Imam Mosque. Iran, Esfahan

Imam Mosque

Iran, Esfahan

Mosques

Having come to power, Shah Abbas I started one of the world experiments in city planning, moving the capital to Isfahan in 1598 from Qazvin, which until 1722 was the main city of the country. Mosques, palaces, bazaars, and public parks were built under the personal control of the monarch over the next 30 years. The central place in the city, which always instilled a sense of awe and admiration in the hearts of European merchants and ambassadors, was the immense (1,674 by 540 ft) central square, known as the Meydan Imam, of rectangular shape, surrounded on all sides by two-story arches. The four sides of the square are an example of architecture of the XVII century, embodying the peculiarities of the political, economic and religious life of Iran during the reign of the Safavids. The entrance to the square is located on the north side; in the eastern part of the square is the Lotfallah Mosque, built opposite the Ali Kapi Palace. In the southern part, sparkling with the towers of the portal, the Imam Mosque is located, which is a monument to Shah Abbas, who died shortly before its completion.