Akhangan Rod

Among the historic attractions in northeast of Iran, Akhangan Rod stands on top of the must-see list. Alternatively called Akhanjan, it is home to a buried body whose identity is not clear. 

The national heritage, some 22 km from Mashhad, it arguably dates back to the Timurid era (15th–16th century CE) as the architecture suggests (square-shaped patterned tiles). However, some researchers are of the opinion that the tower goes back to the 13th CE. Neither of these theories are proven yet; but the  structure resembles 2 buildings of the 9th century AH: Jameh Mosque and Amir Chakhmagh-e Yazd complex, both of the same age, which is a more reliable assumption. Seemingly inspired by the Ilkanate’ s designs, the memorial tells a lot about Iran’s history. The building keeps a lot of mysteries to reveal; there are different opinions as for the buried person: some assume that it is a burial building for commemoration of an Indian pilgrim girl who died on his way to Mashhad. It is also said that it might be the mausoleum of Goharshad’s sister. In another presumption, it is a mass grave.

The building, exceeding 17 m in height, stands on a round platform. The exterior is beautifully decorated. The tiling and brickwork are eye-catching. Artistically decorated tiles are in rectangle, polygon, and star shapes. Prominent motifs are seen on the outer part. The building holds 3 doors. Inside there is a gravestone, 110 cm long, 50 cm wide, and 40 cm high, inscribed with remarkable Sols and Naskh scripts. The rod reaches almost 14 m.The top pyramid is 4 m tall. 

Opposed to the external part, the inside is not decorated.