Agha Bozorg Mosque Kashan: Photos, History, Architecture

The Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan is another wonderful historical monument found in the scenic city of Kashan in the Isfahan province. The mosque boasts one of the most phenomenal architectural designs in Iran and has been a tourist destination for so long. The Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan is a place where you will experience a large group of men and women praying in synchrony and performing their religious duties.

Not only will you see the hospitable devotees, but also get the chance to observe the blend of vibrant Islamic architecture and Iranian culture. The glorious Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan has also been a popular cinematic location in Iran for numerous Persian films and tv shows. Here, we are going to present you with one of Iran’s top locations for readers who are highly fond of antiquity.

Agha Bozorg Mosque History

The scenic city of Kashan is a very old city in the cultured country of Iran and embraces a large number of historical monuments built by different dynasties. The magnificent Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan is one of Iran’s masterpieces from the late 17th century.

What is the History of the Agha Bozorg Mosque?

Being a top tourist attraction in Iran, the Agha Bozorg Mosque and School holds a rich history of its own. The mosque’s construction dates back to the Qajar dynasty.

It was first built by the order of Mohammad Shah of Qajar in the late 17th century. It took 8 years to finalize the construction of the Agha Bozorg Mosque. This elegant monument which shines like a gem in the middle of a desert was crafted by an architect master Haj Muhammed Sa’ban-ali Posht Mashhadi.

The Religious School

Inside the mosque, a school was used for religious teachings that were once directed by Muhammad Mahdi Naraqi, who was a Twelver Shi’i scholar, moral philosopher, and theologian in the early 18th century.

You can see the reticulated windows of these schools around the massive courtyard of the Mosque. These rooms used for Islamic classes are called Ravaq.

The Kashan Earthquake

In around the 1780s, a massive earthquake shook the historical city of Kashan and damaged most of the old buildings and cultural sites. However, over the years, the rulers from the Qajar dynasty have helped rehabilitate these cherished landmarks and have brought them back to life once again.

The incredible Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan has gone through several changes and reconstructions, but it still stands today beautifully as a historical cultural heritage of Iran.

Why is the mosque called Agha Bozorg?

Mullah Muhammed Mahdi Naraqi was once a religious man in charge of the teachings of Islamic scriptures to his students. When Naraqi’s son was born, according to the old Iranian traditions, his son took his father’s name.

For the people of Kashan to summon and call for Mr. Naraqi (the father), they would refer to him by the name “Agha Bozorg,” which means “The great Sir” in Persian. Thus, due to the repeated usage of the name by the Kashani People, the title of the mosque was derived from the name of this religious man working daily in the exquisite Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan.

Agha Bozorg Mosque Architecture

As you can see, the stunning Agha Bozorg Mosque Photos holds the most sophisticated Islamic architecture found in Iran. The unique and age-old walls decorated with precious stones and gold are absolutely worth seeing.

What makes this place so special in Kashan is the striking ornamentations used in the formation of the mosque. In addition, Agha Bozorg Mosque is the only 5 story Mosque operable in the world.

Introverted Architecture in Agha Bozorg Mosque

This historical landmark not only illustrates the unique Islamic architecture, as well as the Iranian embellishments, but it also portrays Western architecture, such as the picturesque Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan City.

Like many of Iran’s historical palaces, mansions, and mosques, the Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan has an introverted architecture. This type of architecture usually uses a large structure to surround a large courtyard in the center of the entire structure.

You will commonly see a pool in the heart of the courtyard as well. This type of construction was very typical in the past and was used to ensure the security and privacy of the building. Most of the time, the exterior part of the structure bears a simpler design, and the interior holds the most luxurious decorations.

The fundamental Construction of Agha Bozorg Mosque

Agha Bozorg Mosque has a very unique kind of architecture that was common hundreds of years ago in Iran. The mosque is built in a form of a sunken courtyard, just like the Abbasi House of Kashan.

