Jameh Mosque of Semnan, Historical mosque in Semnan, Iran
The Jameh Mosque is a mosque in Semnan built with a central courtyard and three main prayer halls positioned on the north, south, and east sides. The most striking feature is a decorated entrance arch that rises about 21 meters high and dominates the visual composition of the structure.
The structure was first built in the early centuries of Islam on the foundation of a Zoroastrian fire temple. Major expansions and renovations took place over more than 400 years, with each phase adding its own architectural character to the overall design.
The layers of decoration across the walls and vaults reveal how different builders left their marks through various ornamental styles and craftsmanship techniques. Walking through the spaces, visitors notice how the visual language shifts from one section to another, showing the tastes of many generations.
The southern prayer hall contains many pillars and offers plenty of open space, making it easy to walk around and explore different areas. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to see the various rooms and courtyards at a relaxed pace.
A tall tower at the northeast corner is wrapped with Kufic script made of brick, an ancient Arabic writing style that spirals up much of its height. This ancient script shows how early builders incorporated their own skilled craftsmanship into the design of the tower itself.
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