Tarikhaneh, 8th-century mosque in Damghan, Iran
Tarikhaneh is a mosque in Damghan with a square courtyard surrounded by arcades topped with barrel vaults resting on rounded pillars. The structure contains multiple prayer halls and is built primarily from brick, adobe, plaster, and wood.
The building was originally constructed as a Zoroastrian fire temple during the Sassanid period and converted into a mosque during the early Islamic era around the 8th century. A distinctive minaret was added later, built between 1026 and 1028.
The building combines multiple architectural traditions through its brick patterns and geometric ornaments, reflecting the diverse influences from its long history. Visitors can see this blend of styles directly in the details of the walls and arches.
The mosque is located at the southern edge of Damghan and is easy to access. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the various halls and arcades throughout the building.
The minaret has a distinctive cylindrical form divided into six separate zones, each displaying different geometric decoration patterns. This arrangement makes it a notable example of the ornamental design characteristic of its period.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
