Sultani Library
Sultani Library in Beydokht, Gonabad
The Sufi Order of the Nematollahi Soltan Alishahi Gonabadi Dervishes
The Sultani Library, located within the courtyard of the Beydokht shrine—which is the resting place of esteemed contemporary mystics such as Hazrat Hajj Mulla Sultan Muhammad Soltan Ali Shah, Hazrat Hajj Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Saleh Ali Shah, Hazrat Hajj Sultan Hossein Tabandeh Reza Ali Shah II, and Hazrat Hajj Ali Tabandeh Mahbub Ali Shah—is one of the most important spiritual libraries in Iran.
Rokn al-Din Homayoun Farrokh, in The History of Books and Libraries in Iran (Issues 74 and 75 – [Azar and Dey 1347/1968–1969]: pp. 55–63, introducing the libraries of the past fifty years), identifies this library as one of those whose manuscript collection is truly unique.
In the book “Yadnameh Salih” (Memorial of Hazrat Salih Alishah), which recounts the life of Hazrat Hajj Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Gonabadi Saleh Ali Shah (Haqqiqat Publications, 2nd Edition, 2001, p. 129), under the section on social affairs and public service initiatives, it states: “In the year 1342 AH (corresponding to 1303 SH), Hazrat Saleh Ali Shah established a library at the shrine. He designated a room on the western side of the central courtyard and donated some of his personal books. He also appointed a manager and a caretaker at his own expense. Later, relatives, friends, and brethren outside of Beydokht, inspired by his initiative, each donated and endowed whatever number of books they had and wished to contribute. Naturally, this library was not officially recognized by the government or cultural authorities of the time until 1313 SH, when the late Mr. Ali Asghar Hekmat visited the library during a trip, warmly welcomed it, and consequently, the Ministry of Culture formally recognized it. The Ministry also donated books. For its permanent location, in 1385 AH (1344 SH), a piece of land measuring 479 square meters from his personal property was endowed, and construction began on a two-story building in the upper courtyard, but unfortunately, he passed away during the course of the project…”
In the book “Khorshid-e Taban-deh” (The Radiant Sun), which details the life of Hazrat Hajj Sultan Hossein Tabandeh Gonabadi Reza Ali Shah II (authored by Hazrat Hajj Ali Tabandeh Mahbub Ali Shah, Haqqiqat Publications, 2nd Edition, 1998, p. 248), it is written: “This building was pursued and completed by Hazrat Agha Reza Ali Shah, and on the 28th of Jumada al-Awwal 1388 AH (corresponding to Shahrivar 1, 1347 SH), coinciding with the birth anniversary of Hazrat Agha Soltan Ali Shah, it was inaugurated with a ceremony and made available to the public. This structure consists of two floors: the ground floor was designated for the museum and book storage, and the upper floor for the library. It includes three upper and lower rooms and a large study hall.”
Hazrat Dr. Nour Ali Tabandeh Majzoub Ali Shah, the revered spiritual leader of the time and a promoter of research, knowledge, and learning like his virtuous predecessors, initiated the construction of a new building and modern organization for this library, which stands unparalleled in the central region of Khorasan. The new building was inaugurated by his blessed hands on the day of Eid al-Ghadir, 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1424 AH (corresponding to 21 Bahman 1382 SH), in the presence of tens of thousands of brethren. The three-story building, with 1,350 square meters of functional space, was constructed in accordance with the necessary architectural and engineering standards for the preservation of cultural treasures. The library includes various well-equipped sections and facilities, and it continues to expand. The new building houses departments such as the museum, archive, amphitheater, reading room, computer lab, cloakroom, circulation services, and other cultural functions such as educational classes and many other facilities.
With tens of thousands of volumes, including Qur’ans, manuscripts, lithographic books, and rare documents, this library is one of the largest research centers for spirituality, attracting visitors from various countries, including those in Northern Asia and Europe.