The Jabalieh Dome, also known as Jahan Sang, Gonbad Gabri, Gonbad Ganj and Ma’bad Sangi, is an octagonal structure located in Kerman.
The Jabalieh Dome or Rock dome also known as Gabri Dome, Gonbad-e Jabaliyeh, Jahan Sang, Gonbad Gabri, Gonbad Ganj and Ma’bad Sangi, is an octagonal structure located in Kerman. The dome, a place of historical importance in Iran, has been constructed of stone and brick, though the building is of stone and gypsum, and its architectural affects have been inspired from the Sassanid period. It is of octagonal design and comprises three floors crowned by a rather flat dome, totally empty inside. There are 8 doors in its eight sides with the width of 2m, that recently have been closed by stones to strengthen the building and only one of them is open. It appears to predate the 2nd millennium AD and is remarkable because of being constructed of stone rather than the more usual brick. The dome has been built on the slopes of Gholleh Dokhtar Mountain and is among the most beautiful architectural feats of Iran.
There are different explanations for the Jabalieh Dome’s past purpose. The most common theory is that it is the resting place of a Zoroastrian priest while to a lesser extent some believe that Mohammad Tabashiri is buried there. There has been some speculation as to whether it could have been a Zoroastrian Fire Temple, although its general appearance and architecture varies with the common style of such temples. Another theory is that in years past there was a tombstone attached to one of the sides of the dome that was a gathering place for Zoroastrians for lighting candles and performing prayers and that the stone was washed away in the 1954 flood in Kerman.
The dome has been attributed to Seljuk rulers, but its architectural style shows that it has been inspired from the Sassanid period. There is no any document about the time of construction. Sarborsisiks in this book “Eight years in Iran” writers, passing through that has a dome in the shape of two arc and its internal diameter is 18 foot. This place is called Jabalie and it is the only stone building of Kerman.
The rocky outcrops overlooking the Martyrs Cemetery just south-east of the Gonbad-e Jabalieh, offer a fine outlook over Kerman, if one manages to climb to the top.