Meana Baba Mausoleum

The mausoleum at Meana holds Abu Said Abul Khayr, an eleventh-century Sufi teacher and poet whose writings circulated widely across the Persian world, and the building over his grave dates from soon after his death, a square brick chamber under a dome with a deep portal, restored more than once. It remains an active place of pilgrimage, with visitors circling the tomb and leaving offerings. The village around it is small. A second, smaller domed building nearby is traditionally identified as the tomb of his wife, and pilgrims usually visit both in the same circuit.

What you actually see

• The domed chamber - the eleventh-century brick tomb over the grave.
• The portal - the deep entrance arch on the front of the building.
• The pilgrimage - the continuing visits and offerings at the tomb.
• The Sufi association - the teacher and poet whose writings spread across the region.

When to go

April to May and September to October are the comfortable months. Fridays bring the most pilgrims. Summer heat is severe.

Honest expectations

Restoration has replaced much of the original fabric. This is an active shrine and behaviour and dress matter. There are no visitor facilities.

Nearby

Altyn Depe is nearby, and Serakhs is east.