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Top 8 Mosques to Visit in Iran
As an Islamic country, Iran has many mosques. But when the techniques of Iranian architects are used to build these mosques, the result is breath-taking. In this article, we're going to introduce you to the top 7 most beautiful mosques in Iran that you should definitely put on your must-visit list.
Shah Mosque, Isfahan
Imam Mosque (known as Shah Mosque before 1979 revolution) is a part of the complex of Naqsh-e Jahan Square – the main attraction of Isfahan. It is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian architecture in the Islamic era. Along with Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the mosque is registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Isfahan.
Imam Mosque consists of two structures: gorgeous entrance gate with two minarets and the main building of the mosque with a big dome and minarets as well. The mosque yard lies between them. The entrance is made in the shape of iwan – vaulted structure, the distinct feature of Islamic architecture of Seljuk and Safavid dinasties. One of the prominent features of Imam Mosque is its peculiar orientation.
While that time most of the important buildings were built facing towards Mecca, the entrance of the mosque leads another way. But after entering the entrance gate of the mosque, one makes a slight turn to the right as the portal leads him, and coming out in the yard of the mosque, faces exactly Mecca's direction. Due to this trick, both structures – the entrance and the main dome of the mosque, are equally visible from the square, not blocking the view of each other. The unique architectural feature of the mosque – its acoustic properties. Anyone speaking under the dome will be clearly heard by anyone inside. The variety of blue colors in interior and exterior tiled walls became the signature of the mosque.
Nasir-Ol Molk Mosque, Shiraz
Have you ever heard about the pink mosque? Nasir-Ol Molk Mosque is one of the most ancient mosques of Shiraz and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sites in Iran. Nasir-ol Molk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, looks like an ordinary Islamic mosque at first sight, but as the sun rises, the art of architecture turns the mosque into a huge kaleidoscope. Sunlight, passing through mosaic windows, paints the walls and floor carpets with hundreds of colors. Magic will vanish in a couple of hours, so plan your visit for an early morning.
Vakil Mosque, Shiraz
One of the many things you can do after going to Shiraz is to find Darb-e Shahzadeh region and drown in the many attractions it offers. Vakil Mosque or Soltani Mosque shines brightly among these attractions. It was built in Zand era upon the command of Karim Khan Zand. It was also registered on Iran National Heritage list in 1932.
Vakil Mosque is an 8660 square meter premium built on an 11000 square meter space. The architect of the mosque is unfortunately not known yet. The pattern of this mosque is designed to include two verandas and two southern and eastern seraglios. Generally speaking, different parts of this mosque are the entrance, corridor, yard, large seraglio, winter seraglio, altar, Islamic marble pulpit, two verandas, and pearl arch. The architectural detail of Vakil Mosque is admirable but the most amazing parts are its three arches that are unrivaled in Shiraz at least: the arch above the entrance, the pearl arch, and the large seraglio arch. The carvings on these arches are too fabulous to be ignored. The simplicity of the Iranian art and Persian paintings and writings on the walls, eye-catching tiling, and the delicate use of colors are all the beautiful details that immediately attract any visitors.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is a famous masterpiece of Iranian architecture, standing on the eastern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the first built of the four monuments of the square. The mixture of modest shape and rich interior and exterior tile ornaments made the mosque one of the most recognizable tourist sites of Isfahan.
Due to the fact that Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was designed to be a private mosque, it is smaller than Imam Mosque, and has no minarets. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, in contrast with the most important structures in Iran, does not follow the direction of Mecca, so Shaykh Bahai, the chief architect of the project, faced a challenge while designing two mosques of the square. Like Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque has an entrance portal that turns right, forcing the visitor to face the direction of Mecca when entering the mosque. The paintings and interior tiles were made by Reza Abbasi, famous Iranian artist, and its quality and beauty overcome exceed anything created In Iran before. The walls, dome, entrances of the mosque are decorated with the so-called seven-color tiles, calligraphy, inscriptions of some chapters from Quran, names of Imams, and poetry.
