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Shah Mosque
مسجد شاه
Isfahan Royal Mosque general.JPG
Religion
Affiliation Shia Islam
Status Active
Location
Location Isfahan, Iran
State Isfahan Province
Shah Mosque is located in Iran
Shah Mosque
Location in Iran
Architecture
Architect(s) Ali Akbar Isfahani
Architectural style Safavid Persian
Groundbreaking 1611
Completed 1629
Construction cost 20,000 tomans
Specifications
Length 100m
Width 130m
Height (max) 56m with golden shaft
Dome(s) 3
Dome height (outer) 53 m
Dome height (inner) 38m
Dome dia. (outer) 25
Dome dia. (inner) 23
Minaret(s) 4
Minaret height 48 m

Shah Mosque (Persian: ﻣﺴﺠﺪ ﺷﺎﻩ , Masjed-e Shāh) is a mosque in Isfahan (Eşfahān), Iran. It is on the south side of Naghsh-i Jahan Square. It has been renamed to Imam Mosque after the Islamic Revolution.

Built during the Safavids period, it is an excellent example of the Islamic architecture of Iran. Many people see it as the masterpiece of Persian Architecture. The Imam Mosque of Esfahan is one of the everlasting masterpieces of architecture in Iran and all over the world. It is registered along with the Naghsh-i Jahan Square as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction began in 1611. Its splendor is mainly due to the beauty of its seven-color mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.

Measurements

The port of the mosque measures 27 meters high. There are two minarets 42 meters tall on top of it. The Mosque it is surrounded with four iwans and arcades. All the walls are ornamented with seven-color mosaic tile. The most magnificent iwan of the mosque is the one facing the Qibla. It is 33 meters high. Behind it is a space which is roofed with the largest dome in the city at 52 meters height. The dome is double layered.

The acoustic properties and reflections at the central point under the dome is an amusing interest for many visitors. There are two seminaries at the southwest and southeast sections of the mosque.

Architects

Shah-Mosque-Esfahan
Shah Mosque from Ali Qapu Palace

The architects of the mosque are reported to be the following masters:

  • Ustad Ali Akbar Isfahani
  • Ustad Fereydun Naini
  • Ustad Shoja' Isfahani

The mosque is one of the treasures featured on Around the World in 80 Treasures presented by the architecture historian Dan Cruickshank.

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