Unveiling Imam Reza (AS) Inheritance Coin Coincides with 3rd Annual Int'l Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage

SHIRAZ - The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has unveiled the historical Imam Reza (AS) inheritance coin

A historical coin commemorating the eighth Shia Imam’s inheritance has been unveiled by the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts at a museum dedicated to cultural heritage in Shiraz.

During a visit to the Shah Cheragh Museum on Thursday afternoon, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri unveiled the ancient coin in the presence of Fars Governor-General Hossein-Ali Amiri. The unveiling coincided with the third annual International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage, which also features an exhibition highlighting Iran’s civilizational heritage from the Islamic period.

The coin, which has been put on display at the museum, was minted in the year 203 AH (818 CE) under the orders of Caliph Ma’mun of the Abbasid dynasty, to mark the arrival of Imam al-Rauf in Shiraz.

The coin is said to be a key historical artifact documenting Imam Reza’s journey to Merv, which included a passage through Shiraz. The Shah Cheragh Shrine, meaning “King of the Light” in Persian, is located in the heart of Shiraz. The shrine marks the final resting place of Sayyed Mir Ahmad, the brother of Imam Reza (AS), and it has long been revered by Shia Muslims as a beacon of spiritual significance.

With a history that spans several centuries, the shrine showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles, blending elements from various eras. Its courtyard and intricate tilework feature late-Qajar period embellishments, while its iconic blue-tiled dome and towering minarets with golden tips catch the eye of anyone approaching the complex.

The shrine’s interior is a testament to both divine beauty and human craftsmanship. The grand chamber of worship is adorned with towering chandeliers that sparkle like frozen rain, while smaller green lamps protrude from the walls. Stained-glass windows on high filter sunlight, casting a dazzling array of colors that reflect off the shrine’s countless jewels and shards of glass, creating an ethereal glow.