The base of the structure is supposed to be lower than the ground level outside the building. You can feel this sunken formation when you step down to the mosque from the entrance. There are sometimes descending stairs leading you to the interior section of the monument.

Inside the Agha Bozorg Mosque

The Agha Bozorg Mosque is actually a combination of both a mosque and a school. As mentioned earlier, the mosque was used for prayers, and the school was for the teachings of Islam.

The rooms or Ravaq surrounding the large courtyard in the center of the mosque have windows made of bricks and clay in a reticulated design.

When you walk inside the mosque, you will approach several arched entrances leading to a dome. The dome is decorated with colorful Muqarnas (a very complex geometric vaulting) and stucco.

Agha Bozorg mosque is one of the mosques in Iran that holds three Shabestan or vast chambers having identical parallel pillars with ventilation systems that were used for the gathering of Muslims during prayers.

One of the most impressive features of the Agha Bozorg Mosque is the combination of a mosque, a school, and the embellished Shabestans that are all connected in such a subtle form.

The large main dome of Agha Bozorg Mosque is built on eight large pillars. Unlike the other mosques with a sanctuary on the southern side of the mosques built in Iran, the Agha Bozorg Mosque has the south, the southern west, and southern east sides of the mosque open, and the sanctuary is built on a porch surrounding the entire undersection of the large dome.

The Sophisticated Ornamentations in the Mosque

The vivid and captivating paintings found inside the mosque are drawn by Haj Muhammed Baqeri Qamsari. Within the heart of the Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan, you will come across several inscriptions and remarkable calligraphy works that are written from the Holy Quran.

These precious inscriptions are the works of four exceptional architect masters, AsadAllah, Muhammed Hossein Kashi, Seyyed Sadeq Kashani (a very renowned calligrapher), and Haj Ibrahim Moaarefi.

Agha Bozorg Mosque Reviews

Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan has had tremendously optimistic reviews from hundreds and hundreds of visitors, both Iranians and enthusiastic tourists who are passionate about traveling around the world.

Visitors who left a review have claimed that the stunning Agha Bozorg Mosque exhibits one of the most breathtaking architectures in the globe and is a wonderful spot that is definitely worth a visit.

Other reviews mentioned how incredibly firm the structure has been and has stayed intact for several years. The fantastic work of the architects of this mosque will surely leave a positive impact on you.

The balance in the construction of the interior part of the mosque is extremely accurate and had been considered greatly by the men who worked hard to erect this grand mosque in Kashan.

Moreover, many reviewers stated that this landmark is not only a perfect place to encounter the magnificent historical architecture of Iran, but it also is an astounding place to watch the followers perform their daily religious activities and pray in such unique manners inside the monumental halls of the mosque.

Agha Bozorg Mosque Address

In this article, we will help you find the renowned mosque of Kashan. Agha Bozorg Mosque Location isn’t very hard to find. In Isfahan Province, City of Kashan, you will see a street named Fazel Naraghi, from there, an alley that is Agha Bozorg leads to the grand Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan.

Agha Bozorg Mosque Opening Hours

When is Agha Bozorg Mosque open? The grand Agha Bozorg Mosque Kashan is open from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Take note that while you are inside the mosque, on Fridays, there will be Friday Prayers held in the Agha Bozorg Mosque, so be careful not to disturb the prayers when visiting this historic mosque. The entrance fee is also free of charge.

Finally

The grand Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan represents the magnificence of the Islamic and Iranian architecture that has been respected and adored by so many visitors.

A place full of rich history and culture that has endured catastrophes in the past and still stands as a treasured symbol of the Iranian heritage. Agha Bozorg Mosque is one of the best and most unique edifices in Kashan, with perfectly elaborate painted chambers, rooms, and walls made of precious stones and raw materials. Don’t forget to add this outstanding mosque to your travel bucket list.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran resort? Consider Matin abad eco resort. Maybe the things to do in Kashan are also interesting for you.