Tour Guide, Shiraz, Iran
| 5 mins read
Imam Mosque or Shah Mosque is a part of the complex of Naqsh-e Jahan Square– the main attraction of Isfahan. It is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian architecture in the Islamic era. Imam Mosque is located on the southern side of the Naghshe-e-Jahan square, Isfahan which is considered as one of the everlasting masterpieces of architecture in Iran. Along with Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the Imam is registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Isfahan.
Imam Mosque was founded by the Safavid master of architectures upon the order of Shah Abbas I in the early 17th century.
Architecture of Imam Mosque in Isfahan
Isfahan elegant Imam Mosque consists of two structures:
A visitor intending to see this glorious edifice will face a beautiful portal with two flanking minarets decorated with exquisite tile work and calligraphic inscriptions along with the main splendor building with its dome. The entrance is made in a shape of iwan – vaulted structure, the distinct feature of Islamic architecture of Seljuk and Safavid dinasties. One of the prominent features of the Imam Mosque is its peculiar orientation. The interesting point about Imam Mosque that most of the visitors and tourists point to and is considered by architects and engineers as the most professional architectural techniques is the issue of Qibla that is perfectly observed in this mosque. The builders have built the frontispiece in a way that without knowing you will half-turn right by entering the entrance balcony. It means while that time most of the important buildings were built facing towards Mecca, the entrance of the mosque leads another way. But after entering the entrance gate of the mosque, one makes a slight turn to the right as the portal leads him, and coming out in the yard of the mosque, faces exactly Mecca direction. Due to this trick, both structures – the entrance and the main dome of the mosque, are equally visible from the square, not blocking the view of each other. Besides the beautiful architecture, it hides a mosaic structure and an architectural masterpiece in the middle of the dome. The unique architectural feature of the Imam Mosque is its acoustic properties. Anyone speaking under the dome will be clearly heard by anyone inside helping understand prayers even in the neighboring halls. You can stand under the dome on a black stone marker, clapp and listen to the echo. The muezzin used this amazing feature to call people to pray. The ingenuity of the architect is mind blowing and it shows how creativity in architecture can be practical.
Dome:
The magnificent double layer dome (two-shelled Dome) on the southern front exhibits itself gloriously. You can see this two-shelled dome from each part of Naqshe-e Jahan Square. The outdoor shell of this dome has a height of about 52 meters, which has decorated with Qashani. There is a vast space as Sahn under this dome with 40 pillars and vaults. The two-shelled dome has caused echo, stability, and better temperature insulation.
Iwan
This is a four porch (iwan) mosque with the central courtyard. The tallest Iwan has a height of 33 meters, which the main minarets of the mosque are placed on both sides of it.
The main sanctuary is entered via the south iwan. It is worth finding a quiet corner here to sit and contemplate the richness of the domed ceiling, with its golden rose pattern (the flower basket) surrounded by concentric circles of busy mosaics on deep blue background. The interior ceiling is 36.3m high, but the exterior reaches up to 51m due to the double layering used in construction. The hollow space in between is responsible for the loud echoes heard when you stamp your foot on the black paving stones under the centre of the dome. Although scientists have measured up to 49 echoes, only about 12 are audible to the human ear – more than enough for a speaker to be heard throughout the mosque. The marble mihrab and minbar (pulpit of a mosque) are also beautifully crafted.
What is the best time to go?
The best time for visiting Imam Mosque is late March till late May. At this time the weather is mild and you can walk through the Naqsh-e Jahan Square and visit each four spectacular historical monuments of Safavid dynasty.
Getting there?
Imam Mosque is placed on the south side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. It is possible, to reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square via public transportation as follows paths:
Bus: To reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square, you should use the buses on the square of Imam Hussain - the Ghadir Gardens of the East Terminal, or Imam Hussain Square - use the Hasht Behesht of the Khorasgan Terminal and get off at the Imam Square Station.
Metro: The nearest station is Imam Hossein Square. Then you can reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square by taxi.
Accommodations Near Imam Mosque
If you would like to stay next to the Imam Mosque, there are a lot of options to choose from.
2-star: Pars Hotel
3-star: Part Hotel,
4-star: Piroozy Hotel
5-star: Abbasi Hotel