In the heart of Kulyab, nestled within a park shaded by centuries-old plane trees, lies the memorial complex of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, a poet, philosopher, and thinker of the 14th century. This sacred site is also the resting place of his son, Muhammad, along with many of his relatives and the former caretaker of the mausoleum and adjacent mosque, Sheikh Shahi Tolikoni from the Afghan city of Taloqan. The mausoleum itself is a classic example of medieval architecture. Originally built in the late 14th century, it featured three portal entrances leading to a domed hall adorned with intricate carvings. Over time, a mosque and a burial chamber were added to the complex.
In 1379, Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani arrived in Kashmir. According to tradition, he traveled there with a retinue of 700 followers. The region had recently embraced Islam, and Hamadani played a pivotal role in spreading the religion throughout Kashmir, profoundly influencing the culture of the valley. His impact on the local artistic and spiritual life was immense. Known as «Shah-e-Hamadan» (The King of Hamadan, Iran) and «Amir-e-Kabir» (The Great Commander), Hamadani authored several works on spirituality and Sufism.
He passed away while on a pilgrimage from Srinagar to Mecca, in what is now Afghanistan, and as per his instructions, his followers transported his remains to Kulyab in present-day Tajikistan, where he was laid to rest. Although Hamadani’s time in Kashmir was brief, he gathered around him many disciples who made significant contributions to the Islamization of the region. Under his influence, numerous Sufi lodges and mosques were established, some of which were converted from former Hindu temples. It is also believed that the crafts introduced by Hamadani’s followers from Iran became widespread in Kashmir. After Hamadani’s death, his son, Mir Muhammad, continued his legacy, wielding considerable influence over Sultan Sikandar, a ruler renowned for his campaign against polytheism, earning him the title «Butshikan» (Destroyer of Idols).
Historical accounts suggest that Hamadani initially adhered to the Hanafi school of thought, but after experiencing a dream, he converted to the Shafi’i school. His deep love for the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad) has led some Shi’a scholars to assert that he may have been a Shiite. Additionally, Hamadani was said to have been influenced by the teachings of Ibn Arabi and is credited with introducing his philosophy to South Asia. As a Sufi master, Hamadani emphasized the importance of adhering to Sharia law, advocating that neither Sufi practice nor thought should contradict the theological and legal principles of Islam.
Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani authored more than 100 treatises, although most of them are brief, typically spanning just 4-5 pages. Unfortunately, many of these works remain unpublished and largely unexplored by scholars.
The tomb of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani in Tajikistan is a well-known pilgrimage site, and his legacy is also venerated in his hometown of Hamadan. However, his most profound influence can be felt on the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Kashmir, where he is revered as one of the region’s most important spiritual figures. The name «Shah-e-Hamadan» remains a popular personal name in the region, and many religious institutions bear his name. The renowned Pakistani poet Allama Iqbal composed numerous poems in Hamadani’s honor and even claimed to have seen him in his dreams.