HOSHANG
SHAH'S TOMB
Hoshang Shah's tomb is situated in the middle of the courtyard of the majestic mausoleum, surrounded by square-shaped walls. One can enter the mausoleum from the entrance gate, (which is built on a square plan with a marble dome) in the middle of the northern wall. The tomb of Hoshang shah is a grand construction, having a square plan and a dome. It is built on a basement of remarkable width and height. The entire building including the dome is covered in marble, providing majestic atmosphere. It is interesting to note that the main entrance and stairs are situated in the south side, the other side of the entrance to the courtyard.
In the four corners of the domed roof, there are constructions with battlements and small domes. They are above the basements, which are built along with a dome. There are plant decorations extending from the edge of the roof and the eaves. They are coloured in red and black, accenting the marble building. Hindu patterns can be observed in the decorations. Considering these and other patterns inside the tomb chamber, we can assume there was involvement of Hindu workmen from the neighbouring towns.
The main body of the mausoleum has walls with large arch-shaped entrances in the north and south. These entrances are surrounded by small arch-shaped niches. The walls in the east and west have no openings. The inside walls of the tomb chamber are covered by white marble. By the use of squinches, the builders made the upper part of the square room octangular and the top part 16-gon, creating a noble atmosphere. Arches in either side of the north and south entrances are filled with an openwork of geometric patterns. They are very beautiful and effective viewing from inside, reminding us of the craftsmanship of the designer. The majestic tomb stone on the low basement, in the middle of the tomb chamber, is the tomb of Hoshang Shah. Near this tomb, there are 5 other tombs, which are assumed to belong to his family. It is very interesting to see that on the upper side ofthe sultan's tomb, various patterns, including those with the Hindu influence, are sculptured.
What is interesting in this mausoleum is that a long room of 3 spans is built near the west wall of the courtyard. This is rarely seen in other mosques. From the structure inside this room and the patterns on the walls, we can assume that Hindu workmen were also employed in the construction of this part of the building. (Matsuo Ara)