Atiq Jameh Mosque of Isfahan through the History
Even before the time that this place became a mosque, it was a fire temple in Sassanid era. Archeological discoveries, including a pillar bottom, have proven the pre-Islamic history of the building but the exact foundation date of it remains a mystery. The best estimation is, building this place dates back to 2000 years ago. Although other findings indicate that the final outward of this mosque mainly belongs to Seljuq Dynasty, a renovation had been done during Safavid Dynasty.
Architecture of Atiq Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
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. Another fascinating detail that you should notice while visiting Atiq Jameh Mosque of Isfahan is the domes. If you stand right beneath one of the mosque domes, you will notice that the ceiling is closer than its loon from the outside. That is because these are no ordinary domes. They are actually two domes, one shell inside the greater one. You may wonder what the use of it is. Well, look at the decorations, without two layers of domes; it was extremely difficult for artists to make such a magnificent design. There are even more interesting facts about this mosque, but let’s save it for the time you visit this place!
