If you are going to visit just one place in Isfahan, it has to be Naqsh-e Jahan Square. And if you are going to choose just one monument there, it has to be Shah Mosque. The mosque that lives up to the ambitions of the Safavid king to be the only one of its kind throughout Iran and the world.

Shah Mosque stands in all its turquoise glory right in front of the Qeysarie Gate, on the southern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The tallest minarets and dome in the Square belong to this magnificent complex. The mosque might be known by other names such as Royal Mosque, Jame Abbasi Mosque or Imam Mosque.

History of Shah Mosque

About 400 years ago, Shah Abbas I intended to move the economic center of the city of Isfahan from around the Atiq Mosque. So, he had the best architects of the time construct Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the monuments on each side of it. He built Shah Mosque as a tribute to his grandfather, Shah Tahmasb, solely with his own wealth. It took 18 years to complete the construction, ornamentation and tile works.

The Plan

It is a well-known fact that Islamic mosques must be towards Mecca. But the plan of the Square did not allow the architects to make an angle. Instead, they used a brilliant method to solve the problem. They built the main entrance and minarets of the mosque facing Qeysarie Bazaar. Two taller minarets and the dome appear from behind like a reflection. What makes it even more amazing is that the front minarets do not hide the dome and other minarets and you will be able to see them from every corner of the Square.

Acoustic Properties in Shah Mosque

The Safavids introduced an innovation in Persian dome building. Compared to usual domes, they built this one in two layers. So, the 52-meter tall external shell was built over the internal shell (38 m) with a 13-meter gap between them. This kind of structure helps reduce the structural load and enhance the balance of the dome. It also creates a wonderful acoustic quality in the dome chamber. Try clapping your hands in the center and you will hear the echo coming back 7 times. Step further and you can have echoes up to 18 times.

Every corner of Shah Mosque is decorated with fine seven-colored tiles with spiritual, flora and fauna motifs and tile inscription written by the best calligraphists of the time. You will surely be impressed by the breathtaking beauty of the mosque in different shades of blue. You can’t help but praise the efforts put into making this work of art in the heart of Isfahan.