EMĀMZĀDA, a shrine believed to be the tomb of a descendent of a Shiʿite Imam. In addition to emāmzāda, such structures are also known as āstāna (lit., threshold), marqad (resting place, mausoleum), boqʿa (revered site), rawża (garden/tomb), gonbad (dome), mašhad (place of martyrdom), maqām (site/abode), qadamgāh (stepping place), and torbat (dust, grave).

i. Function and devotional practice.

ii. Forms, decorations, and other characteristics.

iii. Number, distribution, and important examples.