb is both a cultural and recreational experience, as you can enjoy the beautiful garden, dine at the restaurant or café, and purchase a souvenir to remember your visit.

Other facilities include parking, a mosque and prayer room, restrooms, information services, and internet access. You can also book some of the best hotels in Nishapur for yourself and your family at affordable prices.

Attractions of the Khayyam Tomb

The tomb of Omar Khayyam is located in a large and charming garden in the southeastern part of Nishapur. This lush garden, which has no specific name, covers an area of nearly 20,000 square meters. Apart from the tomb of Khayyam, there are other tourist attractions in this area.

• Tomb and Mosque of Mohammad Mahruq
  One of the attractions in this garden is the tomb and mosque of Mohammad Mahruq, the grandson of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS). The shrine of Mahruq is a pilgrimage site from the Safavid era and is also known as a pilgrimage place for Imam Reza (AS).
• Tomb of Kamal al-Molk
  Interestingly, the tomb of Mohammad Ghafari, known as Kamal al-Molk, is also located in this garden. Kamal al-Molk is one of the greatest figures in Iranian art, recognized as the father of Persian painting. Although Kamal al-Molk was from Kashan and had wished to be buried in the village of Hosseinabad, his wish was not fulfilled, and he was buried in Nishapur, next to the tomb of Attar Nishapuri.
• Tomb of Attar Nishapuri
  Attar Nishapuri, another famous Iranian poet and mystic, is buried in this garden. Attar was killed during the Mongol invasion, and some of his works were lost. He lived in the late 6th and early 7th centuries.
• Attractions of the Khayyam Tomb Complex
  In addition to the tomb of Khayyam and other prominent Iranian figures, this famous garden offers other attractions such as a museum, library, guesthouse, traditional restaurant, handicraft bazaar, and the opportunity for photos in traditional costumes. This wide range of tourist attractions can cater to the tastes of most visitors.

Opening Hours of the Tomb of Khayyam

The tomb is open from 8 AM to 10 PM in the first half of the year and from 8 AM to 8 PM in the second half. The recommended time for a visit is about 2 hours. The tomb is open every day of the year except for Tasu’a, Ashura, the death anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the 21st of Ramadan, and the 14th of Khordad.

Entry to the tomb requires a fee of 5,000 IRR per person. For foreign tourists, the entry fee is 20,000 IRR. The best time to visit Nishapur is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and you can enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the city. The best time to visit the tomb itself is early in the morning, when the area is quieter, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful walk in the beautiful garden.

Our suggested visit time for the Khayyam Tomb tourist complex is 2 to 3 hours.

Contact Number for the Tomb of Khayyam

For more information, you can call the number: +98 51 4222 4515.

How to Get to Khayyam’s Tomb

The tomb of Khayyam is located at the end of Khayyam Street in Nishapur. To reach this street, head to Fadhl Square and follow the signs leading to the tomb. You can also reach it via Shahada Boulevard.

Nearby Attractions to the Tomb of Khayyam

Nearby attractions include the Khayyam Planetarium, the Imamzadeh Ibrahim, and the tomb of Attar, all within walking distance. The Khayyam Planetarium is about a 10-minute walk from the tomb, and the Imamzadeh Ibrahim is just 100 meters away. Other nearby attractions include the tombs of Sa’id ibn Salam Maghrebi, Yaghma Nishaburi, and Kamalolmolk. Nishapur is one of those cities with endless tourist attractions. If you’re into sightseeing, you can find numerous religious and recreational sites in this city, ranging from cultural and historical monuments to unique villages and natural landscapes. The list below includes some of the most significant attractions in Nishapur:

• Nishapur Grand Mosque
• Old Bazaar of Nishapur
• Lak Lak Ashiyan Castle
• Nishapur Wooden Village
• Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Nishapur
• Shemir Brick Domes
• Bagherud
• Seven Caves Valley
• Dizbad Village

Final Words

If you haven’t visited Nishapur yet, make sure to add it to your travel list. Strolling through the pleasant garden surroundings of Nishapur, visiting the tombs of great Iranian figures, paying a visit to the shrine of Imamzadeh Mahrouq, and finally taking photos in local attire will greatly enhance the enjoyment of your trip.