The Mausoleum of Oljaytu in Soltaniyeh, Iran. In the early 14th century, the Mongols swept westwards conquering northern Iran, then known as Persia. In Soltaniyeh, the Mongol general Oljaytu established the new capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty. After converting to the religion of those he now ruled over – Shi’i Islam – he began construction of an enormous mausoleum for himself. To the local architectural style, Oljaytu blended elements from his own Central Asian heritage, such as the turquoise tiled dome and stylised Kufic calligraphy around its drum.
AKDN / Christopher Wilton-Steer