Tomb of Baba Koohi: Shiraz’s Spiritual and Historical Site

The Tomb of Baba Koohi in Shiraz is one of the most beloved attractions and leisure spots in the city, situated on the outskirts of the city. It is a historical monument dating back to the Qajar era located on Saboy Mountain near the Quran Gate. 

This scenic area is named after Baba Koohi,a renowned 10th- and 11th-century Sufi mystic and scholar from Shiraz, which has made it a site of both cultural and spiritual significance.

If you are seeking a gentle hike with a breathtaking view of Shiraz, this is the perfect spot. In this blog, we will take you on a journey to explore the Tomb of Baba Koohi, revealing its history, beauty, and how you can visit this hidden gem.

Why Visit the Tomb of Baba Koohi?

1. You will discover the final resting place of the revered Sufi mystic, Baba Koohi, and learn about his spiritual impact.
2. You can enjoy panoramic vistas of Shiraz from the scenic Saboy Mountain.
3. Admire Qajar-era architecture and historical structures in the serene Baba Koohi Park.
4. You will have the opportunity to experience a peaceful environment perfect for contemplation and relaxation.

About the Tomb of Baba Koohi

The Baba Koohi recreational area in Shiraz, now known as Baba Koohi Mountain Park, is a mountain located next to the Quran Gate. Originally called Saboy, the area became known as Baba Koohi due to the tomb of the Shirazi poet, Ibn Bakooyeh (Baba Koohi), being located on the mountain. To reach the tourist section of the mountain and the tomb, you’ll need to take a short uphill walk.

However, the beautiful and refreshing path makes the distance easy to forget. The site features several  Qajar-era rooms, a stone pool, a spring, and ancient tall trees, with ample amenities available nearby. There is also a small shrine believed to be the grave of one of Baba Koohi’s loyal disciples, known as Kochak Ali.

Baba Koohi Park

The Tomb of Baba Koohi has now become a beautiful recreational area, also known as Baba Koohi Mountain Park. This site features a spring and several rooms, which appear to date back to the Qajar era. These rooms and the dome were built by Moayyed al-Dowleh Tamasb Mirza, the grandson of Fath Ali Shah and governor of Fars, in 1275 AH, and were later restored.

The complex also includes a stone pool surrounded by beautiful, ancient trees. The recreational area is situated below the mausoleum, and reaching the tomb requires ascending a sloped path that turns into stairs in some sections. Climbing this mountain is not too difficult and offers a stunning view of the region. Basic amenities are provided for visitors.

Amenities at Baba Koohi Park

1. Paved path to the mausoleum
2. Restrooms
3. Café and shop
4. Designated parking area

Who is Baba Koohi of Shiraz?

Sheikh Abu Abdullah Ibn Ubaidullah, known as Ibn Bakooyeh or Baba Koohi of Shiraz, was a prominent Sufi mystic. Born in Shiraz in 948 AD and living to the age of 89, Baba Koohi was a central figure in the Sufi tradition during the 10th century.

His early years were dedicated to acquiring knowledge and interacting with notable scholars of the time. One significant encounter was with Sheikh Abol-Saeid Abol-Kheir, a renowned Persian poet and mystic, in Nishapur. Their discussions delved into divine philosophy.

In the book "Nafahat al-Uns Min Hadarat al-Quds," written by the 9th-century poet Abdul-Rahman Jami, Baba Koohi is mentioned. Jami, a prominent Persian poet, provides an account of the lives of mystics and Sufis from past to his time.

Jami notes that Khwaja Abdullah Ansari considered Baba Koohi to be the greatest Sufi of his era and took pride in the special attention Baba Koohi gave him. It is said that Khwaja Abdullah recounted 30,000 hadiths and 30,000 anecdotes from Baba Koohi.

After years of wandering and mysticism, Baba Koohi returned to Shiraz and retreated into a cave on Saboy Mountain. He passed away in 1037 AD, and his followers buried him in the same cave.

Although there is a poetry collection attributed to Baba Koohi, there is debate about whether he was a poet or not. Some believe that the poetry attributed to him actually belongs to another poet from the 9th century AH.

