Jameh mosque of Kashan: Photos, History, Architecture, Address

With the collaboration of skilled and educated architect masters, Iran’s architecture is still a delicate work of art respected by many aesthetes. The Jameh Mosque of Kashan settled in the cultured city of Kashan, is regarded as the embodiment of such intricate architecture in the Iranian tradition.

This archeological monument stood as a symbol of the faithfulness of the Muslims to their religion. Today, not only it is used for prayers, but also it is an exquisite destination for travelers to step into Kashan’s historical world.

Jameh Mosque of Kashan History

Isfahan province is truly a treasure of Iran’s history and civilization. The Jameh Mosque of Kashan, one of the national archeological sites in Kashan City, has been a tourist attraction for years.

Every year, a large number of people come to see this elegant mosque. If you are a fan of archeology and structures belonging to the past, the Jameh Mosque is the perfect place for you.

The name of the mosque, “Jameh,” refers to the Persian word for “Friday,” which is “Jom-e,” which indicates Friday prayer and the congregation of the Muslims.

The Jameh Mosque of Kashan in Iran was first erected during the Seljuk Dynasty (10th Century). It is believed that the mosque was originally built before the establishment of Islam in Iran, and in the following years, when the number of Muslims grew in Persia, it served as a place for the devotees to perform their prayers.

The Jameh Mosque is one of the oldest monuments standing in Kashan today. Based on the assertion of the locals, the Jameh Mosque was constructed by “Safiye Khatoon,” daughter of Malik al-Ashtar (one of the loyal companions of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin of the Islamic prophet Muhammad).

The Earthquake in 1813 caused egregious damage to the Jameh Mosque. Fortunately, during the reign of “Karim Khan Zand,” who was once the Ruler of Iran, the Jameh Mosque of Kashan was rehabilitated.

Jameh Mosque of Kashan Facts

On the inscriptions installed on the walls of the mosque are the names of the two calligraphers who participated in the rehabilitation.

They are “Abdul-Karim” and “Ibn Muhammed Hossein Muhammed Kazem Isfahani”. The molding of the engravings on the Shabestan sanctuary inside the Jameh Mosque, written in “Nastaliq” style, was made by “Muhammed Bagher Isfahani,” who was a renowned calligrapher.

When excavating the sanctuary in the mosque, some archeologists discovered several jewels and ornaments and alleged that they belonged to the Buyid dynasty from 934 to 1062.

At first, the mosque belonged to Zoroastrianism, and by the time ancient Persian turned to Islam, the purpose of the Jameh Mosque was altered.

The Jameh Mosque is famed for the two sanctuaries, which had two different kiblah pointing in other directions. Thus, one of the sanctuaries was deconstructed, and another was erected near the second sanctuary with the correct direction of the kiblah.

Experts believe that the reason for the kiblah pointing in another direction was actually directed at Masjid Al-Ghasi, which was the former kiblah of the Muslims.

Jameh Mosque of Kashan Architecture

As mentioned above, Persian architecture is phenomenal in many ways. The remarkable halls, minarets, inscriptions, sanctuaries, the underground spaces for the gathering of the followers of Islam are simply valuable artworks made by the great masterminds.

The main structural form of the Jameh Mosque of Kashan is together made up of four walls of arched roofs in the shape of a cube with a large dome built on the center of the walls called “Chahar Tagh” in Persian. That is the basic shape of a building with a dome but on a very large scale.

Most of Chahar Tagh buildings, most commonly mosques, were built for sheltering a fire temple that was considered Holy for the Zoroastrians.

The Shabestan

The Jameh mosque has a large dome made of clay and bricks. Under the dome, you will see outstanding carvings made with peculiar geometry common to Iranian architecture, which is called “Gonbad-khane,” and elevated terraces.

The hall under the dome is used for prayers. These are known as Shabestan (an underground space). Shabestan is of two types. Summer shabestan is a hall with an open space and can be ventilated.

The Winter Shabestan, on the other hand, has a closed space to keep the group of men and women warm from the freezing weather. The Jameh Mosque holds two major shabestan and one minor.

The summer shabestan is located under the winter shabestan. These underground halls have incredible carvings made on the walls that will stun you.

In the past, under the shabestan, archeologists found several relics and furnaces that were used to make utensils, chinaware, and ornaments.

The grand terrace on the west side of the mosque is approximately 13.8 meters high, and in the part level with the rooftop, it is at least 11.2 meters high.

The minarets

The minaret of Jameh mosque of Kashan found on the southeast side of the mosque, is made of clay and is one the oldest monuments in the Isfahan Province.

The minaret was fabricated with two separate crusts or skins. On the top of the minaret is a hollow space made for the men to climb up, and a speaker is placed for reciting the Quran or the Adhan loudly (calling the followers to pray).

Below each minaret is an inscription bearing the verses of the holy book of the Muslims. If you have seen the Jameh Mosque of Kashan photos, you would know about these tall monuments having notable decorations of Islamic art.

The Exterior part of the Mosque

On the foremost inscription of the mosque is written the name of Malik-Shah, a sultan during the Seljuk dynasty, and his right-hand man, as well as the name of Nizam al-Mulk, the former Vizier of the Seljuk Empire.

Outside the Jameh Mosque is a vast courtyard or ‘Sahn,” with a large shallow pool in the center of the courtyard.

Read more: Jameh Mosque of Natanz

Opening Hours of The Jameh Mosque

You can visit this active archeological site from 8:00 in the morning till 20:00 at night.

The Jameh Mosque of Kashan Address

Because the mosque is situated in Kashan City’s central and historical site, you can effortlessly access the place with your car. Once you have reached the Kamal Al-Mulk Square, you will come upon the Baba Afzal Road leading to the Jameh Mosque of Kashan.

Finally

The Jameh Mosque of Kashan in Iran has always been regarded as a remarkable historical site for the Iranian national heritage.

Walking around the courtyard of the mosque and sightseeing the age-old minarets, terraces, and halls made of precious stones and bricks with unusual geometric shapes will fill you with awe.

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.