Shah Mosque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shah Mosque |
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مسجد شاه
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Shia Islam |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Isfahan, Iran |
| State | Isfahan Province |
 Location in Iran
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| 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 |
The Shah Mosque (also known as Imam Mosque) is a beautiful and important mosque located in Isfahan, Iran. You can find it on the south side of Naghsh-i Jahan Square. After the Islamic Revolution, its name was changed to Imam Mosque.
This amazing building was constructed during the Safavid period. It is a fantastic example of Islamic architecture from Iran. Many people consider it a true masterpiece of Persian Architecture. The Imam Mosque of Isfahan is famous worldwide for its beauty. It is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Naghsh-i Jahan Square. Construction started in 1611. Its stunning look comes from its colorful mosaic tiles and beautiful calligraphic writings.
Contents
Exploring the Mosque's Design
The Shah Mosque is known for its impressive size and detailed artwork. It shows off the amazing skills of the architects and artists from the Safavid era.
Main Entrance and Minarets
The main entrance of the mosque is very tall, reaching 27 meters high. On top of this entrance, there are two minarets. Each minaret stands 42 meters tall. These towers are used to call people to prayer.
Domes and Arches
The mosque is surrounded by four large arched halls called iwans. There are also many arcades (covered walkways with arches). All the walls are decorated with mosaic tiles that use seven different colors.
The most magnificent iwan faces the Qibla, which is the direction Muslims pray towards. This iwan is 33 meters high. Behind it, you'll find the largest dome in Isfahan, rising 52 meters high. This dome has two layers, which is a special way of building.
Sound and Learning Areas
If you stand right under the main dome, you'll notice something cool about the sound. Your voice echoes in a fun way, which many visitors enjoy. The mosque also has two seminaries (schools for religious studies). These are located in the southwest and southeast parts of the building.
Who Designed the Shah Mosque?
The Shah Mosque was designed by very talented architects. Here are the masters who are believed to have worked on this incredible project:
- Ustad Ali Akbar Isfahani
- Ustad Fereydun Naini
- Ustad Shoja' Isfahani
This mosque is so important that it was even featured on a TV show called Around the World in 80 Treasures. The show was presented by an architecture expert named Dan Cruickshank.
See Also
Images for kids
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View of the Mosque from Naqsh-e Jahan Square
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The entrance iwan with its towering facade
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Imam Mosque Isfahan in 2013
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Interior view of the winter mosque, built as a typical hypostyle mosque.
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Interior view of the lofty dome covered with polychrome tiles, intended to give the spectator a sense of heavenly transcendence.
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A 3D panorama of interior of the main prayer hall.
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Shah Abbas Copper engraving by Dominicus Custos, from his Atrium heroicum Caesarum pub. 1600–1602.
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The mosque at night
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Facade of entrance arcade
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The interior of the main building
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Interior view of the dome
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Peculiar orientation of the maidān