History of the Tomb of Baba Koohi

The Tomb of Baba Koohi in Shiraz has a rich historical background. The tombstone attributed to Baba Koohi was first installed by Farhad Mirza Mo'tamed al-Dowleh, the governor of Fars during the Qajar era, on the grave of Baba Koohi.

The moonlit pavilion and several rooms located below the tomb, which once served as living and worship spaces for Baba Koohi's followers, were built by Moayyed al-Dowleh Tamasb Mirza, the grandson of Fath Ali Shah Qajar. These rooms, constructed in the Qajar period, retain their original form with vaulted ceilings.

Originally, a small Qajar-era shrine was built over Baba Koohi’s grave, but it was demolished by the Endowments Organization, which then constructed a new building.

Alongside the new tomb, a small mausoleum was also erected for Kochak Ali, one of Baba Koohi’s disciples. The entire Baba Koohi complex underwent restoration and preservation efforts, and in 2000, it was registered as a national monument of Iran due to its historical significance and the respect it commands from the local community.

In 2012, the site was renovated once more, with initial plans to convert it into an Imamzadeh being rejected by the Cultural Heritage Organization due to its status as a national heritage site.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit the Tomb of Baba Koohi at any time of the day, and entry is free. The best time to visit is during spring when the weather is pleasant, making the climb a more enjoyable experience. Weekends, especially Friday mornings and afternoons, are popular times to visit, so be prepared for crowds.

Baba Koohi Location

Baba Koohi’s Tomb is located within Baba Koohi Mountain Park, a historic and recreational site cherished by locals for generations. The park is situated on Saboy Mountain, near the iconic Quran Gate of Shiraz.

The routes leading to the park are accessible from Jomhouri Eslami Boulevard, and reaching the tomb requires a walk of about 1,700 meters along paved paths on the mountain.

How to Get to Baba Koohi

There are three main routes to reach the Baba Koohi Tomb, all originating from Jomhouri Eslami Boulevard. Depending on your preference for difficulty and scenery, you can choose the most suitable path. Here’s a breakdown of each route:

Route 1: The Paved Path

This scenic route begins at the end of Jomhouri Eslami Alley 1. The entire path is paved with cobblestones, winding through a beautiful forest of tall cypress trees.  Although this route is the most pleasant for enjoying nature, it’s also the steepest and longest, making it challenging for those with physical limitations. For those interested in hiking, the trail starts at the same alley but is more rugged.

Keep in mind that parking is not allowed on Jomhouri Eslami Alley 1. If you’re driving, it’s better to use one of the other two routes, which offer suitable parking. For public transportation, the Baba Koohi Bus Stop is right next to this alley, with Line 74 connecting the Narenjestan Boulevard terminal to Namazi Square.

Route 2: The Asphalt Path

The second route, which is easier due to its gentler slope, also begins from Jomhouri Eslami Boulevard, at Soroush Haghnegahdar Street, across from Karim Khan Castle. After walking about 300 meters up the street, you’ll reach the entrance to Baba Koohi Park. Though cars are not allowed past the entrance, you can park at a nearby enclosed parking lot. The entire route is paved, making it a more accessible choice for visitors.

Route 3: The Shorter Stairs Path

The third route is the shortest. It starts from Jomhouri Eslami Alley 11 and involves a series of stone steps leading directly to the tomb. This route is ideal if your primary goal is visiting the tomb without taking a long hike. You can drive into the alley and park in an open space before taking the stairs to the top.

Bottom Line

The Tomb of Baba Koohi offers a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and historical heritage of Shiraz. Nestled on Saboy Mountain and surrounded by the serene Baba Koohi Mountain Park, this site combines natural beauty with rich cultural significance.

Whether you’re drawn by the historical stories of Baba Koohi, a prominent Sufi mystic, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the tomb and its surroundings provide a memorable experience. The scenic pathways, lush trees, and historical structures make for a delightful visit, especially in spring when the weather is most inviting.

With amenities like paved paths, restrooms, and cafes, the site is well-equipped for visitors. Remember to plan your visit to avoid peak times and respect local customs. The Tomb of Baba Koohi is not just a historical landmark, but a testament to the enduring legacy of Sufi spirituality and Shirazi culture.

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