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Nasir al-Molk Mosque - Shiraz

History of Nasir al-Molk Mosque

Nasir al-Molk Mosque is located at the end of a small street beside Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street in Shiraz in Fars province (southern Iran). At the back of this mosque shrine of Shah Cheragh is situated. 
Sometimes, this mosque is called as the Pink Mosque, it is due to the pink coloured tiles used in this mosque. Nasir al-Molk Mosque of Shiraz was built during the Qajar era by the order of Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir al Molk. The construction period lasted from 1876 – 1888.

Entrance of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque
Entrance of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque
Decorative details of the entrance portico
A wooden door at the entrance of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque
A wooden door at the entrance of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque
A small corridor leads from the front door to an iwan
A small corridor leads from the front door to an iwan
Sometimes, this mosque is called as the Pink Mosque
Sometimes, this mosque is called as the Pink Mosque
One of the iwans of the mosque
This mosque is famous for its extensive usage of stained glass and and Persian tiles
This mosque is famous for its extensive usage of stained glass and and Persian tiles
Ceiling of the iwan
Ceiling of the iwan
The ceiling of the iwan forms a mehrab like shape
Decorative details of the mosque
Decorative details of the mosque

Interior of the Mosque

Nasir al-Molk Mosque is famous for its extensive usage of stained glass and and Persian tiles. A small corridor leads from the front door to an iwan where one can see the courtyard of the mosque. At first glance, this mosque appears to be like any other mosque but at the close inspection, one is amazed by it’s fine details and beauty.

Dazzling pink tiles are the hallmark of this mosque and it is one of the most photographed buildings in Shiraz. Courtyard of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque has a central pool and prayer hall is to the right when facing main iwan with minarets.

Courtyard of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque has a central pool and prayer hall is located to the right when facing main iwan with minarets
Courtyard of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque has a central pool and prayer hall is located to the right when facing main iwan with minarets
Central pool of theNasir al-Molk Mosque - Shiraz
Central pool of theNasir al-Molk Mosque - Shiraz
Main iwan of the mosque is reflected in the central pool
Main iwan of the mosque is reflected in the central pool
This sign points to the nearby tomb of Sayyed Jalal al-Din ( brother of Imam Raza)
This sign points to the nearby tomb of Sayyed Jalal al-Din ( brother of Imam Raza)
To the right side of the main iwan, a wooden door can be seen
To the right side of the main iwan, a wooden door can be seen
Decorative details of the main iwan
Decorative details of the main iwan
Dazzling pink tiles are the hallmark of this mosque
Both iwans of this mosque resemble to those in Shah Mosque of Isfahan
Both iwans of this mosque resemble to those in Shah Mosque of Isfahan
Interior of the main iwan of Nasir al-Molk Mosque
Interior of the main iwan of Nasir al-Molk Mosque
In the middle of this photo, the year of construction of this mosque is shown
In the middle of this photo, the year of construction of this mosque is shown
Walls of this mosque are covered with beautiful tiles
Walls of this mosque are covered with beautiful tiles
When one enters the main prayer hall of the mosque, this is ceiling which can be seen at the front
When one enters the main prayer hall of the mosque, this is ceiling which can be seen at the front
Inner walls of this prayer hall are adorned with colourful tiles
Inner walls of this prayer hall are adorned with colourful tiles
Arabic inscription on the walls of the hall
Arabic inscription on the walls of the hall
This photo was taken where two walls of the prayer hall meet and create a corner
This photo was taken where two walls of the prayer hall meet and create a corner

Prayer Hall

Walls of this mosque are covered with beautiful tiles which have many colourful plants and flowers painted on them. Prayer hall of the mosque is built with columns and arches. The interior of Nasir al-Molk is famous for it’s stained glass work, when rays of Sun shine at these colourful glass and it creates a magic of colours (sadly, it was a cloudy day when I visited this mosque). 
It is easier to see why this mosque is considered one of the best in Shiraz when it comes to architectural beauty. Two designers Muhammad Hasan-e-Memar and Muhammad Reza Kashi Paz-e-Shirazi used extensively stained glass on the facade.

Interior of the main prayer hall of Nasir al-Molk Mosque
Interior of the main prayer hall of Nasir al-Molk Mosque
Colourful ceiling of the prayer hallColourful ceiling of the prayer hall
Colourful ceiling of the prayer hall
This photo shows why this mosque is called the pink mosque
This photo shows why this mosque is called the pink mosque
Interior of Nasir al-Molk Mosque
When rays of Sun shine at these colourful glass and it creates a magic of colours
When rays of Sun shine at these colourful glass and it creates a magic of colours
It is easier to see why this mosque is considered one of the best in Shiraz
It is easier to see why this mosque is considered one of the best in Shiraz
This is a space where light and worship intertwine in equal harmony
This is a space where light and worship intertwine in equal harmony
Stained glass windows of the mosque
Stained glass windows of the mosque
Panj kaseh-i (five concaves), which create a breath taking effect of the interior
Panj kaseh-i (five concaves), which create a breath taking effect of the interior
A closer look at the colourful windows
A closer look at the colourful windows

History of Colour Glass Making

The production of coloured glass in west Asia existed around the 8th century and hence this element is used to enhance the beauty. Jabir ibn Hayyan (9th century) gives 46 recipes for producing coloured glass and described the technique of cutting glass into artificial gemstones. These vibrant colours are used in many buildings throughout the Muslim World but there are some places where it sets it’s marker. 

A corridor runs parallel to the prayer hall, across the courtyard. Interestingly, I saw two birds in a cage on one of the walls in the corridor. 

The production of coloured glass in west Asia existed around the 8th century
The production of coloured glass in west Asia existed around the 8th century
These vibrant colours are used in many buildings throughout the Muslim
These vibrant colours are used in many buildings throughout the Muslim
Decorative details of a wall next to mehrab
Decorative details of a wall next to mehrab
A prayer mat is placed at the foot of the mehrab
A prayer mat is placed at the foot of the mehrab
Mehrab of nasir al-Molk Mosque
Mehrab of nasir al-Molk Mosque
An area beside the mehrab where some books (possibly Koran) were left for reading
Ceiling of the prayer hall is enriched with pink tiles
In this photos, to the left, some tourists are entering the prayer hall of the mosque
In this photos, to the left, some tourists are entering the prayer hall of the mosque
A corridor runs parallel to the prayer hall, across the courtyard
A corridor runs parallel to the prayer hall, across the courtyard
Interestingly, I saw two birds in a cage on one of the walls in the corridor
Even ceiling of this corridor was created with great details
Even ceiling of this corridor was created with great details