About Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz
Shah Cheragh, meaning King of the Light, is the funerary shrine of Ahmad ibn Musa, a brother of Imam Reza who died in Shiraz in the ninth century. It is the most important pilgrimage site in southern Iran. The interior is covered in countless pieces of cut mirror that scatter lamplight across every surface, creating a dazzling glittering space. Non-Muslim visitors are usually welcome with a free guide provided at the entrance.
A short walk away stands the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, built in the Qajar period and often called the Pink Mosque for its rose colored tiles. On sunny mornings, light through its stained glass windows paints the Persian carpets of the winter prayer hall in shifting colors. Together the two buildings show the devotional and artistic sides of Shiraz, a city also loved for the tombs of the poets Hafez and Saadi.
What to see
- Mirror mosaic halls of Shah Cheragh
- Shah Cheragh courtyard at night
- Stained glass prayer hall of Nasir al-Mulk
- Pink and blue Qajar tilework
- Nearby Vakil Bazaar
Visiting Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz: practical guide
- Best time
- March to May and October to November
- Hours
- Shah Cheragh open 24 hours; Nasir al-Mulk roughly 7:00 to 17:30
- Entry
- Shah Cheragh free; Nasir al-Mulk charges a foreigner fee
- Dress code
- Women wear a chador at Shah Cheragh, lent at the gate; hijab everywhere in public
- Nearest airport
- Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), 8 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Visit Nasir al-Mulk between 8:00 and 10:00 for the best light
- Ask for the free foreign visitor guide at Shah Cheragh
- Photography inside the Shah Cheragh tomb chamber may be restricted
Festivals and special days
- Muharram and Ashura
- Ramadan nights
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Islam tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Dress modestly, covering arms and legs; women usually cover their hair in mosques.
- Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall.
- Avoid visiting during prayer times unless invited, and never walk in front of someone praying.
- Be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan days.
- Use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving items.
- Some mosques and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are closed to non-Muslims.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz?
Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz is in Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran, Asia. GPS coordinates: 29.6094, 52.5435. The nearest airport is Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), 8 km.
What is the best time to visit Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz?
March to May and October to November
Is there an entry fee for Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz?
Shah Cheragh free; Nasir al-Mulk charges a foreigner fee Opening hours: Shah Cheragh open 24 hours; Nasir al-Mulk roughly 7:00 to 17:30
What should I wear when visiting Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz?
Women wear a chador at Shah Cheragh, lent at the gate; hijab everywhere in public
Which religion is Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz sacred to?
Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz is sacred to Islam. Active place of worship.
