Introduction To Nasir Al-Molk Mosque
Shiraz, one of the ancient cities of the land of Persia, with monuments like incisions of history, the cool breeze and the aroma of citrus aurantiums in the spring, keeps a pink ruby in its heart that has attracted people from far lands. This exclusive jewel is the Nasir Al-Molk Mosque considered as one the architectural masterpieces you can visit in this city with the dazzling colorful windows that you can watch the dance of the rays of light as the sun shines on these colored glasses. These glowing lights illuminate the whole courtyard of the mosque into pink. That is the reason why Nasir All-Molk Mosque is mostly known as the pink mosque.
History of the Pink Mosque
This beautiful mosque was built by order of the then ruler of Shiraz, Mirza Hassan Ali Khan, nicknamed Nasir al-Molk. Nasir al-Mulk was known to the people for justice and fairness. A member of Ghavam’s large family, he donated much of his property to charity, many of whose endowments are still standing, and the proceeds are donated to charity under the management of his grandchildren. The construction of the beautiful Nasir al-Molk Mosque by two of the best architects of that time, Mirza Reza Kashipaz and Haj Mohammad Hassan Memar, began in 1255 AH and was completed 12 years later. In addition to the mosque, this complex initially had a house, a water storage and a bath, which was destroyed during the construction of Lotfali Khan Zand Street, except for the mosque.
This mosque has been renovated twice. One was 70 years ago to repair the floor covering of the mosque and the other from 1370 to 1385. The repair and maintenance of the mosque has been done for many years in accordance with the best international standards, from the income of mosque endowments and other endowments of Nasir al-Molk.
Architecture of Nasir Al-Molk Mosque
Nasir Ol-Molk is one of the most well-known attractions of Shiraz. This unique Perso-Islamic architectural masterpiece will catch your eyes at first glance. As soon as you get to the door, you face the mogharnas and the flowers of the roses and irises of Shiraz drawn in the tiles of the entrance that make you fall in love with the monument at the first sight.
The area of the mosque is 2980 square meters and the infrastructure is 2212 square meters. Nasir Al-Molk Mosque includes a large and clean courtyard, two naves, two porches and two garlands. This mosque is one of the most admirable and eye-catching mosques in Shiraz and Persia due to its delicate and unique tiles and dazzling mogharnas. Because Nasir al-Molk Mosque is a private property and has no public use, a dome has not been built for it to be a symbol for the people. The materials used in the mosque are mostly brick, plaster and stone. One of the great features of Nasir Al-Molk Mosque is that, pieces of woods have been used in the construction of the walls to control the tension caused by the earthquake and prevent the walls from collapsing. It should also be noted that the interior decoration of this mosque is made of unique tiles.
The Mosque Decoration and Color
After crossing the vestibule and entering the quadrangular courtyard, we will see all the common elements between all the mosques of Persia, such as tiling, the rectangular pool between the courtyards, etc., which are all things that can be found in most of the historical mosques of this land. Not too far from expectation. Shortly after you reach the base of the nave, you will realize the difference of this religious building; You will see a dance of color and light on the floor and walls of the mosque, which is caused by the passage of sunlight through the colored glass of the mosque. This dance of light has led photographers to use it as a place of photography.
