Kanaqah, Silent Irfan

Abstract

Architecture has always been associated in some way with a fundamental thought. It seems that the collection of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, as one of the important centers of mysticism and Sufism, has also been influenced by mystical ideas and concepts, and these concepts have been effective in shaping the architecture of this collection. Sheikh Safi al-Din's collection was built during different periods, but historical texts state that Sadr al-Din Musa - the son and successor of Sheikh Safi - designed the order and structure of the tomb himself and through a dream or imagination inspired its structure to the architects of this building (Ḵānaqāh).1 Therefore, it may be possible to recognize the architectural connection of this collection with mystical thought and concepts. In the course of mysticism, the seven stages are mentioned, through which the seeker reaches the stage of annihilation in the sight of God. This article tries to explore its connection with the formation of Sheikh Safi al-Din collection by knowing exactly the characteristics of each of these stages. To reach the question of the present article, first the thought of "Tariqat" is studied and then the collection of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili is introduced. In the next step, the relationship between these two areas will be examined based on the available evidence and documentation (Silent Irfan).2