Visiting Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz has become a language of Iranian and foreign tourists today. The decorations used in this mosque are presented in the best quality, and the wall paintings depict scenes from the world of paradise. This mosque dates back to the Qajar period and was built in the middle of this era, a construction that took ten years to complete. In this article, Eligasht intends to introduce the world of light and color in Nasir al-Mulk Mosque to you, so that if you visit this place, you can also get to know the techniques of decorating this architecture of the mosque.
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Where is Nasir al-Mulk Mosque?
A common question among users is where Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is located. This mosque is situated on Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street, with the mosque’s name written at the end of the street. To visit Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, you can use public transportation like the Vali Asr terminal bus and the prayer terminal. You can also take a taxi from Piroozi Street and walk to Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street. This mosque is located in the Goude arabha neighborhood.
History of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
The history of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque dates back to the Qajar period. Construction of this mosque began in 1255 AH in the Goude Arabha neighborhood and was completed in 1265 AH. This mosque was built by a person named Ali Molabashi, known as Nasir al-Mulk. His title was taken from the court and is among the public utility buildings that name themselves after their title to ensure their name remains alive through this charitable act. While we may not know the names of many architects or tile workers in historical works, the architect of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is clear to you, built by Mohammad Hassan Memar.
The colorful windows of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz were created by Mohammad Jafar and Master Mohammad Rahim and were restored in 1348 AH by Mirza Ayat from prominent Shirazi craftsmen. This mosque covers an area of about 2212 square meters. The restoration and preservation of this mosque, by international standards, are ongoing under the supervision of Mahmoud Ghavam, with Cyrus Javidi as the project engineer for Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.
Architecture of the Mosque
The architecture of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque follows the Seljuk architectural style, also known as the Razi style. During the Seljuk period, mosques were constructed based on ancient Iranian architectural patterns, starting with four-iwan and two-iwan mosques, a style that continued until the end of the Qajar era. This mosque is a two-iwan mosque with a northern and southern iwan. However, the beauty of this mosque lies in its western shabestan, attracting countless visitors to witness the play of light and color in this space. Although the architectural plan of this mosque is based on ancient Iranian mosque patterns, it is decorated in a very different style.
The Mosque in Shiraz has transformed into the bride of Iranian mosques because it has utilized tilework art on the entrance gate, and all external and internal walls, covering the entire mosque with the beautiful art of Iran through intricate designs and motifs. Symmetry, a common feature in Iranian structures, is observed in this mosque as well. Symmetry is evident from the entrance gate, where two decorative alcoves on the right and left lead you into the courtyard. A green-colored pool is located in the center, with two iwans in the northern and southern parts and two shabestans with wooden windows and colored glass in the east and west. The adherence to architectural style and symmetry in this building has created a harmony of order that captivates visitors.
Decorations in The Mosque
One of the most important features of this place is the architectural decorations in Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, executed with utmost precision and delicacy. The decoration style involves the use of ornamental designs that have been significant in Iranian architecture for a long time. During the Safavid era, due to the time-consuming nature of mosaic work, seven-color tiles were invented, where various paintings were applied in different dimensions. Although these tiles were invented during the Safavid era, their advancement and the use of diverse colors continued into the Qajar period.
In Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, you can see seven-colored tiles from the entrance gate to the western shabestan, featuring shades of pink, yellow, orange, white, turquoise, and blue, among several others. All the motifs on the tiles depict colorful flowers, especially the pink roses and yellow lilies of Shiraz. You may have heard this mosque referred to as the Pink Mosque numerous times. The reason for this name is the prevalent use of pink-colored tiles with motifs of pink roses, giving the walls of this mosque their predominant hue.
Columns of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz
It is noteworthy that the columns of the mosque are made of marble stone, sourced from Shiraz, and you can see a sample of these spiral columns in the Vakil Mosque in Shiraz. In the past, these spiral columns in Shiraz were crafted with utmost precision and delicacy. You can observe the columns of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz under the renowned western shabestan and the eastern one. These columns bear loads and, while serving a practical purpose in architecture, attention has also been paid to their beauty and decorative style. In this shabestan, twelve load-bearing columns arranged in two rows of six are used to distribute the weight of the ceiling evenly and maintain symmetry. Examples of these columns can be found in the eastern shabestan, which now serves as part of the Owqaf Mosque Museum.
Stained Glass
Another important decoration in The Mosque in Shiraz is the use of stained glass in all entrance doors of the mosque’s iwans. Each of the eastern and western shabestans has seven doors entirely made of wood, featuring woodwork art with stained glass in yellow, blue, green, and red hues. The western shabestan, which is sunlit during winter, allows colorful light to enter the mosque through the stained glass doors, creating a spectrum of harmony and color alongside the colorful tiles. The best time to visit this artistic architectural display is from 9 AM to 11 AM when the sunlight enhances the beauty of the stained glass. The use of stained glass in Iranian architecture has a rich history and has been utilized to bring beauty and color into the interior of buildings.
Various Sections of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
The different sections of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque include the entrance portal, octagonal room, courtyard, western shabestan or winter hall, eastern shabestan or summer hall, northern iwan, and southern iwan. To recognize the southern iwan, you will see two decorative floral clusters at the top of the iwan. In the eastern part of the mosque, there is a basement and a well. It’s interesting to note that in the eastern part of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, prayers are no longer held, and it houses the Owqaf Museum.
