Dr. Ebrahim Heshmat was an Iranian physician and one of Mirza Kuchak Khan’s closest friends and allies during the Jangal movement in the Gilan province of northern Iran. He served in many leading positions during the movement. The site, which today includes the tomb of Dr. Heshmat and a mosque alongside it, is located in an area that, about 150 years ago, was connected to the surrounding plains and was abundant with pomegranate orchards and trees. Afterward, this place became a gathering place for ascetics and mystics, and subsequently, it was used as a cemetery. In the design of the tomb and the physical and formal improvement of the mosque, as well as the organization of the desired site, efforts have been made to ensure that all key aspects of Dr. Heshmat’s life are taken into account. Furthermore, in designing this complex, efforts were made to consider the historical background of the site and its previous uses. Ultimately, by considering all of the above, a coherent and integrated complex is designed.

Considering the location of Dr. Heshmat’s tomb and the direction of the Qibla (the direction Muslims face during prayer), a common axis between the Qibla and the tomb was achieved. Taking into account Dr. Hashem’s religious inclinations, efforts were made in the new design to align the mosque and the tomb in the same direction, so that both face towards the Qibla. In front of Dr. Heshmat’s tomb, nine column-like elements were designed, simplified to resemble nine trees, serving as a sign and symbol of Dr. Heshmat’s companions. Dr. Heshmat’s surrender and passing contributed to the endurance and resilience of his friends and the grassroots movement. The vacant space between the nine elements represents Dr. Heshmat, who is actually resting in his grave. These nine interconnected elements serve as a local and urban emblem within the historical context of the mosque and can also function as a minaret for the mosque. Due to the climatic conditions and consecutive rainfall throughout most seasons of the year, the mosque’s roof was designed to be sloped. The mosque and the tomb are designed in a way that, while maintaining independence, they also have a functional and meaningful continuity with each other. In fact, the mosque, with its extension, somewhat encompasses the tomb, and the tomb, with its nine column-like elements, serves as both a protector of the mosque’s sanctuary and a minaret for the mosque.