TAFT, Yazd Province Shah Ne'matollah-e Vali historical complex located in Taft, 20kms to the southeast of the provincial capital of Yazd, is one of the historical monuments in Yazd Province, which attracts the attention of any visitor.

The complex comprises of a mosque, a tomb, a hosseinieh (a religious center where people gather to pray), a reservoir, a bazaar (market place), a school, and a palm trunk located at the center of the city.

A spokesman of the Taft branch of Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization (ICHO), Jamal Dehqani said the complex, which is considered one of the most beautiful historical edifices located on the borderline of Iran's central desert, has been registered as a national monument.

Dehqani added, "Based on history and the existing tablets, the antiquity of this complex dates back to 15th-16th centuries."

He said that Shah Ne'matollah-e Vali, whose descendants are also buried in Taft square, has given the city of taft a special status.

He pointed out that the complex and other historical monuments in Taft attract visitors from other cities.

Shah Vali Mosque currently used as a grand mosque has central heating facilities and is decorated with ancient tiles.

The marble altar, the wooden latticed door, the inlaid tiles, plaster reliefs, and Qoranic scriptures are among the exclusive and valuable historical artistic objects of the mosque.

The mosque's dome is currently being restored at ICHO's initiative.

Another section of the historical complex, which includes the tomb of one of Shah Ne'matollah-e Vali's grandsons known as Shah Khalil Sani, a square building comprised of two big and small domes made of glazed tiles, (upon whose roof the word Ali is engraved), currently houses the library.

The hosseinieh, decorated with hexagonal tiles, located in the center of the complex contains a mourning corner, known as 'Shah Vali', greatly respected by the inhabitants.

The thick palm trunk located near the square attracts the attention of any newcomer. The palm trunk is decorated during Ashura and Tasu'a (Imam Hussein's martyrdom's anniversary) as well as on the anniversary of Imam Ali's (AS) martyrdom and is carried around the square on the shoulders of mourners in commemoration of the oppression of the Muslims' leaders.

The old bazaar of the ancient complex, made of brick and mud, still in use is considered as the hub of Taft's business.

The Managing Director of Yazd Province ICHO Mohammad-Hassan Khademzadeh said, "This complex, which is worth visiting, has been repaired and restored by ICHO several times."

He added that the complex has been registered as a national monument and is therefore a protected area.