Courtyard, Iwans & Southern Dome of Jame Mosque Isfahan
History
Jame Mosque of Isfahan has four iwans in total built around a central courtyard. A mosque existed at this site in the 8th century but current mosque has it’s roots in the 11th century. Tughril Beg conquered the city of Isfahan in the 11th century, as a result it expanded Seljuk Empire to Isfahan and it started a prosperous period in the history of this great city.
Courtyard & Eastern Iwan
Rectangular inner court of the Jame Isfahan measures 65 by 55 meters and it has a fountain in the middle. A raised platform lies in the middle of the courtyard with a fountain underneath it.
The eastern iwan seems to have less decorated as compared to other three. This mosque had been constantly modified and it had resulted in a beautiful mix of decorative art and architecture.
Northern Iwan
Northern Iwan of the mosque shows an element of Safavid architecture but in reality, the Safavid borrowed this design from Iran’s historical past. The most fascinating thing about the northern iwan is that every inch of this iwan is covered with stucco and Koranic inscriptions.
A small corridor like arch forms in the northern iwan and this acts as the ceiling of the iwan. Corridor on the northern side is supported by tall columns. A beautiful marble columns is adorned with floral motifs, similar to those one in Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.
Western Iwan
The western iwan has a large water drinking vessel in the middle. In comparison, this iwan is more decorated than the one on the eastern side. Small holes in the walls of the mosque allow more light and fresh air into the building.
Glazed Persian tiles are used to decorate the exterior of the iwans. Sometimes, small pieces of tiles are put together to create verses from Koran. Kufic inscriptions are used at the front of this iwan. One reason to decorate these iwans was to impress the visitor with the beauty of the mosque.
Because often these iwans would serve a doorway to the inner prayer halls of the mosque. Mehrab like arches are created next to the facade of the western iwan and it also has a photo of Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini .A canopy sits at the top of the iwan, I am not sure about the use of this structure. Then a guy brings his motorbike inside the western iwan and he parks it there just adds more mix to this historical building.
Soutern Iwan
The southern iwan is one of the most important in the building because it has mehrab and dome in it. No expense was spared when it comes to beautify this iwan. Most of these inscriptions come from the 17th and 18th centuries. A lots of details have gone into it when it comes to decorate the facade of the southern iwan.
The southeast iwan, called the sofe of the student (shagird) displays Safavid motifs of tile work. A large marble basin beside the southern iwan was filled with water to accommodate for it’s visitors in the past. A glass door is installed between the southern iwan and the dome behind it.
Southern Dome
Southern Dome is a massive structure was built with bricks during the reign of Malik Shah and Nizam al-Molk commissioned this dome in 1086. The chamber was designed by the architect Abul Fath and huge dome rests above giant columns. The construction of this dome started in September 1086 and finished in March 1088.
Sometimes, this dome is also known as the Dome of Nizam al-Molk. The interior of this dome chamber is adorned with Kufic calligraphy and also the name of Malik Shah and Nizam al-Molk are written. There is an area beside the dome which was used as a prayer hall it comprises a series of small domes, mostly built in the 12th century. Inscription bands decorate the mehrab date mainly from the time of Shah Tahmasp.
Minarets
There are only two minarets of the Jame Isfahan and they are erected at the top of the southern iwan. They are considerably smaller as compared to many other mosques in the Muslim world but their rich decorations make up for their height. In the past, in some countries minarets were used to climb up and call for the prayers, five times a day.
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