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Vakil Mosque Shiraz

History

Vakil Mosque in Shiraz is located west of the Vakil Bazaar, locally it is known as Masjd-e Vakil. This mosque was built between 1751-1773 during the Zand period. Shiraz was the governing seat of the Zand dynasty and it has left everlasting effects on this city’s art. Vakil Mosque covers an area of 8,660 square meters and it has two iwans built around a central courtyard and a pool. Exterior of this mosque is adorned with the Persian tiles called haft rangi (seven coloured). 
This mosque has been restored in the 19th century during the Qajar period. Attention to details is incredible in this mosque and it is considered one of the masterpieces of the Zand period.

Entry portal of Vakil Mosque in Shiraz
Entry portal of Vakil Mosque in Shiraz
Decorative details of the Vakil Mosque
Both sides of the main gate are richly decorated with the tile work
Both sides of the main gate are richly decorated with the tile work
Small tiles are used to create different patterns and colourful designs
Small tiles are used to create different patterns and colourful designs
Attention to details is incredible in this mosque
Attention to details is incredible in this mosque
Colourful patterns on one of the walls
Colourful patterns on one of the walls
The mosque has two iwans built around a central courtyard and a pool
Central courtyard of the mosque with one of it's portals
Exterior of this mosque is adorned with the Persian tiles called haft rangi (seven coloured)
Exterior of this mosque is adorned with the Persian tiles called haft rangi (seven coloured)
Ceiling of one of the iwans is covered with colourful tiles

Shabestan Hall of Vakil Mosque

The main hall known as shabestan (night prayer room) is built on 48 identical stone pillars each of which is carved with spiral shape from a single stone. Shabestan measures 2,700 square meters and it is a unique blend of stone clusters placed beautifully. Inside shabestan soft colours are blended together to create circle like shape.
The minbar is located inside the shabestan hall and it is cut from a solid piece of green marble with a flight of 14 steps. this exuberant floral decorative tiles largely date from the Qajar period.

The main hall of the mosque is known as Shabestan (night prayer room) - Vakil Mosque Shiraz
Shabestan of the Mosque
Shabestan of the Mosque
Minbar of the mosque is built with marble
Decorated mehrab of the Vakil Mosque
Decorated mehrab of the Vakil Mosque
Ceiling of the shabestan hall
Ceiling of the shabestan hall
Details of one of the internal walls in the main hall of the mosque
Details of one of the internal walls in the main hall of the mosque
It is amazing to see the skills of the craftsmen who built this mosque with simple tools
It is amazing to see the skills of the craftsmen who built this mosque with simple tools
Details of one of the internal walls in the main hall - Vakil Mosque Shiraz
Details of one of the internal walls in the main hall - Vakil Mosque Shiraz
Colourful tiles adorn the walls of Vakil Mosque
Colourful tiles adorn the walls of Vakil Mosque
Tiles on the facade of the Vakil Mosque
Tiles on the facade of the Vakil Mosque
Here, one of the two iwans is seen through an arch
Here, one of the two iwans is seen through an arch
Plain floral motifs are created on a slab of marble
Plain floral motifs are created on a slab of marble
This is the ceiling of one of the halls which circle the main courtyard
This is the ceiling of one of the halls which circle the main courtyard
Vakil Mosque of Shiraz
Vakil Mosque of Shiraz
Decorative details of the shabestan hall
Decorative details of the shabestan hall