Photo of the Day – The Royal Square, Maidan Naghsh-e Jahan

Royal courtyard view

When the Shah Abbas built the Royal Square, he centralized power within that Square. He gathered the 3 main components; “the clergy” with 2 mosques in the square, “the merchants” in the Imperial Bazaar, and “the government” – Shah himself, residing in the Ali Qapu Palace on the west edge of the grounds.

The mosque on the southside of the square was originally named the Shah’s Mosque, now is the Imam Mosque. The port of the mosque is a half-dome that measures 89 feet and is covered with mosiacs. The entrance is bound by two 171 ft. turquoise minarets. The vaulted hall leads to the interior courtyard.

Shah Mosque – Imam

The Royal Square did not face Mecca. The architects of the mosque had to create an interior courtyard which allows for a right turn to orient the mosque to Mecca, a northeast/southeast position . The entrance faces the square, the mosque behind it faces Mecca.

turn to face Mecca

The interiors are completely covered with enamel tiles, many with the 7 color Persian design. They show the Persians poetic passion for flowers.

Imam Mosque

tiled walls

The Sheikh Loyfollah Mosque, on the east side of the square, was actually the first to be built. Shah Abbas needed a place for private meditation for the Royal Court. There are no minarets, and it’s much smaller in size.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

There is a recessed half-domed, tiled gateway like the Imperial Bazaar and the Imam Mosque.

Shiekh Lotfollah Mosque

However, the interiors are made of very fine materials. One unique chacteristic of the mosque is the peacock at the center dome – to see the peacock, check out the next zoomed-in photo!!!

Peacock Dome

Zoomed-in picture of the dome showing a peacock in the center. Realizing the detailed tile work that you can’t see with the naked eye is amazing!

zoomed-in peacock

To keep the royal family protected as they went from the Al Qapu Palace to the mosque, a tunnel was made under the Royal Square. Guards were posted at the doors and in the tunnel. The public was never allowed in the mosque until recently.

The Ali Qapu Palace is more of a gateway to the royal gardens behind it than an official palace. The Shah built this palace for entertainment. The 6th floor was or portico was for viewing polo matches, military parades and other activites in the square.