Blue Mosque Tabriz
As a historical city, there are a number of must-see monuments in the city of Tabriz. One of these glorious edifice is the Kabod mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque in Tabriz, a masterpiece from Kara Koyunlu Era, which is covered beautifully with blue tiles. Beautiful azure and turquoise mosaics in mosque make it widely known as the Turquoise of Islam. This mosque also known as the Kabud mosque that is the most magnificent and the biggest mosque in Tabriz.
History
Kabod mosque of Tabriz was built upon the order of Jahan Shah the ruler of Kara Koyunlu dynasty in 15th century which made Tabriz the capital of his Kingdom. His Kingdom covered major parts of modern Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Construction of this mosque was under supervision of his wife, Begim Khatoon or some believe it was under his daughter Saalehe’s management. Jahan Shah was killed by Uzun Hassan (the ruler of Ak Koyunlu) and buried on the only parts of the mosque that survived. The first period begins at the Ilkhanid dynasty when Maragheh was the capital and the second period includes the Timurid empire era and the capital was Samarkand.
The construction and magnificent architecture of amazing Kabod Mosque (Blue Mosque) of Tabriz refers to Timurid period. Unfortunately, in 1779, an earthquake damaged the the mosque severely but Mr. Reza Memaran, an Iranian architect and several skillful architects reconstructed this mosque under the supervision of Iranian Ministry of Cultural heritage and Tourism. According to the most sources, renovation of Kabod Mosque lasts about thirty.
Description
The builder of the mosque is Muzaffar al-Din Jahan Shah ibn Yusuf, one of the rules of Qara Quyunly. In the past, Kabod mosque was only one part of Mozaffarieh complex, which included school, mosque, monastery, library and many other buildings, as well. Unfortunately, nowadays none of them are left and only the mosque is restored.
Apart from this mosque, there are only three other mosques in the world whose main construction color is ultramarine. This mosque is the only Blue Mosque in the world with 80 percent of its ornaments in ultramarine. Furthermore, its delicacy and structural harmony have added to the beauty of the building.
Architecture
Masjide Kabod is truly obvious that is the manifestation of ancient Islamic and Iranian architecture in Iran. The lofty domes, glorious tiles, symmetrical arches and also its rich history make this mosque as one of the must-visit places in the world. The most remarkable features of this mosque are the especial blue tiles which are used in the exterior design, fascinating large dome and double-layered roof made of bricks and limestones. The tile work in harmony of colors along with delicate details and azure lines in the white background have made this mosque as a perfect example of Iranian architecture.
The entrance portal with its two minarets appears to have been connected with the main prayer hall (Shabestan) under the largest cupola of the mosque, by means of vaulted corridor. On both sides along the corridor, there stand the remains of the chambers with vaulted roofs. The walls of the mosque have been riveted with marble slabs and decorated with superb mosaic tiles. Some of the blue mosaics in the mosque’s portal are heavily damaged and half missing. The mosque is now almost permanently closed, but renovation work and eventual reopening seem inevitable.