The Antiquated Jameh Mosque of Yazd
For nearly a thousand years, the residents of Yazd’s Muslim community have gathered at this beautiful holy-place of worship, Jameh Mosque (Masjed Jameh), to participate in the collective Friday-prayer ritual. Historians say that this mosque was originally constructed in place of the old Sassanid Fire Temple in the 12th century. Built in the Azeri-style of architecture, the Jameh Mosque of Yazd is a fantastic representation of authentic Persian Architecture. No travellers or visitors to Yazd should miss experiencing and seeing this staple of ancient Muslim tradition. Come along with goingIRAN to learn and discover more about this destination!
The grand congregational mosque has all of the expected features of traditional Persian mosque architecture; minarets, four-iwan plan, arcaded arches alongside brick and tile work. Upon walking up to this centuries-old building travellers are greeted by two giant minarets, standing at 52 meters tall. Between the two gigantic minarets, is the Jameh Mosque’s most renown feature; its massive entry portal. The huge portal’s façade is entirely elaborately covered with the most beautiful and elegant tile work. After one enters through this prestigious portal, inside they will discover an elongated arcaded courtyard, with iwans (vaulted spaces) around it. In the south-east iwan, lays an extraordinary shabestan (sanctuary chamber). In one of the iwans, sitting beneath a phenomenal tile-decorated dome, this sanctuary marks the direction of the Qibla. That of which, is so beautifully decorated that it’s regarded as one of the most noteworthy of its kind in Iran!
No doubt visitors won’t be able to miss the stunning brickwork patterns and beautiful blue tiles adorned by Kufic inscriptions. Nor the intricate architecture that brings the dome, huge minarets and gigantic portal together with the entire building. However, it’s not just one of these features that stays engraved in the visitors’ memory. It’s the magnificence of the coming-together of all of these beautiful features! And being a mosque that is still in use, one will be able to catch a fine glimpse of Islamic rituals during the times of prayer. A definite must-see for all tourists and visitors to Yazd!
City/Town: Yazd
Address: Jameh Mosque, Masjed Jame St. Imam St.
Operating Days: Everyday
Operating Hours: 9 – 11am and 1 – 4pm
Typical Price: Free
Neighborhood: Hozeire Mosque – Museum Water – Amir Chaqmaq complex – Haj Khalife Rahbar Pastry – Yazd Historical Area – Hari House – Irani Café