The Shrine of Fatima Masumeh in Qom is one of the most important religious sites in Iran. The shrine was built on the tomb of Fatima who died in the 9th century but has been embellished and altered over the centuries.

In Shia Islam, women are often revered as saints if they are close relatives to one of the Twelve Imams. Fatima Masumeh was the sister of the eighth imam after the prophet Muhammad.

The Shah (Royal) Mosque, Isfahan. In 1587 Shah Abbas became the ruler of the third great Persian empire and made Isfahan his capital, constructing numerous palaces, mosques, gardens and bazaars.

The great Safavid ruler brought hundreds of Chinese artisans to Isfahan. The Shah Mosque was perhaps the greatest architectural achievement of the period.

Built during the reign of Shah Abbas, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan was completed in 1619 and was for the exclusive use of the royal family.

Ceiling of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.

The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz was built during the Qajar dynasty and completed in 1888.

The Nasir al-Mulk is also known as ‘the pink mosque’ due to its large number of pink tiles.

The Nasir al-Mulk mosque.

The Jāmeh Mosque of Yazd’s minarets are the highest in Iran at 52 metres. The mosque dates to the 12th century, although it was largely rebuilt between 1324 and 1365.

A worshipper at the Jāmeh Mosque.

The Mausoleum of Oljaytu’s turquoise dome and stylised Kufic calligraphy are similar to those found in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan.

After conquering this region of north-west Iran and converting to Islam, Oljaytu established a capital in the city of Soltaniyeh and constructed this massive mausoleum for himself in 1312. These photographs were taken by Christopher Wilton-Steer on an overland journey from London to Beijing in 2019. They will form part of an exhibition about the Silk Road in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation.