About Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan
Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan also known as CONGREGATIONAL or FRIDAY MOSQUE is the most notable mosque that located in center of Isfahan. It is a prominent architectural expression and highlight of the Seljuk rule in Persia.
Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan is a museum and encyclopedia of Islamic and Iranian architecture, and art as well as a place of worship. Jameh complex is the biggest mosque in Iran and peresents nice and perfect brick works, finely carved column and delicate mosaics, new elements, meticulous work in carved stucco, the, colored panels of floral, variety of brick patterns, geometric and epigraphic motifs.
Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan structure
The complex displays different structures from different centuries. This architectural documentary’s design, dimensions and aesthetic tastes are different. It has two large domes in north and south. Taj al-Molk Dome in north and grand Nezam al-Molk Dome in south. It has one of the largest courtyards in Iran. There is an ablutions fountain in the center of main courtyard that is surrounded by four contrasting and large Eivans (Grand Arches) and two-storey porches around the courtyard’s perimeter. Embellishments of the mosque were added throughout the centuries.
In fact, the complex is a masterpiece of brick architecture that highly esteemed for its structural ingenuity, complexity and the amalgam of decoration compositions.
Why Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan?
- Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan is one of the worldwide registered heritages.
- It is at the heart of old texture of city and market is Isfahan.
- One of the most important and oldest religious buildings in Iran.
- There are valuable and interesting inscriptions.
- You will find the most beautiful plastered altar of Ilkhanid period in this mosque.
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Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan Introduction
Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan is a historical mosque in old context of Isfahan at the end of great bazaar, called the old Jameh Mosque, and Isfahan Friday Mosque. The mosque has existed for many centuries, and each portion of it reflects the evolution of the art of architecture in Iran since the Islamic era. It is also referred to as the oldest building in Isfahan, and there are many stories of its history. It is not bad to know that the importance of Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan for understanding Seljuk architecture and art is just as important as Naqsh-e Jahan square in assessing the architecture and art of Safavid era. That is why experts have carried out many studies in this building.
National and World Registration of Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan name has been on the list of National Monuments of Iran since January 6, 1932 with the number 95. The building was also registered in UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012 with the number 1397.
History of Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan
Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan has been around for 12 centuries until it reached the present form. This mosque was the center for cultural and religious activities during the time of Albuja, Seljuk, Ilkhan, and Timurid, and has undergone many changes over time.
Construction of the original mosque
It is said that the date of the construction of mosque is equivalent to Isfahan city construction. The original mosque was built in 156 AH. The mosque was built in Khorasani style at that time, and probably on the remains of a fireplace and its materials were raw clay.
It is said that the construction of Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan resulted from unification of regional villages called Sepahan, and that is how Isfahan core formed. The first square, markets and over time neighborhoods and public buildings were all built next to the mosque, and more people came to settle around it. People lived, worked, and worshiped nearby. They went to the mosque several times a day for prayer and brought their work and home there for easier access.
Architecture of Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan
Different architectural styles have been applied in Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan, and there are various features. Initially it was a Shabestan mosque that used Arabic or Khorasani style for its construction, but in the fifth century AH was changed to a Chihuahua mosque known as “Iranian Mosque”. An important element in Chihuahua architecture is interiors, such as the space opposite the altar and the dome. It is interesting to note that after this event the mosques of Iran were erected in foursquare and the old buildings were changed according to this style. Outside Iran, Muslim nations did not stay away from this style of architecture and put it into practice. The mosque of Isfahan created a new paradigm in the history of Iranian architecture and the Islamic world, and became the model of many mosques.
Use the Dome Bearer Skeleton
One of the things used for the first time in Masjed-e Jameh of Isfahan is the Barber Dome Skeleton, known as Turkin Dome. To explain this, you should know that the plan of domes changed from a quadrilateral to an octagon, then to a hexagon, eventually to a thirty-two side, and eventually to a circle. The turkey dome is mounted on a dome cylinder and covered inside and outside using a shell to prevent cracks.
Original materials and decorations
The brick is the main material used in construction of the mosque. Some claim that it have been completed with raw brick. The use of bricks in the mosque, besides construction and decoration, was intended to show the pressures. In the old arches of the Jameh Mosque, the brick structure exhibits good pressure under various conditions. Important features of the mosque are using two-section, three-section and four-section brick columns, fountain arches, quadrangular porches, double porches, various ornaments and innovative methods. For example, there are 47 arches in the complex that use 50 different ways to decorate.
