Agha Bozorg Mosque

Agha Bozorg Mosque: Spiritual and Architectural Jewel of Kashan

• History of the Agha Bozorg Mosque of Kashan
• Architecture of the Agha Bozorg Mosque
• Different Parts of the Agha Bozorg Mosque
• Sightseeing near Agha Bozorg Mosque

The Agha Bozorg Mosque, constructed in the late 18th century, served not only as a place of worship but also as a theological school (madrasah). Mulla Mohammad Mehdi Naraghi conducted prayers, sermons, and teaching sessions within its walls. He was the son of the renowned Mullah Ahmad Naraghi, a prominent figure in Iran who held significant influence, second only to King Fath Ali Shah Qajar. Known popularly as 'Agha Bozorg,' meaning 'an important gentleman,' Mullah Ahmad Naraghi is remembered for uniting Iranian forces against the Russian invasion of northern Iran and declaring jihad ('holy war') against the invaders. The Agha Bozorg Mosque continues to serve as a center for religious education, where future clergy receive their training.

It is a masterpiece of Qajar-era architecture, showing a blend of Iranian and Islamic styles. The mosque is notable for its symmetrical layout, incorporating two courtyards, a grand central courtyard with a garden and fountain, and a smaller sunken courtyard. It also features a unique integration of mosque and school functions, with all necessary spaces for both seamlessly combined. The mosque served as a place of learning, religious gatherings, and even played a role in the Constitutional Revolution.

History of the Agha Bozorg Mosque

Mullah Mohammad Mehdi Naraqi was a prominent mujtahid from Kashan who passed away at the same time his son was born. According to the customs of the time, the father's name was given to the son. To avoid confusion between the two, the father was referred to as "Agha Bozorg," meaning "Great Sir," while the son was called "Agha Kouchek," meaning "Little Sir." Following in his father's footsteps, Agha Kouchek entered the seminary and achieved the degree of ijtihad. It is said that Mohammad Shah Qajar met with the scholars of Kashan and learned of Agha Kouchek's academic achievements, subsequently ordering that he also be referred to as Agha Bozorg. Following this meeting, Haj Mohammad Taqi Khanban, the ruler and father-in-law of Mullah Mohammad Mehdi Naraqi, constructed a mosque and a school for his son-in-law to teach in. The construction of the mosque was completed during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah.

Architecture of the Agha Bozorg Mosque

The Agha Bozorg Mosque and School in Kashan is one of the most beautiful sites to visit, showcasing the splendor and grandeur of Iranian architecture. The Agha Bozorg Complex combines both a mosque and a school and was built in multiple stories due to the limited size of the land. The construction adhered to the four fundamental principles of Islamic architecture. One of the most attractive features of the Agha Bozorg Mosque is its dome, which rests on eight large columns, allowing for natural cooling throughout the year. The decorations, including stucco, paintings, muqarnas, and tiling, contribute to the mosque's striking appearance, though their use remains balanced given the complex's purpose.

Different Parts of the Agha Bozorg Mosque

Pir Neshin: The first area of the Agha Bozorg Mosque and School is called Pir Neshin, referring to the platforms located in front of the entrance. This area served as a resting place for elderly individuals and passersby.

Entrance and Porch:The Agha Bozorg Mosque includes a porch, which is uncommon in mosques, making it a significant part of the building. Above the entrance, there is an inscription featuring an ode, and the main door is adorned with carvings, Chinese knots, and studs. Notably, 6,666 nails are driven into the door, representing the number of verses in the Quran.

Vestibule: The vestibule is a covered area located immediately after the entrance to the mosque. On either side of the vestibule are the servant's rooms. Beyond the vestibule, two covered corridors leading to the courtyard, the mosque's main hall, and the Agha Bozorg School.

Mahtabi or Winter Pavilion The first section at the entrance to the mosque is the moonlight area, also known as the winter pavilion. It is an open space used in winter, and marble stones set in the middle of the pavilion allow light to filter through, illuminating the lower floor.

Central Courtyard: The central courtyard of the Agha Bozorg Mosque consists of two sections: the garden pit courtyard and the ground-floor courtyard. The garden pit courtyard, located on the lower floor, is dedicated to the school and features a central pond with four gardens surrounding it. This courtyard is also encircled by various chambers, a shabestan, and a cellar. The ground-floor courtyard, at the level of the mosque's passageways, has stairs in each corner leading down to the lower level, resembling a moonlit courtyard.

Shabestan The mosque houses three shabestans (prayer halls). The western shabestan, added later, features twenty free-standing columns and thirty brick arches with fountains. The winter shabestan is located on the northern side of the courtyard and has columns made of both brick and stone. Openings in the stone roof allow light to penetrate the shabestan. The third shabestan, located on the southern side, is partially above ground and serves as a mosque, with cracks in its ceiling providing natural light.

Sightseeing near Agha Bozorg Mosque

you can visit the Abbasian Historical House and Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse located which is located a few minutes away from the Agha Bozorg Mosque.