Tehran – Kazbin’s Jamemosk, also known as Kazbin’s Friday Mosque, stands as one of Iran’s oldest and most historically important mosques.
Celebrated with its ancient origins and stunning Seljuk architecture, this monumental structure evolved over the centuries and reflects the artistic and architectural styles of various historical periods. Today, it remains a must-see destination for tourists and architecture enthusiasts exploring the cities of ancient Iran.
Originally built on the grounds of the Temple of Fire in Sassania, the mosque traces its foundations back to 807 CE (192 AH) when Abbasid Caliph Harun Al-Rashid ordered its construction. Over time, the mosque was greatly expanded and renovated under various dynasties, each leaving a clear mark on its structure.
The Seljuk ruler (1038-1194) added two rock iwans to the north, while the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732) contributed to the rock iwans in the south and western areas along with the arcade. The Qajar era (1779-1924) saw further expansion and recovery efforts, ensuring the preservation and continued importance of the mosque.
The grandeur of architecture
A classic example of the four mosques, Kazbin’s Jamemesk features a large central courtyard sandwiched between Ivan on four sides. The approximately 4,000 square meters of courtyard is one of Iran’s largest courtyards, and includes a central fountain, enhancing the calm atmosphere of the mosque.
Of that IWAN, Minami Ivan stands out as the most important one. Built under the Safavid Ruler Abbas II in the 17th century, this structure is a towering structure 14.5 meters wide and 21 meters high. Behind it is a square prayer hall with mihurabs on the south wall. The hall, dating back to the Seljuk period, is roofed by an impressive double-shell dome, an astonishing feat of medieval engineering. The dome, decorated with floral tilework, remains in excellent condition compared to the rest of the era.
Originally due to the Safavid Ruler Tahmasp, North Ivan was later renovated during the Qajar era. This height structure, sandwiched between a 25-meter-high minaret, adds to the grandeur of the mosque. Commissioned by Safavid Ruler Soleiman, West Ivan offers access to the rear corridor of the mosque. Built by the governor of Kazbin in the 19th century, the eastern Ivan remains unwelcome and in contrast to other richly decorated sections.
Exquisite decoration
The mosque is composed primarily of bricks and has a selection area decorated with tilework and inscriptions. The main prayer hall is the most elaborately decorated section, featuring beautifully crafted mihrabs and minbars made of stone. The wall above displays intricate floral motifs and small polychrome tiles. The inscriptions of Kufic and Sols are celebrated for their accuracy and artistic excellence, adorn walls and serve as a valuable reference for calligraphy studies, even from the 9th century onwards.
Mukarnas decoration, a distinctive feature of Islamic architecture, decorates the pond. In the northern part of Ivan, mukarna is made from stucco, while the southern part of Ivan is characterized by exposed brick mukarna. The twin Northern Minarets, covered in colorful floral tiles, further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the mosque.
Explore the mosque today
Visitors enter the mosque via the eastern portal, leading to a narrow corridor that opens into a vast courtyard. The central fountain adds the appeal of the site, along with 10 steps leading to the underground canal. Two small courtyards at the northwest and northeast corners provide additional space for exploration.
Recognised as a national monument, Kazbin’s Jamemosk continues to attract scholars, historians and tourists alike. Its incomparable inscriptions, historical significance and architectural brilliance are essential halts for anyone visiting Qazvin. Whether or not it is admired for its historical depth, architectural mastery and cultural relevance, the mosque is a timeless testimony of Iran’s rich heritage.
Get a glimpse of Kazubin
Located about 150 km northwest of Tehran, Kazbin was the capital of the Safavid Empire for over 40 years (1555-1598) and is now known as the calligraphy capital of Iran.
The city has been of central importance at a major moment in Iranian history. It was originally founded by Shapur I (r. 240–270), the second ruler of the Sasanian Empire. It was resent by Shapur II (r. 309–379) who founded Coinmint there. Under the Sasanians, Kazbin acted as a frontier town against the adjacent Deiramite, invading the area.
He was captured by invading the Arabs around 644 AD and destroyed by Hulagu Khan in the 13th century. In 1555, after the capture of the Ottoman Tablis, Shah Tahasp (1524–1576) made Kazbin the capital of the Safavid Empire. This was held by Kazbin for half a century until Kazbin moved through the capital to Isfahan in 1598.
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