Besh Qardash

Besh Qardash or Besh Ghardash (Persian: بش قارداش) is a mausoleum and mineral spring complex, located near Bojnord, in the province of North Khorasan, Iran.

Beth Qardash
بش قارداش
The mausoleum in 2013
Religion
Affiliation	Islam
Ecclesiastical or organisational status	Mausoleum and mineral spring complex
Status	Active
Location
Location	near Bojnord, North Khorasan province
Country	Iran
Location of the complex in Iran
Geographic coordinates	37°24′N 57°17′E
Architecture
Style	Qajar Pahlavi
Specifications
Dome(s)	One
Dome height (outer)	12 m (39 ft)
Minaret(s)	Four
Site area	380 ha (940 acres)
Monument(s)	One: Sardar Mofakham
Materials	Bricks; tiles
Elevation	1,189 m (3,901 ft)
Besh Qardash in Qajar era
Iran National Heritage List
Official name	Besh Qardash
Type	Built
Designated	1 January 2002
Reference no.	4575
Conservation organization	Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran

The mausoleum was added to the Iran National Heritage List on 1 January 2002 and is administered by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran.^[1] The complex is an entertainment and tourism attraction, located on the Bojnord-Esfarayen road, approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from Bojnord.

History

The term "Besh Qardash" means "Five Brothers" in the Khorasani Turkic language, a local language in the region. Besh Qardash refers to the mythic history of the place that there were five brothers fighting against the then-brutal government and when they harbored to a hillside, they disappeared and five water springs trilled.^[2]

Before Islam, the site was initially developed during the Parthian, Ashkanid and Sasanid eras, when it served as a settlement for Zoroastrian priests and magis.^[3] It came to be known as Chaharmoghan, or Four Magi. The water of these springs was called Chahrmoghan or Charmoghan.^[4]

In the Qajar era, Naser al-Din Shah passed the place in his state visit and ordered Yar Mohammad Khan Shadlou (also known as Sardar Mufakham or Siham al-Dowleh Bojnordi) to construct a monument right next to the springs.^[5]

Facilities

At the heart of Besh Qardash stands a historical mausoleum, the resting place to Sardar Mofakham, a prominent ruler during the late Qajar period. The structure comprises a 12-metre-high (39 ft) tiled dome, brickwork, and four intricate minarets.^[3]

The complex's therapeutic springs, originating from five stone cracks, converge to form the Chaharmoghan River, which flows through nearby villages before joining the Sumbar River. These mineral-rich springs are believed to have healing properties, attracting visitors seeking wellness alongside leisure.^[3]

Besh Qardash is a scenic retreat comprising approximately 380 hectares (940 acres) and is a well-equipped tourist hub offering a range of amenities, including botanical gardens, swimming pools and fish ponds, historical structures that include paved routes, stone staircases, and decorative fountains reminiscent of Persian architectural traditions. Cultural and recreational facilities include restaurants and a motel, sports grounds, and cultural camps. The botanic gardens contain towering sycamore trees, and various species of native flora, including Shiraz cypress, wild hawthorn, and maple.^[3]

Gallery

• 
  Besh Qardash in Pahlavi era
• 
  View of the mausoleum in 1976
• 
  Gate to Sardar Mufakham's tomb
• 
  Crown shape of the pool before renovation
• 
  A view of Besh Qardash water spring
• 
  Besh Qardash pool
• 
  Besh Qardash pool
• 
  The garden gate which belongs to Qajar era
• 
  The Zoroaster's message "Good thoughts, Good words and Good deeds" on a stone over the spring

See also

• Iran portal
• Islam portal

• List of mausoleums in Iran
• Islam in Iran