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Courtyard, Iwans & Southern Dome of Jame Mosque Isfahan

History

Jame Mosque of Isfahan has four iwans in total built around a central courtyard. A mosque existed at this site in the 8th century but current mosque has it’s roots in the 11th century. Tughril Beg conquered the city of Isfahan in the 11th century, as a result it expanded Seljuk Empire to Isfahan and it started a prosperous period in the history of this great city.

 

Courtyard & Eastern Iwan

Rectangular inner court of the Jame Isfahan measures 65 by 55 meters and it has a fountain in the middle. A raised platform lies in the middle of the courtyard with a fountain underneath it. 
The eastern iwan seems to have less decorated as compared to other three. This mosque had been constantly modified and it had resulted in a beautiful mix of decorative art and architecture.

A beautiful view of the courtyard of the Jame Isfahan
Southern iwan of the mosque can be seen to the left and western iwan to the right
Southern iwan of the mosque is to the left and western iwan to the right
Rectangular inner court of the Jame Isfahan
Rectangular inner court of the Jame Isfahan
This photo shows the eastern iwan (to the right) and northern iwan in the middle
Looking at the western iwan, a raised platform lies in the middle of the courtyard with a fountain underneath it
Looking at the western iwan, a raised platform lies in the middle of the courtyard with a fountain underneath it
Interior of of the eastern iwan of Jame Isfahan Mosque
Interior of of the eastern iwan of Jame Isfahan Mosque
Ceiling of the eastern iwan
Decorative details of the eastern iwan
Decorated walls of the eastern iwan
Koranic verses are written on a slab of marble

Northern Iwan

Northern Iwan of the mosque shows an element of Safavid architecture but in reality, the Safavid borrowed this design from Iran’s historical past. The most fascinating thing about the northern iwan is that every inch of this iwan is covered with stucco and Koranic inscriptions. 
A small corridor like arch forms in the northern iwan and this acts as the ceiling of the iwan. Corridor on the northern side is supported by tall columns. A beautiful marble columns is adorned with floral motifs, similar to those one in Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.

Interior of the northern Iwan of Jame Isfahan Mosque
Interior of the northern Iwan of Jame Isfahan Mosque
Looking at the southern iwan while standing inside the northern iwan
Looking at the southern iwan while standing inside the northern iwan
A closer look at the southern iwan with the dome rising behind it
Decorative details of the northern iwan
Decorative details of the northern iwan
It was amazing to see this beautiful mosque in Isfahan, probably one of the best in the city
Ceiling of the northern iwan
A small corridor like arch is formed in the northern iwan
A small corridor like arch is formed in the northern iwan
A corridor on the northern side is supported by these columns
A corridor on the northern side is supported by these columns
Upper part of a marble column (decorative piece) inside the northern iwan of the mosque
Upper part of a marble column (decorative piece) inside the northern iwan of the mosque
Middle part of the marble column
Base of the column is made of marble and there are visible cracks in the base
Base of the column is made of marble and there are visible cracks in the base

Western Iwan

The western iwan has a large water drinking vessel in the middle. In comparison, this iwan is more decorated than the one on the eastern side. Small holes in the walls of the mosque allow more light and fresh air into the building. 
Glazed Persian tiles are used to decorate the exterior of the iwans. Sometimes, small pieces of tiles are put together to create verses from Koran. Kufic inscriptions are used at the front of this iwan. One reason to decorate these iwans was to impress the visitor with the beauty of the mosque. 
Because often these iwans would serve a doorway to the inner prayer halls of the mosque. Mehrab like arches are created next to the facade of the western iwan and it also has a photo of Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini .A canopy sits at the top of the iwan, I am not sure about the use of this structure. Then a guy brings his motorbike inside the western iwan and he parks it there just adds more mix to this historical building. 

Interior of the western iwan - in the middle, a large water drinking vessel can be seen
Interior of the western iwan - a large drinking water vessel sits in the middle
Looking at upper part of the western iwan
Looking at upper part of the western iwan
Decorative details of the ceiling of the western iwan
Small holes were built to circulate the air in the building
Small holes allow air to circulate in the building
Glazed Persian tiles are used on the facade of the western iwan of Jame Isfahan
Sometimes, small pieces of tiles are put together to create verses from Koran
Sometimes, small pieces of tiles are put together to create verses from Koran
Often, these iwans would serve a doorway to the inner prayer halls of the mosque
Often, these iwans would serve a doorway to the inner prayer halls of the mosque
Arabic inscription created with colourful tiles
Arabic inscription created with colourful tiles
Interior of the western iwan of Jame Isfahan Mosque
Interior of the western iwan of Jame Isfahan Mosque
In this photo, yellow, white and blue tiles are used to decorate the western iwan
These mehrab like arches are created at the facade of the western iwan
Mehrab like arches built on the facade of the western iwan
Persian glazed tiles on the exterior
Persian glazed tiles on the exterior
Most of the decorative tiles were added during the Safavid era
Most of the decorative tiles were added during the Safavid era
Without a doubt, this mosque is one of the best preserved and decorated in Isfahan
Without a doubt, this mosque is one of the best preserved and decorated in Isfahan
A photo of Ayatollah Khomeini is painted on the wall of western iwan
A photo of Ayatollah Khomeini is painted on the wall of western iwan
Facade of the western iwan - Kufic inscriptions are used at the front of this iwan
Facade of the western iwan - Kufic inscriptions are used at the front of this iwan
A canopy sits at the top of the iwan, I am not sure about the use of this structure
A canopy sits at the top of the iwan, I am not sure about the use of this structure
A guy is parking his motorbike inside the western iwan

Soutern Iwan

The southern iwan is one of the most important in the building because it has mehrab and dome in it. No expense was spared when it comes to beautify this iwan. Most of these inscriptions come from the 17th and 18th centuries. A lots of details have gone into it when it comes to decorate the facade of the southern iwan. 
The southeast iwan, called the sofe of the student (shagird) displays Safavid motifs of tile work. A large marble basin beside the southern iwan was filled with water to accommodate for it’s visitors in the past. A glass door is installed between the southern iwan and the dome behind it.

