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Which major buildings surround Naqsh-e Jahan Square?
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Isfahan
Masjed-e Emām (“Imam Mosque”), Isfahan, Iran.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square (also known as Maydān-e Emām) in Isfahan is surrounded by several significant architectural landmarks that reflect the city's Safavid-era heritage:
- Masjed-e Emām (Imam Mosque): Located at the southern end of the square, this mosque is renowned for its brilliant enameled tile work and was begun in 1611/12.12
- Masjed-e Shaykh Luṭf Allāh (Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque): Situated on the eastern side of the square, this structure served as the private mosque for Shah Abbas I.12
- ‘Ālī Qāpū (Lofty Gate): Positioned on the western side, this high, arched building features an immense covered balcony (tālār) that historically served as an audience hall and a vantage point for the shah to observe events in the square.12
- Qayṣariyyeh (Royal Bazaar): A tiled gateway at the northern end of the square leads into this historic marketplace.12
The spaces between these major structures are filled with two-story buildings of uniform design featuring arched recesses.1