The largest courtyard inside the Imam Reza Shrine complex, the Sahn-e Jomhuri ("Republic Courtyard") covers more than ten thousand square metres and is the principal gathering space for major prayers and religious ceremonies. The surrounding porticos in glazed tile catch the morning and evening light spectacularly.
Visit at dawn for the prayer call and the slow filling of the courtyard, or in the hour before sunset for the lights and the gathering pilgrim crowds.