The Pink Mosque of Shiraz | Nasir ol-Molk Mosque
Iran owes a great deal of its charisma to atmospheric mosques that touch your soul! And in the heart of the City of Shiraz, there is an exquisite piece of art that stands out from the rest: the Pink Mosque (also known and spelled as Nasir ol-Molk Mosque, Nasir-al-molk, Nasir-al-Mulk, and Nasir Mosque). The tasteful combination of colors used in its floral tiling is music to the eyes. The muqarnas works on the courtyard arch are of the most intricately beautiful of its kind. And the rose-pink dominant in the tiles distinguishes it from any other mosque in Iran. The concerto that morning light creates with the colorful glass of the western prayer hall windows has also made the precious mosque one of the most popular photoshoot destinations in Iran. Join me on this post to discover more about this gorgeous mosque.
Tourist at Nasir Mosque Traditional Hashti Entrance
Why Visit the Pink Mosque?
- Nasir-Ol-Molk Mosque showcases the most cheerful colors found in mosques in Iran.
- It features masterpieces of muqarnas work.
- The morning light creates a perfect photography location.
- It breaks with the usual architectural traditions of mosques.
- Nasir al Mulk Mosque is one of the few Iranian mosques with elements of Western art.
- The beauty of Nasir ol Molk Western prayer hall is unmissable.
The Story of Nasir-Ol-Molk Mosque
At the end of the 19th century, the Qajar dynasty of Iran became fascinated by Western culture. That’s why they adapted elements of European culture to Iranian culture and architecture. As a result, members of the aristocratic Qavam Family have left us pieces of art that have become of the main charms of Shiraz. One of these attractive pieces is the Pink Mosque. Nasir-Ol Molk, the Qavam who ordered the mosque’s construction, originally built a house, a bathhouse, and a storehouse as parts of the mosque. But later, except for the mosque, the other buildings were totally or partly destroyed in the process of urban development of Shiraz.
What’s Special about Nasir Mosque
Breaking with the tradition of using cold colors (usually turquoise) and geometric shapes in the tiling of mosques, the architect of Nasir Mosque (also the architect of Eram Garden) gave his lovely creation floral designs with warm colors (dominantly pink) and elements of western art. The stone pillars of the Pink Mosque were inspired by their counterparts in Vakil Mosque, another precious mosque in the city of Shiraz.
How the Pink Mosque Looks
The Pink Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that typifies Persian architecture. Above all, the main entrance charms you with its elegant architecture. It is delicately decorated with intricate muqarnas work on its arch, and the roses and irises on its colorful tiling attract visitors’ admiration. Also, you can see 2 sitting platforms on both sides of the door. These platforms are called Pir Neshin in traditional Persian architecture. Plus, the wooden entrance of Nasir Ol Molk Mosque is decorated with lovely arabesque designs and opens to a Hashti, a small space traditionally built after the doorway.
Nasir al Mulk Courtyard
In the Pink Mosque, you can find a courtyard and 2 prayer halls. Looking around the courtyard, you’ll see tastefully decorated arcades and iwans that showcase intricate tilework. A rectangular pool dominates the center and the surrounding arcades are topped with a blue line of calligraphic inscriptions. The most remarkable item found in the Pink Mosque courtyard is the northern iwan, a masterpiece that features exquisite muqarnas and a pair of minarets on its top. The magic time for a great photo of this iwan is late in the afternoon.
Pink Mosque Architectural Features
There are two prayer halls with different architectural features on the east and the west sides of the Pink Mosque’s courtyard. Built for cold winter days and probably for public meetings, the eastern prayer hall includes spaces with sitting platforms. However, this hall lacks the artistic beauties of the Western one and you can presently find gift shops there. If the intricate muqarnas on the northern iwan is one of the main attractions of the domeless mosque, the western prayer hall is another. With 12 finely carved pillars, 7 doors that open to the courtyard, a domed ceiling, plasterwork, and orsi (stained-glass windows) that acts like a kaleidoscope in the morning, who wouldn’t be impressed by the charming prayer hall? Also, the hall houses a Mihrab (altar) that catches your eyes with the beauty of its floral patterns and its calligraphic verses of the Quran.
The Colors & Columns of The western prayer hall of the Pink Mosque
A Photographer’s Golden Time in Pink Mosque
The magic happens in Nasir Ol Molk Mosque early in the morning when the rays of light stream in through the stained-glass windows of the eastern prayer hall. They paint the tiled walls, the carved pillars, the vaulted ceiling, and the Persian carpets with a rainbow of dazzling colors. As a result, this pleasant employment of light (a symbol of God in many religions) creates a serene spiritual ambiance that touches your soul. So, the sight has always gained the most clicks of the camera and like buttons on social media. Yet, if the northern arch is what you’re interested to photograph, the afternoon light is what you need.
The Pink Mosque, a Popular Photoshoot Location
More about the Pink Mosque
Open Hours
Spring and summer:
Morning: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afternoon: 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Fall and Winter:
Morning: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Afternoon: 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Open Days
All days except some public holidays.
The Nearby Attractions
The glamorous Shah Cheragh is the nearest highlight to the Pink Mosque. The historical Vakil complex (Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Bathhouse, and Vakil Mosque) is also reachable on foot. Shiraz’s oldest mosque, Atiq Jameh Mosque, the historical Arg-e Karim Khan, and the charming Pars Museum are also very close.
Where to Eat Near the Pink Mosque
Haft Khan Restaurant
Dash Akol Traditional Restaurant
The Orangery Restaurant
Vakil Traditional Restaurant
Quattro Restaurant
Hezar Dastan Traditional Restaurant Ghazaye Darbari
Like to Visit the Pink Mosque?
All of our multi-day Cultural Tours include a visit to Nasir-Ol-Molk Mosque.[/vc_column_text]
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque on Map
