The Agha Bozorg Mosque And Its Timeless Architecture
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Architecture Architecture Apr 10, 2017 06:27 PM EDT
The historical mosque in Kashan, Iran, is famous for its attractively symmetric and precise architecture. Built in the late 18th century, the Agha Bozorg Mosque remains a timeless model of Persian architecture with a pool and central courtyard in the middle.
Master architect Ustad Haj Sa'ban-Ali is the brainchild behind the Agha Bozorg Mosque, according to Tasnim News Agency. The mosque that houses a theological school (madrasah) situated in the center of this grand mosque, was initially constructed to accommodate prayers and preaching of Mullah Mahdi Naraqi II, also known as Agha Bozorg.
The Agha Bozorg Mosque consists of four porches, two ornate minarets, a brilliant brick dome, and two large iwans. One of the iwans is situated in front of the mehrab, whereas the other is located near the entrance, that includes a front wooden door adorned with jewels.
The imposing dome of the Agha Bozorg Mosque is built on the octagonal podium and is double layered. The lower covering carries the weight of the ceiling and resides on the strong pilasters, while the outer covering serves to enlarge the appearance of the dome.
The interior of Agha Bozorg Mosque is seen adorned by mosaics and inscriptions of verses from the Qur'an. Spartan decorations occupy the ceiling and the first level chambers bear, whereas the outer part around the arcades displays vibrant mosaics.
According to AroundDeGlobe, one of the most notable features of the Agha Bozorg Mosque is its central courtyard. The courtyard consists of a number of chambers and arcades, and holds a lower level court possesses a small pond, a fountain, a surrounding garden, as well as arcades used in the summer days to protect from the scorching heat.
Although the Agha Bozorg Mosque is decorated moderately using colored tiles and mosaics, its appearance remains outstandingly ascetic in nature. This is probably one of the reasons the Agha Bozorg Mosque has become a tourist attraction over the years.