Zirdeh Mosque, Safavid mosque in Ardakan, Iran
Zirdeh Mosque is a structure built from adobe and plaster with four iwans arranged around a central courtyard following traditional Persian design. The walls showcase the local building methods that provided both structural integrity and temperature control in the desert climate.
The structure was first built in 1581 during the Safavid dynasty as a religious building and later underwent major renovation in the early 1800s under Qajar rule. This second phase of reconstruction added new design elements that shaped how the building looks today.
The mosque serves the local community as a gathering place for daily prayers and religious observances, where visitors can witness how the space organizes Islamic practice throughout the day. The central courtyard functions as the heart of these activities and connects different areas for worship.
Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the prayer halls, and women should dress appropriately with a headscarf when exploring the space. Understanding these guidelines helps you tour respectfully and be mindful of prayer times when visiting.
The building brings together construction elements from two separate dynasties, since it began as Safavid work and was later reworked under Qajar rule. This layering of styles lets visitors see how Persian architecture changed across different periods all in one location.
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