Jameh Mosque of Kashan, Mosque in Kashan, Iran
The Jameh Mosque of Kashan is a prayer house with architectural elements layered across centuries, built from brick and plaster in traditional Persian style. The interior spans multiple levels including an underground chamber for winter use, and contains a decorated mihrab as its focal point.
The site originally held a Zoroastrian fire temple before the mosque was built in its place, with first documented records appearing around 700 AD. The structure was later modified and expanded during Seljuk and Safavid periods, each era leaving its architectural imprint on the building.
The mosque displays intricate stucco carvings and geometric patterns that reflect how craftspeople merged religious expression with artistic skill across different periods. These decorative elements remain visible throughout the space and show the importance of careful craftsmanship in the community's faith.
The building sits in Kashan's old quarter and is accessible on foot, with multiple levels offering different environmental conditions depending on where you move. The underground chamber stays cool and provides a contrasting experience to the upper areas, making a full exploration of the site worthwhile.
The building contains two mihrabs, with an original one intentionally destroyed due to incorrect alignment and replaced during Shah Tahmasp I's reign. This alteration reveals how later periods modified the structure to meet their own religious standards and needs.
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