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What buildings and spaces make up the Great Mosque of Isfahan complex?
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Isfahan
Masjed-e Emām (“Imam Mosque”), Isfahan, Iran.
The Great Mosque of Isfahan is a sprawling architectural complex in Iran that evolved between the 11th and 18th centuries. Its layout is defined by a central courtyard framed by four massive vaulted niches known as iwans.
Key components of the complex include:
- Sanctuaries: The site centers on an 11th-century domed sanctuary at the south end of the courtyard, supported by 12 heavy piers. A second, smaller domed chamber, noted for its exceptional proportions and structural integrity, sits at the north end.
- Functional Spaces: The complex incorporates various structures added over several centuries, including private chapels, a school, a library, and a treasury.12
This mosque serves as a significant historical record of Islamic architecture, reflecting diverse building phases and design techniques developed under the Seljuq dynasty and beyond.1