186. Great Mosque. Isfahan, Iran. Islamic, Persian: Seljuk, Ilkhanid , timurid, and Safavid Dynasties. c. 700 CE; additions and restorations in the 14th, 18th, and 20th centuries CE Stone, brick, wood, plaster, and glazed ceramic tile.

Form

-Large central rectangular courtyard surrounded by a two-story arcade -Typical Muslim architecture is to have one large arch flanked by two stories of smaller arches. -The qibla iwan is the largest and most decorative; its size indicates the direction to Mecca. —An iwan is a vaulted space that opens on one side to a courtyard -Muqarnas: an ornamental and intricate vaulting placed on the underside of arches.

Content

--Iwan was originally seen in place in palace architecture; used here for the first time to emphasize the sanctuary -This mosque is nestled in urban central many gates give access

Function

-Muslim mosque -Each side of the courtyard, or sahn, has a centrally placed iwan may be the first mosque to have this feature. -Iwans have different roles, reflecting their size and ornamentation.

Context

Context

Additional Information

-Additional