Şah İsmayıl və məqbərələrin təmir-bərpa işləri

In accordance with its religious-ideological line, the Safavid state began to pay more attention to the restoration and renovation of the mausoleums of the Imams and their descendants. The Safavids considered themselves the descendants of the Imams and Imamzades, viewing themselves as their successors. They derived much of their religious legitimacy through this connection, which is why, compared to other dynasties, they placed more emphasis on this matter. Alongside the construction of mosques and khanqahs, the restoration of mausoleums and pilgrimage sites was also a priority for the Safavid state, especially for Shah Ismail. These mausoleums were important not only because they served as places of religious inspiration but also because they could mobilize the masses. The restoration and renovation work initiated by Shah Ismail, the founder of the Safavid state, became an example for subsequent Safavid rulers. In the early years of his reign, Shah Ismail gave orders for the repair of the mausoleum of Imamzade Sahl ibn Ali, bringing in builders from surrounding regions. Moreover, when Iraq came under Safavid control, extensive reconstruction work was undertaken at the mausoleums of six Imams in Najaf, Karbala, Kadhimiya, and Samarra. This included expanding the pilgrimage complex areas, rewarding the ulama, sayyids, and caretakers who managed these mausoleums, designating additional waqf lands, and developing the infrastructure of the cities where these mausoleums were located, including roads and water systems. Additionally, when the Safavids took control of Khorasan, the Shah issued new orders for the restoration and renovation of Imam Reza’s mausoleum in Mashhad. The existence of this mausoleum was regarded as a key source of inspiration for the defense of the eastern borders of the country against Uzbek and Afghan attacks.