The Imam Ali Holy Shrine announced the completion of the re-gilding project and the reinstallation of the golden crown atop the sacred Darih of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him).
Two Years of Uninterrupted Effort
In a statement to the Shrine’s News Center, Zayd al-Mashhadi, Head of the Gold Workshop affiliated with the Office of the Custodianship of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, said:
“This project was carried out over a period of two years and thirty days of continuous work. It involved highly precise technical stages executed by the specialized staff of the Gold Workshop, in accordance with advanced engineering standards.”
460 Gold Components
He added:
“During the course of this operation, the sacred crown was completely dismantled, the old gold was extracted and melted into gold ingots, and the damaged sections of the golden crown were re-engraved and restored. Ultimately, nearly 460 gold components were electroplated and gilded based on a scientific and innovative method employed for the first time in this field.”
Al-Mashhadi noted that prior to its reinstallation atop the sacred Darih, the dimensions of the golden crown measured 6.63 meters in length from the floor of the holy shrine, 4.42 meters in height, and 5.45 meters in width.
Golden Chandeliers
He continued:
“The project also included the installation of four enamel-decorated golden chandeliers at the corners of the sacred Darih. These chandeliers embody doctrinal meanings and are adorned with vegetal and Islamic motifs. In addition, the older gold-plated chandeliers located at the midpoints of the sides of the Darih were replaced with new models designed with distinctive symbolism. Their upper sections represent a helmet and the figure of a warrior, while they are embellished with floral motifs and grape clusters symbolizing peace and tranquility.”
Doctrinal Meanings and Symbolism
Al-Mashhadi explained:
“The new chandeliers feature five large enamel panels bearing unique motifs and decorations, along with smaller enamel pieces inscribed with the names of the Twelve Infallible Imams (peace be upon them). Moreover, a special engraving of the names of the Ahl al-Kisa (peace be upon them) has been incorporated. All these works were fully gilded within the Gold Workshop of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine.”
It is noteworthy that this project was implemented as part of the continuous commitment of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine to the preservation and safeguarding of religious and historical landmarks, in accordance with the highest artistic and technical standards, in order to protect and uphold the historical and doctrinal identity of the sacred shrine of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him).
