Imam Khomeini Mosque (Shah Mosque)

Imam Khomeini Mosque (Shah Mosque): A Jewel of Persian-Islamic Architecture

• Architectural Brilliance
• Historical Significance
• Acoustic Marvel
• Materials and Craftsmanship
• Cultural Legacy

On the southern edge of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, where the heart of Isfahan beats with centuries of grandeur, stands the Imam Khomeini Mosque — once known as the Shah Mosque. Commissioned by Shah Abbas I in 1611 and completed around 1630, this mosque is not just a place of worship — it’s a masterpiece of Safavid-era architecture, a symbol of unity, and a canvas of Persian artistry.

Architectural Brilliance

Designed by Ali Akbar Isfahani, the mosque reflects the zenith of Persian-Islamic design. Its layout and features include:

• Four-iwan plan: A traditional Persian configuration with monumental vaulted halls on each side of a central courtyard.
• Double-shelled dome: Measuring 52 meters high and 25 meters in diameter, it’s one of the tallest in Iran, with a 14-meter gap between the inner and outer shells for acoustic and structural brilliance.
• Seven-color tilework: A hallmark of Safavid decoration, with floral motifs, arabesques, and geometric patterns in vibrant blues, yellows, and greens.
• Calligraphy: Thuluth script inscriptions by Ali Reza Abbasi, one of the greatest calligraphers of the era.
• Minarets and guldasta: Four minarets frame the mosque, while a decorative guldasta (bouquet-shaped turret) replaces the traditional muezzin platform.

Historical Significance

The mosque was part of Shah Abbas’s grand vision to transform Isfahan into a capital of culture and power. Built during a time of political centralization, it served as both a religious center and a statement of Safavid authority.

• The mosque’s orientation was cleverly adjusted to align with Mecca, despite the square’s different axis — a feat of architectural ingenuity.
• It was renamed Imam Khomeini Mosque after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, reflecting Iran’s evolving identity.
• The mosque is featured on the 20,000 Rial banknote, symbolizing its enduring national importance.
• It was added to the Iran National Heritage List in 1932 and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

Acoustic Marvel

The dome’s design allows a whisper to echo across the prayer hall — a deliberate feature enabling sermons to be heard without amplification. This acoustic precision is a testament to the mathematical and artistic genius of Safavid engineers.

Materials and Craftsmanship

• Constructed with over 18 million bricks and 475,000 tiles, the mosque is a monumental feat of labor and love.
• The muqarnas vaulting in the entrance iwan creates a cascading stalactite effect, drawing the eye upward in awe.
• The marble mihrab and alabaster dadoes add elegance and spiritual gravity to the prayer space.

Cultural Legacy

• The mosque anchors the southern end of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, complementing the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace.
• It continues to host religious ceremonies, cultural events, and architectural tours.
• Restoration efforts, including a major dome repair completed in 2024, ensure its preservation for future generations.

To visit the Imam Khomeini Mosque is to walk through a living manuscript of Persian history — where geometry meets poetry, and faith meets form. Whether you're an architect, a pilgrim, or a curious traveler, this mosque offers a moment of stillness in the rhythm of Isfahan.