One of the unique and most beautiful historical monuments of the central Iranian city of Yazd is its Grand Mosque with the tile works, tall minarets, plaster works and the unique shape of its dome. One of the unique and most beautiful historical monuments of the central Iranian city of Yazd is its Grand Mosque with the tile works, tall minarets, plaster works and the unique shape of its dome.
The Mosque, like others using the Islamic architecture, is located in the heart of the city, and once had schools, a bazaar, a library, bathhouses, and other urban institutions all around, the remains of which can still be seen.
The place was once a fire temple, before the Islamic era and at the time of the Sassanids, which was converted into a mosque in the reign of the Seljuks.
In the Islamic era, two historical periods are noted for the Mosque; one is that of the old Grand Mosque with no remnants left and the other is the one existing today, which, built exactly on the same spot of the old one, dates back to the reign of Mozaffar ol-Din Shah of Qajar.
One of the unique features of the Mosque is its high portal decorated with various inscriptions including verses of Quran.
In addition, the vestibule next to the portal is a treasury with slates dating to various eras- including government orders and laws, endowment deeds, and reports of repair works- which are important for studying the social and civil history of Iran.
Another attractive quality of the Grand Mosque of Yazd is that it does not come to sight while passing through the roofed streets and bazaars, and it is just when you find yourself in front of it that you are taken by its glory and grandeur.