Atiq Jameh Mosque, Isfahan
In a true oasis neighborhood of lovely Isfahan, one of the most ancient and religious structures of Persia exists. The magnificent Atiq Jameh Mosque of Isfahan is a combination of several architectural techniques from the different historical era. This fact makes the building even more unique than it was. And don’t forget, you’re looking at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Atiq Jameh Mosque is a perfect example of different architectural arts of Iran, all in one place. You will find interesting designs in every corner of this ancient beauty. It was built in the four-iwan (a vaulted open room) architectural style, each couple of gates facing each other. Each Iwan is decorated with breathtaking turquoise ceramics in shape of Muqarnas (niche-like cells). If you look closer and go to the inside, there is a whole new world of art. On the north Iwan, there are 40 pillars, similar to what you may have seen in Nasir-ol Molk Mosque (the pink mosque) in Shiraz. You may actually feel the mysterious history of the place during the history here. But, hold your horses, Muqarnas and pillars are not the only eye-catching items here. Turn to the west and will find one of the most amazing Persian stuccoes in the world. This part of a building is named El-Jayto Mosque and you can find the famous Mehrab with its complicated design here.
Jameh Mosque of Fahraj,Yazd
Meet Jameh Mosque of Fahraj, the oldest mosque of Iran. This mysterious and ancient monument is located in Fahraj Village, about 600 kilometers on the southeast of Yazd. Jameh Mosque of Fahraj has eight large pillars that resemble the buildings from Sasanid era. There is a single clay minaret that links the mosque to the roof with a spiral staircase. Like other mosques in Iran, it has multiple entering doors. What is interesting about the mosque architecture is its simplicity. You won’t see any extra design and decoration. There is no sign of colorful tiles, dome, alter, and inscription. Simplicity is truly the main attraction of this mosque. You will be amazed how this plain building can arouse a mysterious feeling in you.
Agha Bozorg Mosque, Kashan
Like many other historical mosques in Iran, Agha Bozorg Mosque is also not just a mosque, but a school as well. Besides, you can enjoy watching great works of Persian art and architecture in this great monument. gha Bozorg Mosque was built in the late 18th century. This lovely mosque has a lively backyard and also an oasis hidden underground level for praying ceremonies. The most eye-catching feature of this place is definitely its blue and turquoise tiles which are tactfully and beautifully placed next to each other to form interesting Persian geometric patterns. you can find another charming item of Persian architecture in the yard. The central courtyard and the lovely pool in the middle are good examples of this art. Another place for you to wonder about this structure is the ceiling under the dome. Generally speaking, you should NEVER forget to look at the ceilings in Persian historical sites. Also, there was a religious school next to the mosque that they both merged together to form a united building.
Jamkaran Mosque
Jamkaran Mosque is located in Jamkaran Village, within a 6-kilometer distance from Qom, the second religious capital city of Iran. Shia people believe that the construction of Jamkaran Mosque has some affiliations with Sheikh Hassan Ebn Mesleh Jamkarani. He had claimed that he had seen Imam Zaman, the 12th Imam of Shia, who had ordered him to build the mosque during their meeting. Just recently, the mosque has gained a great reputation among the pilgrim, especially young people.
Getting back in time to the point when the decision upon building the mosque was made, we encounter Hassan Ebn Mesleh Jamkarani. It is said that this man had a meeting with the 12th Imam of Shia, Imam Zaman (Saheb Al Zaman), in which the Imam ordered him on building the mosque. Jamkaran Mosque has been repaired and renovated several times since its construction. The mosque has had a small building before the Revolution of Iran but has improved a lot after that. It is interesting to know that the government of President Mahmud Ahmadinejad donated £10 million to fund the project of expanding the small mosque into a massive mosque.
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Tehran to ... Flights FAQ ...
There are about 11 flights from Tehran to Isfahan per week with a flexible schedule.
Tehran to Isfahan flights takes about 1 hour on average.
The prices for Tehran to Isfahan flights start from 29 €.
Late in spring and and during summer is the best time to find cheap flights from Tehran to Isfahan. Therefore, you will find the cheapest flight deals to Isfahan during this time.
According to the laws, if you do not hold an identity document you won’t be allowed to take the flight just with your flight ticket. In case you do not hold any identity document you can use your driving license or credit card.
