TEHRAN – Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts in Darab announced that restoration work has begun on the Jamek Mosque in Darab, Fars province, the only historic four-minaret mosque in the world.
Alireza Parvizi told IRNA that the restoration project is a fundamental step to preserve the Islamic architectural identity and enhance tourism in Darab and southern Fars.
He added that the project is being implemented with a loan of more than 200 billion rials ($200,000) from the Fars Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.
Palvij said the work at this stage of the project will include collecting non-conforming flooring and plinths, carrying out excavation work, paving the corridors and main hall, and laying flooring in traditional brick and original designs.
He added that measures to restore the historic monument include reducing the weight of the roof, demolishing worn-out plaster and thatch, installing new insulation and strengthening some of the pillars.
Parvij continued that the Darab Jamek Mosque is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the region due to its unique architecture and always ranks among the top tourist destinations in the city.
He said that the spiritual atmosphere and authenticity of Islamic architecture of this mosque make it one of the most important tourist attractions, and undoubtedly the restoration and revival of this magnificent monument will pave the way for an increase in tourism and, as a result, economic prosperity for the city.
The history of Darab Jamek Mosque dates back to the Seljuk period, and it is said to be the only mosque in the world with four minarets.
This historical heritage site in Fars province was inscribed in the National Heritage List in 1978 with number 1597.
KD