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It would not be an underestimate to say Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is the most unique mosque you will ever visit. The great combination of architecture and art emanates such a mystic and divine atmosphere for every human setting foot in this place no matter their religion and beliefs.

History of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is located in the east wing of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, in front of Ali Qapu Palace. In fact, the first complete monument in the square was this mosque. Sheikh Lotfollah Jabal Ameli was one of the clergymen invited to Iran by Safavids to promote the Shiite ideology. After his residency in Isfahan, Shah Abbas I ordered the construction of a mosque and school in his honor. Naturally, they named the complex after him.

The dome and a Secret Corridor

This mosque has some unique characteristics not found in any other mosque. The access to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was only limited to the royal family. Which is why unlike other mosques, it has no minarets or a courtyard. The mosque has the world’s most circular dome covered with tiles that change color during the day: pink at dawn, beige at noon and ochre at dust. Could it get more mysterious and magical? Well, it is said that there was a secret underground corridor between Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace. Apparently, the king and royal ladies used this corridor as a link or an escape route. Unfortunately, it does not exist any longer.

 

Peacock and the Architect

The blue, green, beige and white flora and geometric motifs of the tiles combined with the magic of light make up for a fascinating view in the whole building. If you look up at the center of the dome, a “peacock” appears with a tail made of the sunrays coming from the ceiling. Look down and you will see the Mihrab (prayer niche), which is an architectural masterwork with its fine tile work and ornamented vaulting (Muqarnas). Inside the Mihrab, there is an inscription by Mohammad Reza Isfahani; the architect and genius who created this glamorous symmetry of architecture and tile work.