Masjid-i Shaykh Lutfallah: A Masterpiece of Safavid Architecture in Isfahan

Do you know the masterpiece of Iranian architecture? You know about that place in Iran, which is an important place there? Here we end that curiosity. That important place in Iran is Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan. The masterpiece of Iranian architecture is the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, also known as Masjid-i Shaykh Lutfallah. This mosque is very beautiful, and it has become the center of attraction.

History and significance

The construction of Masjid-i Shaykh Lutfallah was started in AH 1011 and completed in AH 1028. Masjid-i Shaykh Lutfallah is one of the masterpieces of Iranian Architecture that became Safavid era. Built during the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, this monumental monument was designed by Mohammad Reza Isfahani. The purpose of this Mosque was to be used as a royal court, hence, we see that the mosque has no minarets and is small. In 1622, it was decided to name the mosque after Sheikh Lotfollah, who was a prominent religious scholar and teacher.  Throughout its history, this mosque was not known by any one name but by various names such as the mosque with the great dome (masjed-e qubbat-e azim) and the domed Mosque for Junabadi, while the modern historian Iskandar Munshi calls it the Mosque of great purity and beauty. And another European traveler, Jean Chardin, calls it Quranic. Thus, the history of this wonderful mosque is still embedded within the mosque itself. And this mosque also has its place in the Iran National Heritage List and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thus it can be considered a historical and cultural heritage of Iran, which is very important.

Architecture

If we look inside the mosque, it is constructed in such a way that it can be considered small compared to the grounds of other mosques and it has only one dome and one dome chamber which is 19 meters on the side with rooms around it which are probably used as service areas and is preceded by a portal iwan overlooking the maydan. The two rooms, which can be entered from the corridor, are 6 by 9 meters in size, one of which opens into the west side corridor and the other is located on the east wall. Talking about the dome of the mosque, it is 13 meters in diameter, which is made in three levels. The peacock at the center of the interior side of the dome is one of the unique characteristics of the mosque. Thus, if you see the art of this mosque and its construction, it becomes difficult to believe that such a beautiful dome and wall can exist.  The reason becomes unforgettable.

Conclusion

Masjid-i Shaykh Lutfallah is one of the main mosques of Iran. It is a very beautiful and excellent example of artistry. This mosque looks as beautiful from a distance as it does from up close. As soon as you enter the mosque, you feel a sense of peace, and you become mesmerized by seeing such beautiful colors and designs. Thus, such monuments add a lot of pride to the country.

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