Jameh Mosque of Yazd, Iran (Masjed-e Jameh)

Is visiting the old city of mudbricks and wind towers, Yazd, on your wish list? Then its grand congregational mosque, Jameh Mosque of Yazd (or Masjed-e Jameh or Jame Mosque Yazd) must be on top of the list! With its majestic entrance, its lofty minarets, and its tasteful collection of blue tiling and calligraphic masterpieces, the sight has been one of Yazd’s main attractions for centuries. Read on and let us take you beyond the obvious charms of this priceless reminiscence of Persian history and into its hidden secrets.

Jameh Mosque of Yazd, Iran

Why Jameh Mosque of Yazd is a must-see?

• The pre-Islamic and Mongolian origins of the Yazd mosque are captivating.
• It is a reminiscent of 3 mosques build over a period of 100 years.
• Three women contributed to its construction.
• Its lofty minarets are of the tallest in Iran.
• It is a museum of calligraphy.
• It is a museum of inscriptions.
• The charming diversity in its tile work is a must-see.
• It showcases an artistically precious Mihrab.
• The interior lighting system is really interesting.

The interior design of Jameh mosque of Yazd

History of Jameh Yazd Mosque

The LONG and Fascinating Story of Jameh Mosque of Yazd

Unlike other mosques, the story of Jameh Mosque of Yazd doesn’t begin with Islam, it begins with Zoroastrianism! The truth is that 9^th century Muslims set the foundations of Jameh Mosque over an ancient Sassanid (224-651 BC) fire temple. Besides, some parts of the mosque’s tiling feature a Mithraic symbol known as Chalipa (swastikas). The mosque also highlights the exchange of culture between Mongolia and Iran after the Mongol conquest of Persia. Besides, the Azeri style of architecture detected in Jameh Mosque of Yazd is also found in Afghanistan (Herat), and Uzbekistan (Bukhara), other lands conquered by the Mongol Empire. Abundant use of geometry, focus on the vertical proportions of the building, and preferring decorations with plasterwork and relief tiles are of the characteristics of this kind of architecture.

Also, Jameh Mosque of Yazd is actually the relic of 3 old mosques built in different periods over 100 years. The different people who made contributions to building the mosque lived in Ilkhanid, Safavid, Timurid, Mozaffarid and Qajar Eras. The domed area was constructed in Ilkhanid Era and the mosque’s elegant Pishtaq was built in Timurid Era. The Mozzaffarid-Ilkanid version of the mosque was destroyed and the present version was built in Qajar era.

The night view of Jameh Yazd Mosque

Women Behind Jameh Mosque of Yazd

The truth is that three women contributed to the construction of Jameh Mosque of Yazd. In 12^th century, when the governor of Yazd died in a battle, his 2 daughters were appointed as the next governors. As effective rulers who had the prosperity of people and their land as their priority, one of the minor things they did was adding new parts to Masjed-e Jameh. Then in 14^th century, the wife of the governor of Yazd, Seti Fateme (also the founder of Amir Chakhmaq Complex), played her part in giving elegance to Jameh Mosque. According to the French archaeologist Maxime Siroux, she was the one who ordered the construction of the elegant minarets over the eastern entrance.

an imaginary entrance, Jameh Mosque of Yazd – Iran

Architecture of Jame Mosque of Yazd

Jameh Yazd Mosque – The Charms Begin at the Entrance

The elegant look of the eastern entrance of Jame Mosque of Yazd won’t fail to fill you with admiration. Standing as the iconic symbol of the mosque, the towering Pishtaq (the entrance element of Islamic architecture) and the two 48-meter Minarets crowning it have been welcoming visitors to the world of beauties inside. The Minarets, of the highest in Iran, make the Pishtaq look even taller with the vertical orientation of their molding lines. Plus, 15^th century inscriptions, arabesque tiling and intricate muqarnas work have added to the elegance of the charming Pishtaq.

the entrance of the night view of Jameh Mosque of Yazd – Iran

How Jameh Mosque of Yazd Looks

The beautiful Masjed-e Jameh is a testimony to its long construction history and that’s why you can find something charming in any corner of it. The dome, the dome room and the Mihrab are of the picturesque parts that have won the sight its popularity. Looking beyond the charming beauty of the dome area, you will be blown away by the clever interior lighting system. The dome is designed in a way to allow light through small openings. The white plaster works on the dome and the walls also reflect the light in a way that provide interior lighting in the most efficient way.

The dome of Jameh Mosque Yazd Iran

Jame Mosque Yazd is also known for its abundant use of faience, a form of tiling designed by putting different-colored pieces of mosaic together. What strikes you about the mosque’s tiling is the dominance of different shades of blue and the placing of a diverse range of techniques, colors, patterns and materials together.

the design of the dome room of Jameh Mosque of Yazd – Iran

To find a collection of all the beauties found in Jameh Mosque, find the handsome Mihrab. As one of the finest of its kind, the tall Mihrab showcases intricate Muqarnas work, tiling and calligraphy. The pointed arch of this half-octagonal niche is decorated with a calligraphic inscription in Thuluth. The tiling features floral motifs, and 2 star-shaped inlaid tiles sparkle with the name of the Mihrab’s builder and the time of its construction.

the tall Mihrab showcases intricate Muqarnas work, Jame Mosque of Yazd – Iran

Jameh Mosque as a Museum of Calligraphy

The refined tiling on the dome, Mihrab and Hashti, and above the western entrance are masterpieces of Persian calligraphy. In beautifully intricate patterns, they feature Quranic verses and sacred names of God and Islamic figures. If you are interested in art, culture and religion, we recommend getting a guide who has at least a basic knowledge of Arabic script. Getting insight into these stunning pieces can throw light on their mystery and transform your experience.

Persian calligraphy in the Mihrab of Jameh-Mosque – Jameh Yazd Mosque

Jameh Mosque as a Museum of Inscriptions

It wouldn’t be an overstatement if we call Jameh Mosque of Yazd as a museum of inscriptions. As souvenirs from different historical periods, these inscriptions are of high cultural and historical value. Made of stone and tile, they include bequeathal notes and state orders in stunning Kufic and Thuluth calligraphy. The oldest one dates back to 14^th century AD and is placed on the eastern Hashti (a small space traditionally built after the doorway).

More About Jameh Mosque of Yazd

Open Hours

8 am to 7:30pm

Open Days

Every Day

A Photographers’ Golden Time

If photography interests you, the best time for shooting nice photos of the azure blue tiling of Masjed-e Jameh is in the golden light before sunset.

The Nearby Attractions

The sights near Masjed-e Jameh are Alexander’s Prison, Mulla Agha Baba Synagogue, Dowlat Abad Garden and Amir chakhmaq Complex. You can also visit Vaziri Library (a treasury of precious manuscripts), Ashtikonan Alleys, pottery houses, handmade shops, and traditional cafés in the neighborhood.

Where to Eat Near Jameh Mosque

Yazd Art House

Chaharsoogh Café Restaurant

Khaneh Pedari Restaurant

Baam café

Karizma Café Restaurant

Vaziri Café Restaurant

Parnian Café Savareh Café

the sunset view, Jameh Mosque of Yazd – Iran

Like to visit Jameh Mosque of Yazd?

Then book a place on our Yazd Food and Architecture Walking Tour.