The Jaame Imam Mosque of Isfahan - An architectural masterpiece

Imam Mosque of Isfahan: Introduction

Being home to historical constructions left from the Savafid Dynasty, the glorious city of Isfahan can be defined as a city-museum especially because of its main attraction the fascinating Naqshe Jahan square, and the Safavid mosque around it. The Jaame (Friday) Imam Mosque of Isfahan, also known as Shah Mosque, Jaame Abbasi Mosque, is one of the icons of Isfahan and also one of the most fabulous mosques in Iran that has been an inspiration for many traditional architects and artists throughout history. Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque) is located on the southern side of the Naqshe Jahan Square beside the royal Ali Qapu Palace which was the ceremonial and residential palace of the Safavid kings and the Sheikhlotfollah Mosque which is another amazing mosque and is known for its special and unique design and decoration.

Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque) - Isfahan, Iran

The History of Imam Mosque of Isfahan

Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque) is the most significant mosque of the Safavid Dynasty because of the glory of construction and the multiplicity and diversity of its heavenly ornaments. The construction if the mosque was started in 1020 Hijri (1611 BC) by the order of Shah Abbas I during the fourth year of his kingdom. Four years later, while other parts of the mosque were still under construction the stunning façade of the mosque covered with amazing tilework was finished. This mosque is a valuable sample of artistic tilework and stone crafts of the 11^th Hijri century. According to dates mentioned on the inscriptions, like 1077 Hijri (1666 BC) which was the last year of Shah Abbas II and 1078 (1667 BC) which was the coronation year of Shah Ismail, all the ornaments and extensions of the mosque were added after Shah Abbas I death and during kingdom of his successors. In history books like the Aalam Araye Abbasi, this mosque has been introduced as “Jaame Abbasi Mosque” or the “New Abbasi Jaame Mosque” after the Jaame Atiq Mosque of Isfahan, and the thuluth (Sols) inscription of the façade of the mosque, says that Shah Abbas I constructed this mosque in honor of his ancestor, Shah Tahmasb by his own money. Also the other inscription written by a calligrapher named Mr. Muhammad Reza Imami admires Ustad Ali Akbar Isfahani and Muheb Al Beik Allah the architects of this mosque.

Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque) - Isfahan, Iran

The Architecture of the Imam Mosque of Isfahan

Known as the main element in the old cities which affected the whole city design, designing and constructing a Jaame mosque was a significant and important project. The entrance façade of the mosque which can be introduced as one of the most picturesque spots in whole Iran, is characterized with its excellent Muqarnas decirated with turquoise and Persian blue tile and also gold and silver. One of the interesting facts about Imam Mosque is the difference between the angle of the entrance gates direction which is pointed to the southwest and the direction of the whole which is faced to the south and Kiblah, and this difference is solved with a rotation of the entrance corridors. By entering the mosque’s Hashti (a small hall) you can see the main courtyard but for entering it you have to pass one of the two corridors.

Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque) - Isfahan, Iran

The Imam Mosque of Isfahan is a four-iwan Persian mosque. On the southeast and the southwest sides of the mosque there are two Islamic schools named Naseri and Suleymanieh. The Naseri School was renovated by Naser el Din Shah the Qajarid King and the second one was repaired by Shah Suleyman. A piece of stone located in one of these schools, acts like an indicator which shows the exact time of mid-day during the four seasons and is known as one of the simple yet genius inventions of Sheikh Bahaei the great scientist and mathematician of Safavid Era.

The great dome of the Imam Mosque is one of the most significant double shelled domes of Iran was made by the great engineer and architect, Mr. Fereidoon Naeini. The diameter of the dome is 20 meters and it is 52-meter-high from the ground surface. Apart from its wonderful beauty, what makes this dome too special is the echo of sounds right under it which offers an amazing experience. The large pieces of marble stone used on the walls and the large stone water troughs are other amazing elements of the mosque.

Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque) - Isfahan, Iran

In the whole mosque the tilework performed with Haft-rang technique (seven color) amazed visitors. The patterns include twisted floral and arabesque motifs with masterly compositions and color palette. The best tilework can be seen on the entrance of the mosque which is done with high-quality tiles, in arc frames, and shows special motifs like two peacocks which is the symbol of eternity and immortality.

The minarets of the mosque are masterpieces of Safavid Dynasty. Two of them are located on the two sides of the dome and are 48 meters high, and two other are 42-meters-high located on the both sides of the façade, and are ornamented with Khataii (floral) patterns on a turquoise background. The difference between the angle of the entrance and the whole mosque has caused the both pairs of the minarets to be seen with the same height from the opposite side of the Naqshe Jahan Square.

Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque) - Isfahan, Iran

Visiting the Imam Mosque of Isfahan

As mentioned above, this mosque is located by the UNESCO listed Naqshe Jahan Square. So, make sure to visit other fabulous monuments around, like the Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan handicrafts shop, Chehel Sotun Palace, etc.
While visiting the Imam Mosque,make sure to visit the tile workshop of the mosque to learn more about the way the repair the dome of the mosque and tileworks.
There are clergymen in the mosque from whom you can ask your questions about Islam and have a chat with them in English.
You can visit this wonderful mosque and other top attractions of Isfahan during the one-day Isfahan City Tour of PackToIran and learn about this city's history and glory on this guided tour.