Mehrabad International Airport supports domestic flights and Imam Khomeini International Airport provides international flights. So to fly from Tehran to Isfahan you should go to Mehrabad Airport.
It depends on the airline that provides the flights from Tehran to Isfahan. Please check the main article or visit Iranian Domestic Flight Baggage Allowance.
It is necessary to have your flight ticket printed or on your cell phone and valid identity document (driving license and passport) with you when boarding.
Different airlines have different policy. You can find the elaboration on that in the main article.
There are about 5 airlines that provide direct flights from Tehran to Isfahan. You can find their names and logos in the main text.
Iranian Visa FAQ ...
Normally online Iranian visa processing takes 3-5 working days. As soon as you complete payment for your tourist visa, we will submit your visa request to MFA.
Iran visa for UK, USA, and Canada Passport holders:
For US, UK and Canada passport holders, visa processing may take longer time and some extra documents (including CV) is required by MFA. The CV should be sent to [email protected].
From 15th March till 28th March due to Iranian new year holidays, Iranian visa processing may take longer time by MFA. Please take this period to the consideration.
Iranian online visa application processing costs 55 EUR per person for all nationalities. For groups over 8 persons, we offer 1 free visa processing. Price for child, adult and infants are the same.
Please take it to the considerations that visa processing fee is different from entrance fee (Stamp fee) which government (Or Iranian embassies / consular) charges each traveler depends on their nationalities.
For UK, USA and Canada passport holders, visa processing costs 110 EUR. Some extra documents are needed. For more details please contact our visa experts via [email protected].
Each traveler can pick up his/her visa from Iranian embassies or consulars all around the world.
Most of the nationalities have this option to collect their visa in Iranian airports, upon their arrivals. This service is available in Isfahan International Airport (IFN), Kish International Airport (Kish Island), Mashhad International Airport (MHD), Dayrestan Airport (Qeshm Island), Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), Tabriz International Airport (TBZ) and Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
Passport holders from Colombia, Somalia, USA, UK, Canada, Bangladesh, Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are non-eligible nationalities for Iranian airport visa.
All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months. Citizens of Israel are totally banned from entry to Iran.
Iranian visa services upon arrival to the airports are available in Isfahan International Airport (IFN), Kish International Airport (Kish Island), Mashhad International Airport (MHD), Dayrestan Airport (Qeshm Island), Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), Tabriz International Airport (TBZ) and Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
Visitors to Iran must obtain a visa from one of the Iranian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries eligible for visa on arrival.
Citizens of the following countries can visit Iran without a tourist visa: Armenia 90 days within 180 days, Azerbaijan 30 days, Turkey 30 days, Bolivia 30 days, Georgia 45 days,
U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran but all travelers need to get a tourist visa before arrival.
All US, UK, and Canada citizens should book hotels and set English language guide (Authorized from Iranian foreign ministry) before applying the visa (We will take care of this part). It’s necessary to show a full itinerary with all details to Iranian foreign ministry. It takes around 30 days for US citizen.
For UK, USA and Canada passport holders, visa processing costs 110 EUR. Some extra documents are needed. For more details please contact our visa experts via [email protected].
Basically anyone can apply for single or double entry tourist visa to Iran. But MFA make final decision about single and double entry tourist visa.
As a rule of thumb, at the moment, it’s not possible and all nationality can get only single entry visa but you can re-apply or extend your visa after your first trip to Iran
Iranian tourist visa is valid for 3 months and you can stay maximum 30 days. Don't forget that you can extend your visa while you are in Iran for extra 30 days.
Iranian tourist visa extensions are time-consuming and must be filed at least one week in advance of the expiration date. A foreign national and anyone accompanying him/her will pay a fine between 300,000 and 350,000 rials (IRR) or between 30,000 and 35,000 tomans per day for each day of unauthorized stay in Iran.
In order to apply for an Iranian tourist visa, you should fill out the online visa application form, submit the scan of passport (high quality) and a personal photo.
Iranian visa for the UK, US and Canada passport holders:
For UK, USA and Canada passport holders, some extra documents are needed. For more details please contact our visa experts via [email protected].
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My Travel Experience in Iran – Kashan to Isfahan
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