Imam Mosque (Masjid-e Jam ‘e Abbasi) is one of the

finest and the most stunning buildings in the world

standing in south side of Naghsh-e Jahan Square.

Built during the reign of Shah Abbas I, the Mosque

represents the culmination of a thousand years of

mosque building in Iran and a magnificent example

of Persian architecture, stone carving, and tile

works, with a majesty and splendor that places it

among the world’s greatest buildings. The Mosque

is also an excellent example of Islamic architecture

of Iran, and regarded as one of the masterpieces of

Persian Architecture. It is registered as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site along with the Naghsh-e Jahan

Square. Its construction began in 1611, and its

splendor is mainly due to the beauty of its seven-color

mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.

To the east and west of the mosque, there are two

madrasahs (theological colleges). Two long seminaries

at the back are suitably studious in their architectural

tranquility. According to A. U. Pope1 , both

the ground plan and the structure of the building

reflect the doctrinal simplicity of Islam. Circulation

and communication are everywhere facilitated, nowhere

impeded