Gouhar Shad Mosque
The Gouhar Shad mosque is located in the sanctuary of the Imām Rezā (A) in Mashhad (Khorāsān Razavi region). This very solemn construction built in the Timurid period in the year 1418 by will and with the contribution of Gouhar Shad, several times and in various eras, due to natural and human factors such as earthquakes, bombardments by the Russians etc .. has suffered numerous damage and has been restored and rebuilt.
The Gouhar Shād mosque, in timurid architectural style and with the 4 construction method Iwan, for the refinement and beauty of the majolica and for the architectural lines and techniques, it is considered among the masterpieces of Iranian architecture and due to the many donations and proximity to the sanctuary of Imām Rezā (A) it is counted among the mosques most important and popular in Iran.
With an almost square-shaped courtyard with an area of 2800 square meters, the foundations of 9400 square meters, eight entrance and exit doors include 8 Iwan solemn and large and 7 Shabestan. The gonbadkhāneh (main prayer hall of a mosque covered by a dome) behind theiwān maghsureh, with colonnade prayer rooms (Shabestan) on one floor, connecting the different parts of the building.
In the construction and decoration of theiwān maghsureh, the most important of this mosque, various arts were employed. The mihrab (niche) in a single block of marble and up minbar (pulpit) in wood and inlaid, are in the center of this same Iwan while the 41 meter high turquoise double-covering dome and the glazed and embellished brick dome with a Kufic calligraphy inscription are placed above this Iwan; on both sides of this dome two minarets were built, each 43 meters high and equipped with epigraphs. These extend to the ground and are attached to theiwān maghsureh stand out high, ending in the shape of goldasteh.
Overall, this ancient building, in the construction of which was used brick and stucco, is considered a complete and significant example of Iranian art and in it you can find all the features and peculiarities of traditional architecture.
