square (maidan in Persian). Zand-era architecture is notable in Iranian history for "its revetments in carved marble and overglaze-painted tiles with flowers, animals and people". The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture notes that some themes employed by Zand architecture were knowingly revived from the nearby ancient Achaemenid and Sasanian sites, such as Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam. Religion Karim Khan, similar to many tribal leaders, was rather moderate in his religious commitments, although he supported Shia traditions and minted coins in the name of Hujjat Allah al-Mahdi, the Mahdi of Twelver Shia's. The Ta'ziyeh passion plays, in honor of Husayn ibn Ali, also evolved during the Zand period. Legacy As noted by The Oxford Dictionary of Islam, "Karim Khan Zand holds an enduring reputation as the most humane Iranian ruler of the Islamic era". Karim Khan is the subject of many stories about his "kindness, generosity and justice". The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World adds that he is described as "a model ruler who never took the title of Shah". The Zand entity of Karim Khan was at peace and the roads within the realm were reportedly free of bandits. Karim Khan rebuilt Shiraz, his capital, and decorated it with new buildings including the Arg of Karim Khan, the Vakil Bazaar and the Kulah-e Farangi. He also restored the tombs of the medieval Persian poets Hafez and Saadi Shirazi. Until this day, the inhabitants of Shiraz honor Karim Khan. When following the Islamic Revolution of 1979 the names of the past rulers of Iran became a taboo, the citizens of Shiraz refused to rename the Karim Khan Zand Street and Lotf-Ali Khan Zand Street, the two main streets of Shiraz. Rulers/kings Karim Khan Zand, 1751–1779 Mohammad Ali Khan Zand, 1779 Abol-Fath Khan Zand, 1779 Sadeq Khan Zand, 1779–1782 Ali-Morad Khan Zand, 1782–1785 Jafar Khan, 1785–1789 Sayed Morad Khan, 1789 Lotf Ali Khan, 1789–1794 Other notable members Zaki Khan Zand Rustam Khan Zand Family tree See also List of monarchs of Persia List of Shia dynasties References 18th century in Iran Empires and kingdoms of Iran Iranian Muslim dynasties Middle Eastern dynasties Shia dynasties Former monarchies of Western Asia 18th century in Azerbaijan 18th century in Armenia 18th century in Georgia (country) Ottoman Iraq States and territories established in 1751 States and territories disestablished in 1794 1751 establishments in Iran 1790s disestablishments in Iran 1751 establishments in Asia 1794