Iran is one of the most beautiful countries in the Islamic world. This is partly due to the beautiful mosques. The combination of stunning Persian architecture and Arabic elements is not found in many other
Iran is one of the most beautiful countries in the Islamic world. This is partly due to the beautiful mosques. The combination of stunning Persian architecture and Arabic elements is not found in many other places. Here are some of the most beautiful mosques you can find there!
1) Jameh Mosque in Isfahan
Less famous than the two mosques in Imam Square, but no less impressive, the Friday Mosque of Isfahan is one of the oldest mosques in Iran and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 711, this mosque has been continuously expanded so that you find all kinds of different architectural styles.
2) Yazd Friday Mosque
Yazd’s Friday Mosque stands out from the entire city because of its two tall minarets, the tallest in Iran. The entrance of the mosque is covered from top to bottom with blue tiles and calligraphy.
Inside, the dizzying dome ceiling catches the eye with beautiful mosaics. The mihrab, an Islamic prayer niche, of this mosque is considered one of the most beautiful in Iran. Don’t miss the Friday Mosque in this desert city!
3) Vakil Mosque in Shiraz
The Vakil Mosque was built between 1751 and 1773 when Shiraz was the capital of Persia. Unlike many other mosques on this list, the building does not stand out from the outside. The mosque also has only two entrances, instead of the usual four.
This mosque is only spectacular when you enter through one of the entrances. Then you come to the shabestan, or prayer hall, of almost 3,000 square meters. In this gigantic space, 48 beautiful spiral monolithic columns ensure that no photo fails here, so don’t forget your camera!
4) Kerman Friday Mosque
The Friday Mosque of Kerman has been included because of its beautiful portal and strange shape. The entrance is beautifully decorated with thousands of tiles and mosaics, and the clock above the doorway is not usually found in other mosques.
The rectangular courtyard also deviates from the usual square shape. Even cannon fire and arson could not tarnish the beauty of the Friday mosque.
5) Shah Mosque in Isfahan
Even more impressive is the Shah Mosque, also known as the King’s Mosque or the Imam’s Mosque. Behind the entrance of this mosque is a beautiful inner courtyard and the main wan centered on Mecca. The mosque is the most famous in Iran among foreign tourists.
The mosque is praised for its symmetry and the beautiful seven-colored muqarnas. These decorative corbels resemble a honeycomb motif and are characteristic of Persian architecture. The acoustic properties of the dome are of great beauty.
6) Blue Mosque of Tabriz
According to records, the Blue Mosque of Tabriz was one of the most beautiful mosques in Iran. The mosque, named for its blue tiles, was unfortunately largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1780.
In 1973 the mosque was rebuilt with many original tiles, and restoration work is still ongoing. Who knows if it will ever shine again as when it was built in 1465.
7) Agha Bozorg Mosque in Kashan
Due to the great houses’ splendor in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Agha Bozorg Mosque in Kashan is sometimes forgotten. However, the mosque is one of the best Islamic complexes of the 19th century.
The mosque is notable for its subtle details. While other mosques in Iran are decorated with tiles and mosaics, the delicate carvings, mirrors, and geometric shapes steal the show. Less is more!
8) Fatimah Masumeh Shrine in Qom
Officially it is not a mosque, but there are specific prayers. The Fatimah Masumeh shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Iran. The complex is impressively decorated with thousands of tiles and mosaics and has a beautiful golden dome. Besides, one can contemplate the many pilgrims and clerics who flock to this place.
Have you ever been to any of these magnificent mosques? Share your experience with us in the comments below!