Entrance Portal of Nasir al-Mulk in Shiraz
The entrance portal of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz consists of a vaulted passageway adorned with stucco work under the vault. There are two identical vaulted niches in the east and west sections. The entire portal is covered with seven-colored tiles that depict decorative patterns, adding a colorful touch to the structure. The top of the portal features stone carving art where a Shirazi poet from the Qajar era has inscribed a poem about the completion of the mosque. When visiting this entrance portal, be sure to look up at the vaulted ceiling to see the intricate stucco work.
Octagonal Room
The octagonal room in The Mosque in Shiraz is adorned with intricate marquetry and seven-colored tiles, although to a lesser extent than the entrance portal. Octagonal rooms were commonly used in Iranian architecture due to their inward-focused design. These octagonal rooms typically have an eight-sided shape and a small dome on the ceiling. In the small dome chamber of the octagonal room of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, you can see decorative tilework. After passing through the octagonal room, you enter the courtyard.
Courtyard
The courtyard of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz is a manifestation of architecture, taste, color, and light in the city of Shiraz. In the center of the courtyard, there is a large green-colored pool, with the reflection of the southern iwan and the floral clusters in the water. Surrounding the pool are all candlestick vases. In the western and eastern shabestans adorned with tiled walls and Nastaliq calligraphy, you will find verses of the Quran inscribed. The outer walls of the courtyard are all covered with seven-colored tiles, with shades of pink and yellow predominating.
*Western Shabestan – Nasir al-Mulk Mosque’s Most Famous Section
The western shabestan of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is the most famous section of this mosque. Beneath its 24 vaults covered with seven-colored tiles, you will see twelve Shirazi marble columns supporting it, and colorful rays of light passing through the stained glass windows into the mosque. These rays illuminate Iranian carpets with intricate patterns, while the colorful tiled walls bring a vibrant touch of light and color. Every visitor is captivated by the western shabestan of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, but keep in mind that you can witness the world of color and light in the western shabestan from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Northern Iwan or Morvadid Vault
The northern iwan or Morvadid vault is devoid of floral clusters and is renowned as the Morvadid vault. This iwan has three half-vaults and serves as an entrance to the courtyard from the fourth side. Its ceiling features the art of basin-making or dish-making with colorful mosaic tiles. The walls of the northern iwan also boast some of the finest tilework. When visiting Pink Mosque in Shiraz, be sure to enter the Morvadid vault and northern iwan, and do not forget to admire them.
Southern Iwan with Floral Cluster
The southern iwan of the mosque features a floral cluster. Typically, floral clusters and domes signify architectural elements. This mosque is constructed with vaults, and you won’t see a large dome within it; they have utilized a floral cluster for the qibla direction. All the walls of the southern section are adorned with seven-colored tilework and marquetry. If you want to capture high-quality photos of Pink Mosque in Shiraz, pay attention to the reflection of the southern iwan in the water pool, where you can capture beautiful architectural shots.
Eastern Shabestan
The eastern shabestan of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is a simpler section of the mosque with stone columns and brick vaults that are not covered with tiles. In the past, this section was used during the summer season and is accessed through a corridor leading to the water well area, known as the “water well corridor.” Today, this section serves as the Museum of Endowments, and prayers are not held here. The eastern shabestan is the simplest inner area of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz.
Eastern Shabestan – Visiting Fees and Holidays
Pink Mosque in Shiraz is closed on all religious holidays such as Ashura, Tasua, the Prophet’s Ascension, the Martyrdom of Imam Reza, Imam Jafar Sadiq, and June 14th and does not receive tourists. Since 2021, visits during Ramadan are only in the morning, and there are no visits after noon prayers because Quran recitation is held at that time. Pay attention to the holiday schedule and visiting fees for this mosque. Make sure to consider the cost of visiting during your trips and allocate a budget for it.
Best Time to Visit Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz
The best time to visit Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, where you can see the world of light and color, is from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM when the western shabestan is illuminated by colorful windows. The mosque is open for visits every day from 9 AM to 12 PM and then from 2 PM to 5 PM. During the first half of the year, visits are usually in the afternoon from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Final words
This article has detailed all the features of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque from the perspective of history, architecture, and architectural decorations. If you intend to travel to Shiraz, be sure to visit this beautiful structure. Additionally, for a trip to Shiraz, you can also benefit from Shiraz tour packages offered by Eligasht.
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FAQ
Why is the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque called the “Pink Mosque”?
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is often referred to as the “Pink Mosque” due to the extensive use of pink tiles in its intricate tilework. The pink hues, combined with the vibrant stained glass windows, create a unique and enchanting atmosphere.
What is the significance of the stained glass windows in the mosque?
The stained glass windows are a defining feature of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, creating a mesmerizing play of light and color within the prayer hall. The windows are designed to enhance the spiritual ambiance and reflect the artistic achievements of Persian artisans.
When was the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque built?
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque was commissioned by Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir al-Mulk, and construction began in 1876, taking 12 years to complete. The mosque was designed by architects Mohammad Hasan-e-Memar and Mohammad Reza Kashi Paz-e-Shirazi.
What architectural elements are featured in the mosque?
The mosque incorporates traditional Persian architectural elements, such as the iwan, central courtyard, and symmetrical layouts. These elements, combined with intricate tilework and stained glass windows, create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing space.
How can I make the most of my visit to the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque?
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving in the early morning to witness the stunning display of colors created by the stained glass windows. Dress modestly, bring a camera, and consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the mosque’s history and architectural features.