Khargerd Ghiasieh School

Tang 5 train station and Sezar river, Lorestan
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January 19, 2025

Khargerd Ghiasieh School

Khargerd School or Ghiyasieh School (Ghiyasiyeh, Ghiyatiyyeh, Qiyasiyeh, Qyasieh, مدرسه غیاثیه خرگرد)
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The Khargerd School or Ghiyasieh School (Ghiyasiyeh, Ghiyatiyyeh, Qiyasiyeh, Qyasieh, مدرسه غیاثیه خرگرد), a historical structure from the Timurid period, is known as one of the tourist attractions of Khorasan Razavi Province. This school, which was registered in the National Monuments of Iran on January 15, 1310, is located in the village of Khargerd in Khaf County. The Ghiyatiyeh School is a four-porch, square-shaped structure that was the center of attention in its heyday in terms of its architectural style and scientific status, and was considered one of the most complete examples of an Islamic university.

 

 

Ghiyasiyeh School

In ancient times, there were mosques and schools in the form of maktabkhanehs where discussion and teaching sessions for students or Quran sessions were held. These schools had magnificent buildings and their architecture was noteworthy. Greater Khorasan was no exception to this, and Ghiyatiyeh School of Khargerd in Khorasan Razavi Province is one of them. This school is one of the four-porch, brick schools in Iran and is considered one of the sights of Khargerd, which was built with the efforts of Pir Ahmad Khafi. Khargerd Khaf School is a remnant of the old city of Khargerd in Khorasan, which was registered with number 126 on January 15, 1310 in the list of historical monuments of Iran.

In its heyday, the school was considered one of the best Islamic universities and educated many scholars; but after the rise of the Safavid dynasty and due to the severe prejudices of the kings, this school lost its prosperity after 60 years. Among Iranian schools, the Ghiyasiyeh School is considered a perfect example in terms of architectural precision and diversity. The artistic importance of the Ghiyathiyya School was such that famous Western scholars such as Saklis, Herzfeld, Grabai, and Bernard Okin researched it and copied its inscriptions. It is a square-shaped building that, during its heyday, was the center of attention in terms of its architectural style and scientific status, and was considered one of the most complete examples of an Islamic university.

History of the Ghiasieh Khargerd School

The Ghiasieh Khargerd School was built between 842 and 847 AH by order of Ghiasieh Pir Ahmad Khafi, the minister of Sultan Shahrukh Timurid, in his hometown. The architects of the time, namely Ustad Qavam al-Din and Ghiasieh Shirazi, were chosen to build the school. These two architects were also involved in the construction of the Goharshad Mosque in Mashhad and the Al-Oghbeyk School in Samarkand.

This building can be considered the last magnificent building of the Timurid era, and at the same time, it can perhaps be considered a full-fledged representative of Timurid architecture. Professor Bernard Okin, professor of history at the American University in Cairo, said about this historical monument:

The Ghiasieh Khargerd School is the most intact school remaining from the Timurid era in the world and one of the most beautiful historical schools. Each of the historical monuments in this city is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture after Islam in Iran.

The beauty and strength of the building were such that it was hoped that it would be a vibrant center of education for centuries; but the specific conditions of that time did not allow Ghiasieh to be such a center. This school is now more than 550 years old; but it did not remain a scientific center for a long time; because it was built by a Sunni government and after 60 years when the Shiite Safavid government took power, the Ghiasieh school could no longer flourish in its old form.

The Ghiasieh school was destroyed by natural factors such as earthquakes, strong winds, natural erosion, hot weather and looting of valuables by the Russians; until repairs were made in 1316.

 

Where is the Ghiasieh Khargerd School?

The Ghiyasiyeh Khargerd School is located in the village of Khargerd, five kilometers southeast of Khaf. This historical structure is located 278 kilometers from Mashhad and close to the Afghan border. You can find the village of Khargerd along the Taybad-Khaf road.

Visiting time of Ghiasieh Khargerd School

Visiting hours:The visiting hours of the Ghiyasiyah School vary during different seasons, but it is approximately possible to visit this place between 9 am and 5 pm.

The best time to visit Ghiasieh Khargerd School

The province has hot summers and cold winters. For this reason, if you plan to travel to this province, the best time to visit Khorasan province is spring and autumn.


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