Great Mosque (Masjid-e Jameh)
Isfahan, Iran. Islamic, Persian: Seljuk, Il-Khanid, Timurid and Safavid Dynasties. c. 700 C.E.; additions and restorations in the 14th, 18th, and 20th centuries C.E. Stone, brick, wood, plaster, and glazed ceramic tile
Isfahan, Iran. Islamic, Persian: Seljuk, Il-Khanid, Timurid and Safavid Dynasties. c. 700 C.E.; additions and restorations in the 14th, 18th, and 20th centuries C.E. Stone, brick, wood, plaster, and glazed ceramic tile
The Great Mosque of Isfahan in Iran is unique in this regard and thus enjoys a special place in the history of Islamic architecture. Its present configuration is the sum of building and decorating activities carried out from the 8th through the 20th centuries. It is an architectural documentary, visually embodying the political exigencies and aesthetic tastes of the great Islamic empires of Persia.
Form:
- The present mosque is made up of additions, expansions, and modifications that span over 1000 years.
- Made up of a large central courtyard surrounded by a two story arcade
- Brick piers and columns which support the roof system.
- The mosque is a four iwan design
- Iwan- vaulted, or open space on three sides, last one open
- One is primarily used as a private space used by the sultan and adorned with tiles
- 4 of them open up to the courtyard
- Inscriptions on walls
- Centrally planned
- Makes use of gold and blue
Function:
- To bring people to prayer away from busy streets.
- Unite the community (umma)
- The mosque's location in the heart of the city makes it a center for gathering and transportation and is therefore much more than a mere space for prayer
- Commercial activity
Content:
- Calligraphy covers the arches and walls representing intellectual beauty.
- Has towering minarets for the call to prayer.
- Interior is a hypostyle hall
- Vaults, some ribbed bring in light and ventilation
- The dome undersides (soffits) are carved with intricate geometric designs and have an oculus
- Bricks and stucco motifs, and tilework adorn the space in addition to calligraphy
- muqarnas- traditional Islamic cusped niches
- Isfahan's covered bazaar connects to the mosque
Context:
- The mosque is located in Isfahan, the third most populous region in Iran and the capital of the eponymous province.
- The mosque has urbanized over time to accommodate population increases
- Some of the ruling groups of Isfahan include Il-Khanid, Timurid, Safavid, and Qajar
- The mosque visually embodies the visual tastes and political dynasties of the Persian empire
- Original plan comes from 11th century when the Seljuk Turks established Isfahan as their capital
- Malik Shah I (ruled 1072-1092) built the four-iwan design
- Nizam al-Mulk (commisioned the dome in 1086) and Taj al-Mulk, two rulers of Isfahan, fought for legacy by trying to create the best dome above the iwans. Their domes are opposite each other.
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/west-and-central-asia/a/the-great-mosque-or-masjid-e-jameh-of-isfahan
