TEHRAN – Picturesque domes, minarets, vibrant colors, intricate tilework, and welcoming atmosphere are inseparable elements of mosques in every corner of Iran.
The architectural heritage of the Islamic world is astoundingly rich for almost all sightseers. Here is a list of seven beautiful mosques in the Islamic Republic.
Nasir al-Molk Mosque, Shiraz
For many potential travelers, Nasir al-Molk is probably the first image coming to their minds when we talk about gorgeous mosques.
One of the most photographed mosques in southern Iran, it embraces arrays of delicate mirror work and stuccowork, which are interwoven with arabesque designs and tilework. It is filled with carved pillars and lavishly created polychrome faience, and the prayer hall appears gorgeous when it is lit up through the vast stained-glass windows.
In case one is willing to get shots it is usually recommended to come as early as possible in the morning to picture the prayer hall when it is lit up through the colorful glass frames.
Jameh Mosque, Yazd
The Jameh Mosque of Yazd is particularly notable for the prevalence of faience – a form of tiling that, like a mosaic, is formed of different colored pieces that are sandwiched together to create the design.
The terms “Jameh Mosque” or “Masjed-e Jameh” or “Friday Mosque” are used in Iran for a grand communal mosque where mandatory Friday prayers are performed: the phrase is used in other Muslim countries but only in Iran does it designate this purpose.
Blue Mosque, Tabriz
The mosque was completed in c. 1465 and is remarkable for its simplicity, brickwork, and great size as well. It survived a devastating earthquake in 1727. However, many parts of it caved in due to a quake struck later in the same century. Many parts of the structure were rebuilt in 1973.
In the southern part of the mosque lies a time-honored mausoleum, itself a source of splendor. It is entirely covered with massive marble slabs on which verses from the Holy Quran have been engraved with a background of fine arabesques.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan
The dome, which is covered in vivid colored tiles inside and out, is without a doubt the focal point of attention with its arabesque designs that become smaller as they approach the center.
The mihrab of the mosque is one of the finest in Iran and has an unusually high niche; a calligraphic montage names the architect and the date 1028 AH.
Goharshad Mosque, Mashhad
The construction of the mosque started in 1418 by the order of Queen Goharshad, the wife of Shahrokh. It took about 12 years to be completed under the supervision of capable Iranian architect Ghavameddin Shirazi by the use of the architectural and decorative manpower supplied from the Iranian cities of Shiraz and Isfahan.
Standing in the courtyard, visitors can distinguish exuberant color and solidity among the tower-like minarets, merging with the outer atmospheres.
Agha Bozorg Mosque, Kashan
The massive place of worship includes several congregational halls, adjoining arcades, tiled minarets, massive badgirs (wind towers), and an austere dome. The mud-brick walls, arches, and ceilings are covered with Quranic inscriptions and mosaics as well.
Narratives say that the mosque is named after Mulla Muhammad Mahdi Naraqi (1715-1795) who was nicknamed “Agha Bozorg” for being a Shia philosopher and theologian.
Vakil Mosque, Shiraz
Karim Khan Zand (r. 1751-1779), the founder of the Zand Dynasty, ordered the construction of the ensemble as part of his grand development projects in the heart of Shiraz.
A distinguishing feature of the mosque, however, is the forest of diagonally fluted columns that support the prayer hall, displaying a hypnotic rhythm of verticals and arabesques.
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