Jameh mosque of Yazd is one of the most notable attractions in Iran. This ancient mosque is a one of the masterpieces of the UNESCO Historic City of Yazd. After passing through the famous old-styled alleys of the city, the high minarets of the mosque come into view. Accordingly, the two minarets of the portal of the mosque are one of the highest in the world. In this post, we will be talking about the significance, history, and architectural highlights of the mosque. There will be also information about the nearby attractions and the best time to visit Jameh Mosque of Yazd.

Jameh Mosque of Yazd significance among Iran Mosques

Jameh Mosque of Yazd as the main, congregational mosque of the city, is a great example of Islamic art. As we mentioned before, the most notable part of the mosque is its minarets. With 52 meters of height, they are considered as some of the tallest minarets in the world. However, the delicate Persian architecture mixed with Azeri and Islamic art, add to the significance of the mosque. Plus, the ancient inscriptions and calligraphies of the mosque are much elaborate among Iran Mosques. With its eye-catching and high blue portal, the mosque stands out in the mud-brick city of Yazd. Now, it is time to get into the points of interest, history, and architecture of this mosque.

Jameh Mosque of Yazd’s Facts & History

Before becoming the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, this Mosque went through several reconstructions during the reign of three main dynasties. These dynasties were:

  • The Buiyd dynasty ( around 10th century)
  • The Ilkhanid/Mongol dynasty (13th to 14th century)
  • The Timurid dynasty (14th to 16th century)

Initially, Ala’oddoleh Garshasb of Buyid dynasty ordered the construction of this mosque on the site of a Sassanid fire temple. Back then, this mosque was the Atiq (ancient) Mosque of Yazd. In the following eras, the ancient mosque turned into the New Jameh Mosque of Yazd. However, the final constructions that shaped the today’s Jameh Mosque of Yazd was done during the Timurid dynasty. It was the years of history that turned the mosque into a collection of masterpieces of different Persian Architectural styles. Below, we will be walking through different parts and architectural highlights of Jameh Mosque of Yazd.

Points & Architectural highlights of Jameh Mosque of Yazd

In the heart of a mud brick city, stands the Blue and tall portal of Jameh Mosque of Yazd. Even from the outside you can tell that this mosque is a masterpiece of Persian and Islamic Architecture. Overall, the mosque is a collection of Azari Style or Mongol Style of Persian Architecture. This type of architecture mostly shows focus on the element of height. That is why, the high minarets of the mosque are one of the most eye-catching part of it. Now, Let us start our walk through different parts and highlights of this Mosque.

What to expect before entering Jameh Mosque of Yazd

Before a walkthrough in the mosque, we should have in mind the architectural highlights of it. Most of the artistic patterns in the mosque reflect concepts in the Shia Islamic World.

  • Shamse Patterns which are a type of floral patterns. According to its name, ‘Shamse’ stands for the sun. The number of sides on a Shamse indicates a certain concept in the Islamic world. Accordingly, the numbers 10, 12, and 72 have special meanings and stories behind them.
  • Star Patterns which is one of the Slimi Persian Patterns. Around the mosque, and mostly on the inside of the dome, these stars have 5 and even 8 sides. These numbers again have specific meanings in Islam.
  • Plaster, tile and brick decorations. Interestingly, the plasterworks provide natural lightening for the mosque.
  • Calligraphies of the names of Allah, the name of first Shia Imam, Ali, and Quranic verses.

The Entrances of the Mosque and its Minarets

There are several entrances to the mosque. The main entrance, however, is through the portal with the high minarets. This portal with 24 meters of height, has eye-catching blue tile decorations. On the side of this portal, there are two minarets. These minarets have a combination of brick and mosaic tiling of Kufic inscriptions. As we mentioned before, these minarets, with 52 meters of height, are the tallest minarets in Iran. Notably, inside each minaret, there is a staircase which are close to the public.

From the Entrance to the Courtyard

The portal of the mosque leads you to a hallway which has a unique roof work and inscriptions. This hallway lead to the courtyard. Notably, this mosque has a four-square Plan which is an inspiration of the Kaaba. Kaaba in Mecca is the main pilgrimage site and the symbol of the Islamic World.

The Main Iwan and Mehrab

Through the courtyard, you can reach one of the most exquisite part of the mosque which is the main Iwan. You can see a variety of calligraphies in different styles such as Kufic. These calligraphies are:

  • Al-Fath Surah of Quran on the vault
  • The names of God on the roof of the iwan
  • The name of 12 Shia Imams on tiles works

At the end of the iwan, the main Mehrab of Jameh mosque of Yazd stands below the dome. The tile work of the Mehrab is another exquisite part of the mosque. In this part, you can see different tile patterns and inscriptions of Quran verses and the architects of the mosque.

Other part of the mosque

  • Eastern Shabestan or Prayer Hall
  • Western Shabestan and the Museum of Jameh Mosque of Yazd
  • Shahzadeh Shabestan

When and where can I visit Jameh Mosque of Yazd?

Jameh Mosque of Yazd is open from 8 AM to 7:30 PM. As for the location of the Mosque, it is on Masjed Jameh Street. Since most attractions in Yazd are within walking distance of each other, you can reach the mosque on foot. In this way, you can enjoy other attraction of the Historic City of Yazd on your way to the mosque.  Also, you can use Taxi and Online Taxi Apps for getting around Yazd.

Attractions near Jameh Mosque of Yazd

There are many handicraft stores on the alley that leads to Jameh Mosque of Yazd. These shops have a variety of traditional and modern artwork, clothing, and jewelry. There are also some street food places. So, you can have a bowl of Faloodeh Yazdi (fennel seeds in rose water) on your way to the mosque. As for the historic attractions around Jameh Mosque of Yazd, we can name:

  • The Clock Tower and Square
  • The old town of Yazd or Fahadan Quarter
  • Alexander’s Prison
  • The UNESCO Site of Dolat Abad Garden(within 2,7 km)
  • Water Museum(within 1 km)
  • Zoroastrians Markar Museum(within 1 km)
  • Amir Chakhmag Square and Complex, the symbol of the city(within 1 km)

Aside from visiting the historical attractions, there are many other things to do in Yazd. For more information, you can check out our blog’s post about Yazd, its points of interest & things to do.