Famous Mosques
Friday's Mosque
"Friday's Mosque I"
The Friday Mosque (Masjed-e Jome'eh) is one of the oldest Mosques in Esfahan.
The greater part of the present building dates back to the 11th century and to
the beginning of the 12th century. Changes and additions were made is subsequent
periods. The monument therefore illustrates the evolution of Iranian sacred
architecture. The central courtyard is one of the largest in Iran, 65 m X 76 m.
In the center, a fine marble pool with generously festooned edges reflects in its
calm waters the image of the four ivans.
"Friday's Mosque II "
The southern porch opens up on a very wide and elegant arch, the proportions of its
architrave, which is wider that it is high, are perfect but unfortunately two
minarets which were subsequently added detract from its harmony. This layout, which
is relatively rare, reflects a Mongol influence. The porch was built under the
Timurid dynasty in the 15th century.
Jami' Mosque
"Jami' Mosque I"
Jami' Mosque, Qibla Ivan. Although the main construction of
this ivan goes back to the 12th century, the vaulting and the construction of
the two minarets is late 15th century, while the inscriptions and part of the
pediment were erected under the Safavids in the 16th and 17th centuries.
"Jami's Mosque II "
Imam Mosque
"Imam Mosque I"
The Masjed_e Imam is one of the finest monuments in the world. The color of the
ceramic ornaments is the first cause of surprise and admiration. But the size of
the buildings surrounding the main courtyard provokes a deeper emotion.
"Imam Mosque II "
Like the builder of cathedrals, but using completely different means, the Muslim
architect of the Esfahan Mosque used space and stone for mystical purposes. The
first impression is one of completely unusual surroundings, the second a breathtaking
reaction to the immensity and vacuum of the courtyard, the third a feeling of
oppression provoked by this closed and silent world, the monotonous rectangle of
arcades and loggias where minarets mount their blind guard and onto which the gaping
dark mouths of the ivans open.
"Imam Mosque III "
Shiek Lotfollah Mosque
"Lotfollah Mosque"
Mosque of Shiek Lotfollah, 1617. The richness of this mosque interior is purely
surface, overwhelming by the splendour of its color. The lemon-shaped patterns
are made of glazed tile mosaic but are surrounded by unglazed bricks so that
the play of light is broken and creates a shimmering effect in which light and
color are totally absorbed.
"Lotfollah Mosque"
This mosque differs from all others in several respects. While turquoise, blue and
pink predominate in the motifs on the facade, elsewhere, especially on the dome,
both inside and outside, the main color is yellow. The artist painted on this
background delicate interlacings and black or blue flowers.
"Lotfollah Mosque, internal doom Mosaic"
The cupola is recognized as the most perfect in Iran. Uncanny lighting seeps
through the windows at the base of the vault. Widespread use is made of the
decorative value of calligraphy in the sols or thulth lettering
style, but there are also realistic miniature-style motifs: flowers-bowls,
peacocks, cypresses, etc.
Another peculiarity of this mosque is that it has no courtyard nor minaret, since
it was not a place for public worship, but was exclusively intended for one King,
his family and his collaborators.
"Lotfollah Mosque, internal view"
"Lotfollah Mosque, internal column"
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