Ismail Shah Heydari

Ismail Shah Heydari (Persian: اسماعل شاه حیدری) (1941-1865) was an influential figure in Mashhad during the early 20th century of possible Perso-Hazara origin. He was born in Mashhad in 1865, and grew up in a family with a long tradition of mysticism and religious devotion. he was known for his deep piety and his commitment to the welfare of the poor.
Shah Heydari spent much of his life in Mashhad, where he was widely respected as a spiritual leader. He was particularly devoted to the rituals and practices associated with the mourning of Imam Hussain, and was known to hold majlis-e-aza (mourning ceremonies) regularly.
One of his most notable achievements was the establishment of a large Hussainyeh in Mashhad. This hussainyeh, which he built in the early 20th century, was one of the largest in the city, and was an important center for the mourning of Imam Hussain.
He was also involved in various charitable activities, and was known for his advocacy on behalf of the poor. He was deeply committed to the principles of social justice and equality, and worked to improve the lives of those in need.
Ismail Shah Heydari was described as a thin, upright and strong old man with a reddish-brown colored beard and mustache, piercing gray eyes, and puffy cheeks. He also wore a big pistachio green turban on his head, he also ties a green shawl around his waist, on top of which he wears a cloak.
==Early life==
Ismail Shah Heydari was born in Mashhad, Iran, in 1865. He was raised in a family of landowners and religious mystics, and as a young man, he became interested in spiritual matters. During his early life, Iran was going through a period of political and social upheaval, with the Qajar dynasty facing pressure from foreign powers and domestic dissent. Ismail responded to these events by becoming more deeply involved in religious practice and advocacy for the poor and disenfranchised.
As a result of his spiritual pursuits and activism, Ismail became known as a respected figure in the community. He regularly gave speeches and lectures, and his hussainiyeh became a gathering place for people seeking spiritual guidance and support. In addition to his work as a religious leader, Ismail was also known for his generosity and charitable works, providing food and shelter for the less fortunate.
Overall, Ismail's early life was shaped by the political and social conditions of Iran in the late 1800s, which led him to become more involved in religious practice and advocacy for the poor. His actions and leadership in these areas would ultimately establish him as a respected and influential figure in Mashhad.
==Later years and death==
Ismail Shah Heydari's later years saw an expansion in the size and influence of his hussainiyeh, which became the third largest in the city of Mashhad along Sarshour Alley. He had attained significant influence in the city and had a mob of people under his influence. Ismail was known for his charity work, often taking food from local merchants and distributing it for free to the poor.
Despite his lack of a specialized profession, Ismail provided for his livelihood through livestock and farming/gardening. He also spent his free time on religious guidance and helping people with their problems. Although he was not a Sufi, he favored the poor and needy and defended their rights against the rich and the government of the time.
Ismail was educated and literate, which allowed him to become a respected figure in his community. After his death, Ismail along with his brother Mohammad who died a couple of years later were both buried in one of the pavilions of the Imam Reza Shrine, where they both continue to be remembered for their contributions to their community.
==Contributions==
One of his most notable accomplishments was the construction of a large hussainiyeh, or religious gathering place, which grew to become the third largest in the city. This hussainiyeh served as a center for religious activities, and also provided a space for social and political gatherings. Ismail's influence within the community grew along with the hussainiyeh, and he eventually had a mob of people under his influence.
Ismail was known for his charitable work and support for the poor. He would take food from local merchants and distribute it for free to those in need. He also provided shelter and other resources to those who were less fortunate.
Ismail Shah Heydari and his brother Muhammad were both buried in one of the pavilions of the Imam Reza Shrine, a testament to their deep commitment to the Islamic faith and their impact on the community of Mashhad. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence the people of the region to this day.
Category:1865 births
Category:People of Qajar Iran
Category:Iranian people
Category:Religious leaders
Category:1941 deaths