Shah Mosque Isfahan

Emam mosque is a part of Naqshe Jahan Square Complex- main attraction of Isfahan- standing in south side of the square that also known as Shah Mosque. It is renamed after the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, and Jaame’ Abbasi Mosque. Built during the Safavid period, ordered by the first Shah Abbas of Persia. The mosque has also been called Jameh Mosque of Isfahan over the course of years.

 

historical mosque

History


The Mosque, begun in 1612 during the reign of Shah Abbas I represents the culmination of a thousand years of mosque building and a magnificent example of architecture, stone carving, and tile work in Iran, with a majesty and splendor that places it among the world's greatest buildings. It is regarded as the masterpiece of Persian Architecture. It was built with the goal of centering political, religious, economic and cultural activities. In this process Isfahan‘s center was shifted away from the area surrounding the old Jameh Mosque of Isfahan in the north and relocated closer to the Zayandeh Rud river and Naghshe Jahan square.

It is noteworthy that, almost a building in itself and understood as an aspect of the square -portal of Shah Mosque- rather than of the mosque, forms a welcoming embrace, inviting and guiding the throngs outside into the refuge, security and the renewal the mosque provides.


Architecture

It is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian Architecture and an excellent example of Islamic era architecture of Iran. This mosque of Isfahan is one of the everlasting masterpieces of architecture in Iran. It is registered, along with the Naghsh-e Jahan Square, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction began in 1611, and its splendor is mainly due to the beauty of its seven-colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions. The arch of the great entrance is lined with colorful Muqarnas. There are two tall minarets on both sides of the entrance. Domed side halls on the east side of the mosque are connected to the main courtyard, where there are two schools. The double shell dome located in the north part of the mosque and the exterior part are covered with the most beautiful blue and gold tiles. There are also two more minarets on both sides of the dome as tall as 48 meters. There are some entrances which are connected to other parts of the city.

The wooden door of the mosque, covered with layers of gold and silver, is ornamented with some poems written in Nasta'liq script. The overall entrance hall proves the mastery of the designer of the building. The master architect has designed two passageways being different in length on both sides of the hall to assimilate the axis of the mosque to the direction of kiblah which has an angle of 45 degrees, to cover the change of direction without losing the proportions.

 

Opening hours

The opening hours of this mosque are based on the praying schedule on differ from season to season. So you can enter Imam Mosque between 9:00 AM - 11:30 PM and from 13:00 - 16:15 every day except Friday, and from 13:00- 16:15 on Fridays.