Introduction to Jame Mosque
Jame Mosque of Isfahan standing with strength, telling stories from the ancient Persia which is impelled its base to the Islamic era which has shaped the form of the mosque by bends, carvings, plastering and has given live to the whole building through the magical colorful tills that each of them is a manifestation of the strong, mystical spirit that exists there. This mosque has stud strong like a compassionate father to protect people against floody rain and has got burned to keep them warm through the history. It’s time to explore Isfahan from the view of the Mosque Now.
History of Jame Mosque
One of the oldest mysterious mosques in the Islamic world, so old that the body of the mosque was built on the remains of the city’s fire temple. The current appearance of the mosque is mainly related to the actions of the Seljuk period, and the most important plans for its development were made during the Al-Buwayh and Safavid era.
Ever since the mosque was built, it has seen many difficulties by itself. Like when the Seljuk Tughral besieged Isfahan, so people had to burn the pillars of the mosque to stay warm, or the time when the Ismailis sat fire to the mosque and when it nonstop rained for 20 days in 1954 and people took refuge in the nave of the mosque.
Architecture of Jame Mosque of Isfahan
Isfahan Jame Mosque reflects the Byzantine and classical art in the form of a traditional and Islamic building within the style of Razi architecture with a four-porch plan. The mosque has several buildings like the courtyard of four porches, naves, Mozaffari school, small rows of Deylami period, Nizam-ol-Molk dome, Taj-ol-Molk dome, Olja Yato altar (the most beautiful bed altar), the most beautiful inlaid pulpit, Sahib famous four porches, Ustad, Shagerd, Darvish with Mogharnas and Karbandi that each of them shows the architectural course of the building in a specific period.
The mosque has several entrances that each of them connects the mosque space to parts of the surrounding area. Among the artistic elements in this mosque, except the different architectural styles and different decorations, we can mention different types of inscriptions in Persian and Arabic. This mosque has 9 entrances and like the local crossings for the people, they were considered as crossing paths. There are two very famous domes, the dome of Nizam al-Mulk and the dome of Taj al-Mulk which are competing with each other.
Name of Isfahan Masjed-e Jame
“Jame” literally means joining and assembling components, which the combination of the two words mosque and Jame in the form of “Al-Masjid Al-Jame” means a mosque that is intended for holding prayers, especially Friday prayers, which is why it is also called Friday Mosque. In the past, this mosque was known as the Atiq Mosque, and today it is known as the Atiq Grand Mosque and its history is reminded for everyone.
UNESCO World Heritage Criteria of Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan
Criterion (ii): This mosque is the first Islamic building built with the architecture of four porches. The architecture of Isfahan Jame Mosque is inspired by Sassanid structures that later entered Islamic architecture. In this way, this architecture became the model for building new, beautiful mosques. Nizam-ol-Molk dome is the first two-row dome in the Islamic world, which uses new engineering skills and has been used in the design and construction of other domes of Islamic mosques and cemeteries. Based on these two elements, the Grand Mosque is a well-known model in designing mosques, spatial composition and dome construction, which has been mentioned in many subsequent Islamic periods.
Location of Jame Mosque of Isfahan
Isfahan Jame Mosque is located in Qayam Square, Allameh Majlisi Street, in Isfahan. It is located in the old part of Isfahan, on the western side of Hatef Street and at the end of the Grand Bazaar. There are so many of historic attractions in this area such as Imam Ali Square (Sabze Meydan), Ali Minaret (Ali Mosque), and Mollabashi Historical House that all of them are connected through the halls of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan.
Where to stay near Masjed-e Jame
Khane Howzac Residence
Khane Howzac Ecological Residence is located in Allameh Majlisi Street. This ecologe is so close to Jame Mosque of Esfahan that if you stand on the roof of this residence, you’ll be able to see the dome and garlands of the mosque; only 300 foot! This accommodation hosts international and domestic travelers every year and its Café is ready to serve several exiting local food and beverage to all the guests with different tastes.
Abbasi Hotel
The 5* Abbasi Hotel, the oldest and one of the greatest hotel of the world with over 300 years old is located in Chahar Baghe Abbasi St. in Isfahan museum city.
This hotel was designed and built in 1695 A.D. by the order of Shah Sultan Hossein Safavi, with the magnificent Persian architecture that is named as one of the most glorious hotels of the world. Have an unrepeatable experience of staying in hotels in Esfahan by booking this olden, stunning residence.
Ali Qapu Hotel
The 4* luxurious Parsian Ali Qapu Hotel, with its luxurious historical-traditional architecture, is located in Chahar Bagh Abbasi St. and is close to Imam Mosque. Travelers must notice, since the Chahar Bagh Abbasi St is paved and it is forbidden for vehicles to pass through it, before reaching the city center, be sure to contact the reception for more information.
Where to eat near Jame Mosque
Shehrzad
Shehrzad is one of the luxurious, olden restaurant of Isfahan with stunning paintings and mirrors all around its space, one of the fit restaurants with Isfahan, Half of the World which its bustle reflects the quality of its food. The good news is that both Persian and International dishes are served in this restaurant!
Haj Mahmoud Beryan
You can’t go to Isfahan and not try its Beryan, the local food of Isfahan, especially Haj Mahmoud Beryan in Naghshe Jahan Bazaar with more than 100 years old. Abgoosht Beryan is also served in Haj Mahmoud. Just be sure that Beryan is a heavy meal and could make you fills your stomach very easily. Weather have a light breakfast or order one dish for 2.
Naghsh Jahan Traditional Canteen
This restaurant is ready to welcome you dear ones by combining traditional architecture and modern Persian architecture with a relaxing environment.
Khan Salar Restaurant
If you want to wander around Jolfa Avenue, we suggest Khan Salar Restaurant, which is the restaurant in Jolfa Hotel.
When to visit Jame Mosque of Isfahan
Spring is definitely the best time to visit Isfahan. Due to the caressing breeze blowing in spring, you could have a nice, calm, unforgettable experience of exploring Isfahan. With all of that, don’t forget that the best time to visit Isfahan is from the end of April to the last days of May.
How to get to Isfahan Jame Mosque
Isfahan is one of the most touristic cities in Persia. To get to Isfahan in a fast and easy way, air travel is the best possible choice. Isfahan Shahid Beheshti Airport (IFN) is the only airport in Isfahan that operates various domestic and international flights.
Also, Isfahan Railway Station is one of the oldest railway stations in Persia and you can easily travel to Isfahan by purchasing a ticket from Tehran. You can experience an exciting trip by car from Tehran to Kashan and finally to Isfahan. Even, you can there to Isfahan by bus. The two terminals of Sofeh and Kaveh are the most important and busy ones in Isfahan.
How to visit Jame Mosque of Isfahan
If you traveled to Isfahan, Don’t forget to visit The Naghshe Jahan Square and its attractions. Don’t miss the sunset alongside the Khaju and Si-O-Se Pol Bridge and the sound of the bell of Vank Cathedral. And if you decided to go out of the city, we recommend the touristic village of Abyaneh which was born from the heart of red soil and Chadegan with the unique, breathtaking view of the village from the Chadegan Dam Lake.