摘要: Justification of Outstanding Universal Value　　Imam Reza’s holy shrine is the most significant element giving identity to the urban area of Mashhad. The city is of exceptional examples formed based on

Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

　　Imam Reza’s holy shrine is the most significant element giving identity to the urban area of Mashhad. The city is of exceptional examples formed based on the shia’s and pilgrimage culture. From spiritual point of view, the complex has significances regarding the traditions, view rites to the holy shrine, approaching circumstances, saluting, Tawaf, consecration, etc.

　　The rituals and ceremonies merged together with the pilgrimage rites are generated based on the social and religious needs and requirements rooted in the public believes, the consistency and persistence of which exhibit their significance and values. In fact, Mashahd and the buffer zone of the complex present a unique approach and exercise towards the development of pilgrimage areas during the history in relation to a city and its religious core, in a way that the expression of the pilgrimage concept can be vividly seen in the architectural and urban planning of Mashhad.

　　Imam Reza’s holy shrine is a complex of buildings formed progressively during almost a thousand year, around which the city of Mashhad created according to the needs of this outstanding pilgrimage center. The relation of city and the holy shrine during different periods of time lead to a unique experience in the urban planning of the area, a practice which later transferred to the other pilgrimage cities by visitors especially Shias. In such way that the remarkable indications of other Shia cities are thoroughly retrieved from semiotic system of Mashhad and this historic complex in case of the spatial systems, landscape relation to their surrounding and the city, etc.

　　Criterion (i): Imam Reza complex, a continuous artistic architectural style whose progress spreads over centuries, represents a unique masterpiece of creating a sacred space. This complex is a prototype especially in Saljuq, Ilkhanid, Timurid, safavid, Qajar and contemporary period. A great number of important structures of the region, including schools, mosques, the memorials of the mystics.  Especially in great Khorasan, have been inspired by this complex.

　　Criterion (ii):  During more than millennia, some sections have been added to this complex in Different periods. We are witnessing a high level of creativity and high improvement in creating architectural, artistic structures in any period. Though each period is technologically and architecturally unique, the general complex is in special harmony as it is evident. Artistic values of each period have been respected and transferred to the next period. Therefore it is a collection of diverse architectural, artistic, technological and cultural values.  Imam Reza’s holy shrine is a complex of buildings formed progressively during almost a thousand year, around which the city of Mashhad created according to the needs of this outstanding pilgrimage center. The relation of city and the holy shrine during different periods of time lead to a unique experience in the urban planning of the area, a practice which later transferred to the other pilgrimage cities by visitors especially Shias. In such way that the remarkable indications of other Shia cities are thoroughly retrieved from semiotic system of Mashhad and this historic complex in case of the spatial systems, landscape relation to their surrounding and the city, etc.

　　Criterion (iii): The Imam Reza complex, in general also in details enjoys unique creativity and genius, altogether has formed a unique cultural, artistic masterpiece all over the world. The architectural design of the complex has also complied with these traditions and rituals to address the needs of people and the urban landscape. Every year 20 million pilgrims visit the holy shrine and perform a set of traditions, one of which is the upper mentioned salutation rituals.

　　Criterion (iv): The first built structure in the complex, is the holy shrine under which the tomb of Imam Reza is located. This architectural heritage, due to its long lifespan, glorious decorative elements such as tiles, mirror decorations, gilded dome, stone-works, plaster-works, etc. incorporate sublime tangible and intangible values. Gowharshad mosque, of other significant historic architectures within the complex, due to its fine decorative arts and tiles is considered as masterpieces of Iranian Architectures from Teimurid era. The architectural complex of Astane-e Qods, due to its gradual formation during history from the 3^rd century AH, can be considered as the treasure of historic architectures of the entire eras. Overall, it can be stated that a high level of artistic, technical and technological skills are used to create the complex which focus mostly on the setting of the complex and its surrounding texture.

　　Criterion (vi):This historic architectural complex accompanies abundant of rituals and rites which highlight it more as a cultural heritage. Specific pilgrimage rites in shape of spiritual and traditional performances indicate the importance and sanctity of the deceased and associates a pattern and symbol of spiritual and worship grace. This value dissipates not according to the place, nor to the time since the value originates from the believes of the people. Dusting, playing Naqareh, sweeping ethics, changing working shifts, Waqf, granting free food and services to assist others are among these religious rituals. The architectural complex, exquisite movable objects such as pulpits, the shrine, manuscripts, candlesticks and other museum collections with all their unique qualities stresses not only the tangible architectural complex but also depicts the historic track of the heritage as well as its backgrounds and local and global believes.