Isfahan is the third-largest city in the Islamic Republic of Iran. While smaller than the capital city of Tehran, Isfahan is home to approximately 2 million people and a hub for Iranian commercial and military industry. At the heart of this ancient city sits the Great Mosque of Isfahan (Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan). This Mosque is unique for its pioneering of the four-iwan layout. Building upon the traditional hypostyle design, the four-iwan design kept the courtyard as a centerpiece and the maze of vertical columns but expanded it from a single structure to a chain of 4 surrounding the courtyard. This factor I believe is critical to the importance of structure but also why it is influential to me. Its sheer size and many gates have made this mosque a hub beyond daily prayer.

I believe much of the large structures we see in daily life are often “unitaskers”, dedicated to the gods of consumerism. The landscape is littered with temples hosting brand deities, ministries of administrative and bureaucratical affairs, and the cluster of tightly packed monastic cells for the worshipers of this strange little cult. This lack of interconnectivity creates insipid spaces with no existential value. The Great Mosque of Isfahan on the other hand serves as a community centerpiece, drawing in its masses for prayer but also interconnecting the various ends of this city. The role as both a religious haven and communal exchange is the greatest significance of this structure.

Setting aside its cultural importance, the mosques elaborate muqarnas vaulted above each of Isfahan 4 large gates is a breath-taking sight. Typically, small honeycombs, the muqarnas combs in Isfahan are larger than those normally found in the breadth of Islamic work. The majesty of the blue turquoise and the hints of creamy beige captivate and bring to life each of the iwan gates. Connecting these gates is a two-story arcade of ogival arches, almost masquerading as windows allowing onlookers to peer into the soul of the structure; without stepping foot in its sacred halls.