Interior of the southern iwan
Interior of the southern iwan
Looking towards north, while standing in the southern iwan
Looking towards north, while standing in the southern iwan
ceiling of the southern iwan
Ceiling of the southern iwan
A small dome like structure is created when decorating the interior of the iwan
A small dome like structure is created when decorating the interior of the iwan
Decorative details of the southern iwan - this iwan seems to be more decorated than the other three
Decorative details of the southern iwan - this iwan seems to be more decorated than the other three
Mehrab of the mosque is built inside this iwan
Mehrab of the mosque is built inside this iwan
Decorating the area around the mehrab (iwan in this case) is an Islamic tradition
No expense was spared when it comes to beautify this iwan
Most of these inscriptions come from the 17th and 18th centuries
A marble column is placed inside the southern iwan, like other iwans, this column has Islamic calligraphy
A marble column is placed inside the southern iwan, like other iwans, this column has Islamic calligraphy
This photo shows how much work has gone to decorate the column
Interior of the southern iwan - brick work is adorned with the glazed Persian tiles
The southeast iwan of Jame Isfahan Mosque
The southeast iwan of Jame Isfahan Mosque
A large marble basin beside the southern iwan
A large marble basin beside the southern iwan
Ceiling of the southern iwan - the ceilings of all iwans are decorated with the same colour
Glazed tiles are used with geometric precision to enhance the beauty
Glazed tiles are used with geometric precision to enhance the beauty
Persian language is written in the middle of this photo - it may points out to the year of construction
Persian language is written in the middle of this photo - it may points out to the year of construction
Lots of details have gone into it when it comes to decorate the facade of the southern iwan
Two minarets of the southern iwan southern iwan with the dome in the background and pigeons are sitting on it
Two minarets of the southern iwan southern iwan with the dome in the background and pigeons are sitting on it

Southern Dome

Southern Dome is a massive structure was built with bricks during the reign of Malik Shah and Nizam al-Molk commissioned this dome in 1086. The chamber was designed by the architect Abul Fath and huge dome rests above  giant columns. The construction of this dome started in September 1086 and finished in March 1088. 
Sometimes, this dome is also known as the Dome of Nizam al-Molk. The interior of this dome chamber is adorned with Kufic calligraphy and also the name of Malik Shah and Nizam al-Molk are written. There is an area beside the dome which was used as a prayer hall it comprises a series of small domes, mostly built in the 12th century. Inscription bands decorate the mehrab date mainly from the time of Shah Tahmasp.

 

Southern Dome of the Jame Mosque Isfahan - is also known as the Dome of Nizam al-Molk
Southern Dome of the Jame Mosque Isfahan - it is also known as the Dome of Nizam al-Molk
Huge supporting columns of the southern dome
Huge supporting columns of the southern dome
The interior of this dome chamber is adorned with Kufic calligraphy and also the name of Malik Shah and Nizam al-Molk are written
The interior of this dome chamber is adorned with Kufic calligraphy and also the name of Malik Shah and Nizam al-Molk are written
This photo shows how bricks were interlocked to increase the strength of the southern dome
This photo shows how bricks were interlocked to increase the strength of the southern dome
The chamber was designed by the architect Abul Fath
The chamber was designed by the architect Abul Fath
Inscription bands decorate the mehrab date mainly from the time of Shah Tahmasp
Inscription bands decorate the mehrab date mainly from the time of Shah Tahmasp
This massive structure was built with bricks
This massive structure was built with bricks
This is the area which is used as a prayer hall and it lies next to the southern dome
This is the area which is used as a prayer hall and it lies next to the southern dome
The area next to the southern dome is comprising a series of small domes, mostly built in the 12th century
The area next to the southern dome is comprising a series of small domes, mostly built in the 12th century
Brick work is very evident in the construction of this mosque (dome)

Minarets

There are only two minarets of the Jame Isfahan and they are erected at the top of the southern iwan. They are considerably smaller as compared to many other mosques in the Muslim world but their rich decorations make up for their height. In the past, in some countries minarets were used to climb up and call for the prayers, five times a day.

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Two minarets of the Jame Isfahan
Two minarets of the Jame Isfahan
These minarets are not very tall in size
These minarets are not very tall in size
A closer look at one of the minarets
A closer look at one of the minarets
Upper part of the minaret - it forms a round balcony with a small dome on the top
Upper part of the minaret - it forms a round balcony with a small dome on the top
Middle part or shaft of the minaret
Middle part or shaft of the minaret
Lower part of the balcony of the minaret
Lower part of the balcony of the minaret