When it comes to mosques Iran has a lot to say! The delicacy of Iran’s mosque’s architecture is of great fame around the globe. In this article, we are going to have a look at, Nasir-ol-molk, one of the most beautiful mosques in Iran.

The Most Beautiful Mosque in Iran

Have you ever heard of a mosque so colorful that it’s nicknamed the Rainbow Mosque? Now some call it the Pink Mosque too. But in any case, what obviously comes to mind first when one hears the Mosque’s name is colors! It’s not surprising why this is often known as the most beautiful mosque in Iran. In fact, the first rows of google image searches are always occupied by pictures of the mosque. But you know what’s even more interesting? That from the outside, this looks just like any other mosque! Even though colorful tiles cover the outside façade, the play of colors is put on another level once you step into the mosque.

History of Nasir-Ol Molk Mosque

Nasir-ol Molk Mosque was built with the order and sponsorship of Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir Al-Molk, the son of Qavam al Molk, in the 19th century, in Shiraz, Iran. The Qavam family was among the noble families of the time. In fact, Qavam al-Molk was the ruler of Fars during that time. The construction of the mosque took about ten years, from 1876 to 1887. The mosque was designed, structured, and decorated by the most famous master architects and artists of the time.

It might be interesting to know that the mosque was built together with a cistern (where water was reserved), bathhouse, and school. Today the mosque is open to the public who wish to see it and take pictures with its amazing colorful tiles and windows.

Architecture of Nasir-Ol Molk Mosque

The mosque’s architecture is the first important factor for its charming beauty. The building occupies a space of 2216 square meters. It is mainly built by bricks, but beautiful tiles have been used to break into the brick’s monotonous appearance. Architectural techniques from the Qajarid period define the mosque’s construction. However, you can see some European tiles used in its decoration too. The entire mosque is a combination of columns, arches, colorful tiles, and windows.

The mosque’s main entrance is decorated with colorful tiles having the patterns of unique Shirazi flowers. The door itself is a piece of wood in a stone frame, decorated by arabesque patterns. Passing through the entrance before the vestibule, you can find the name of the mosque’s architect together with the date of its construction.

The entrance is followed by a long vestibule which turns a 90-degrees angle to reach the main courtyard. You will see a rectangular pool in the middle of the courtyard. It stretches from the south to the north. The pool is surrounded by different buildings.

There are two porches, called eiwan, in front of the pool, one is in the north and the other one is in the south. The two eiwans are not symmetrical. The northern eiwan is more elaborately decorated than the southern one. It also has 2 minarets and a small pool in its yard. The southern eiwan also has 2 minarets, albeit smaller.

Also, two prayer halls, called Shabestan, have been built in the east and west of the pool. The western prayer hall has been built in a way that escapes direct sunlight. As such, it is used in the summer. This prayer hall is the most beautiful part of the building. Its vaulted arches and muqarnas ceiling meet the 12 marble columns of the hall. The hall includes seven wooden doors which are decorated with amazing stained-glass pieces. All surface spaces of the hall have been covered with colorful patterned tiles and verses from the Holy Quran. However, the eastern hall, which is used in the winter, is less elaborately designed. It consists of seven plain columns. This prayer hall also opens to a water well, where a caw or calf was used to pull water up.

Location of Nasir-Ol Molk Mosque

Nasir-ol Molk Mosque was built in Shiraz, in Iran. The mosque is located near Shah Cheragh Mosque, on Nasir-ol Molk street.

How to Get To Nasir-ol-molk Mosque

Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque is located near the historical heart of Shiraz, on Lotfali Khan Zand avenue. So, depending on your hotel’s location and your day’s itinerary, you can reach the mosque in different ways. If you’re visiting the mosque after exploring Vakil Complex, you will have a little bit of walking. But we advise you to take a taxi to avoid exhaustion.

When to Visit Nasir-ol-molk Mosque

The best time to visit the mosque is in the morning, when the sun’s position in the sky provides the best ankles for its beams to shine through the mosque’s windows.

Nasir-ol-molk Mosque ticket

You can get a ticket at the mosque’s entrance. The ticket fee for foreign tourists is 20,000 tomans.

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