Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
Located in the historical part of Isfahan, this complex perfectly showcases the evolution of Persian and religious architecture over twelve centuries. Still in use as a mosque, Jameh Mosque of Isfahan holds the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
History
Legend has it that the Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan, or Jameh Mosque, was built upon a Zoroastrian temple during the eleventh century under the rule of the Seljuk dynasty. It is considered the oldest mosque in Iran and a key inspiration for subsequent mosques in Central Asia. Today, only two large domes from the original construction remain intact, situated on the northern and southern sides, as the rest of the mosque fell victim to a devastating fire in the twelfth century. The mosque underwent restoration in 1121 and continued to expand over the centuries with the addition of various structures and ornamental features.
Description
Functioning both as an active mosque for prayers and an exquisite museum, Jameh Mosque of Isfahan forms an integral part of the fabric of Isfahan’s historic bazaar. Closely connected to the bazaar’s bustling streets, the mosque stands as a gem amidst its surroundings, captivating both local residents and visitors from all corners of the world.
Recognized as one of the largest mosques in Iran, the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan covers an area of over 20,000 square meters. Its architectural significance lies in the fusion of Sassanid palaces’ layout with a four-iwan courtyard, an innovation within Islamic building design. Additionally, the mosque’s double-shelled dome serves as a remarkable model for mosque construction across the country. Jameh Mosque boasts a stunning array of decorative art styles and techniques, representing the evolution of Persian architecture over more than a millennium, delighting every visitor with its mesmerizing intricacies.
The main rectangular courtyard is bordered by four iwans on each side, with two-story porches dating back to the late fifteenth century. At the center of this courtyard stands an ablution fountain symbolizing the holiest Islamic worship place, the Kaaba, in Mecca.
Among the four iwans from the Seljuk era, the southern one is adorned with magnificent fifteenth-century mosaics on its side walls, accompanied by two minarets and Mongol-era stalactite moldings. This graceful iwan leads to a prayer hall with a Seljuk-era dome, known as the Nezam al-Molk Dome. The attractive northern iwan of Isfahan Jameh Mosque is adorned with impressive calligraphy and brick pillars on its splendid porch. A nearby door opens to the prayer hall behind, boasting a multitude of gracefully decorated brick pillars. This hall’s dome, Taj al-Molk Dome, is considered one of the most exceptional Persian brick domes due to its mathematical features and its remarkable survival through earthquakes for over nine centuries.
The western iwan, a Seljuk-era construction, was further adorned during the Safavid dynasty (17th century), featuring mosaics of exceptional style. Adjacent to this iwan is the Room of Sultan Uljeitu, housing a precious and beautifully decorated mihrab. Additionally, a winter hall with stone skylights was built in 1448 during the Timurid era.
Visiting Hour
Isfahan Jameh Mosque can be visited from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
