Tehran – The historic Vakil Mosque, part of an 18th-century ensemble in downtown Shiraz, has undergone recovery, local officials said.
Sadegu Zaré, the province’s assistant director of cultural heritage, said the project includes renovations to the flooring, the central courtyard and private yards in the northeast, as well as restoration of the carpets of the mosque.
He said the restoration also covers tilework and installation of infrastructure facilities at the site.
The Vakil Mosque is adjacent to a bathhouse with the same name as the Bazaar and is built under Karim Khan Zand, the founder of the Zand dynasty, which made Shiraz the capital of the 18th century.
The mosque is connected to the bazaar and is separated from the bathhouse by narrow lanes. Its features include a recessed entrance with rose pink tiles, a large courtyard with a central pool, two iwans, and a 75 x 36 meters arched prayer hall supported by 48 carved stone pillars.
The Vakil ensemble has long been a popular attraction for both domestic and international visitors. Shiraz, known as the literary capital of Persia during the Zande dynasty, continues to attract many tourists to its historic monuments.
Celebrated as a heartland of Persian culture for over 2000 years, Shiraz has become synonymous with education, nightingale, poetry and craft skills passed down from generation to generation. The city was occupied at least intermittently from the Parthian period (3rd to 3rd BC) to the Muzafarid period (13th to 14th centuries). The main occupation, including large fortresses, dates back to the late Sasanian period (6th-7th century AD). It was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and was the capital of Iran during the Zand dynasty from 1751 to 1794. Plus, Shiraz is some of the most spectacular buildings and scenery in the country. More and more foreign and domestic tourists flock to the state’s capital.
Elam Garden, Afif Abad Garden, Tomb of Hafez, Tomb of Sadi, Jamemosk of Ati, Persepolis is one of Shiraz’s historical, cultural and ancient sites of interest to domestic and foreign tourists. The ancient city is home to several spectacular historic gardens, including Baghenalengestan and Elam Garden, both domestic and international tourist destinations.
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