Iran (IMNA) - Tabriz in Iran’s East Azerbaijan is the house of this stunning structure. Beautiful azure and turquoise mosaics in the Blue Mosque make it widely known as the Turquoise of Islam.
Blue Mosque or Jahan Shah Mosque of Tabriz is the remnants of Timurid architecture in the 15th-century. In fact, combination of art and architecture of the Timurid era is manifested brilliantly in this magnificent mosque. According to ancient texts and documents, archeologists have consented that Blue Mosque is also called as Mozaffariyeh Mansion.
It is truly obvious that the Blue Mosque is the manifestation of ancient Islamic and Iranian architecture in Iran. The lofty domes, glorious tiles, symmetrical arches and also its rich history make this mosque as one of the must-visit places in the world. Indeed, its architectural features and the mosaics on the very high transom of the mosque have attracted archaeologist’s attention throughout history.
This remarkable mosque was built upon Jahan Shah’s order, the ruler of the Kara Koyunlu. According to historians, the construction of the mosque was under the supervision of Jan Beigum Khatun, ruler’s wife and also his daughter, Saleheh. Indeed, elegance and ultramarine color of the mosaics has made it famous as “Turquoise of Islam”.
Unfortunately, in 1779, an earthquake damaged the Blue Mosque severely but Mr. Reza Memaran, an Iranian architect and several skillful architects reconstructed the Blue Mosque under the supervision of Iranian Ministry of Cultural heritage and Tourism. According to the most sources, renovation of the Blue Mosque lasts about thirty years.
The Blue Mosque: Masterpiece of Timurid Period
In Iran, Azeri style is the third architectural school after the advent of Islam. This traditional style is divided into two principal parts:
The first period begins at the Ilkhanid dynasty when Maragheh was the capital and the second period includes the Timurid empire era and the capital was Samarkand. In this respect, Construction and magnificent architecture of the Blue Mosque refers to this period.
There are numerous features that makes the Blue Mosque as a remarkable place in the world. Decoration of the mosque with beautiful azure, gorgeous mosaics muqarnas, particular design and tile works with turquoise, white, blue and gold colors are some of the prominent factors which make the Blue Mosque well-known as the Turquoise of Islam.
Regarding the unique architectural design and stunning colors in the Blue Mosque, professor Hossein Nakhjavani, scholar of ancient history of Azerbaijan, believes that mosaics and tiles used in the structure and decoration of this mosque were the most delicate and valuable in the world.
By: Elahe Jalali
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