CH 18 #1 Friday Mosque, Isfahan vs Shah Mosque, Isfahan

There are many different types of a mosque throughout the middle east. In Isfahan, Iran there is two beautiful structures that show the uniqueness and uniformity of what an Islamic mosque is. The two mosques are known as the Friday Mosque and the Shah Mosque.

The Friday Mosque is a very important expression of the Seljuks rule in persia. These people plan and built their city center around this mosque. What sets this mosque aside from the others is the many gates that are spread out in the inner city of it. The main Gate was restored in 1804 but is no longer used as a main gate. It is now a gate that leads to the eastern wall. Around the western side is another gate. This Gate is still in use and dates back to 1590.

The Shah Mosque is also in Isfahan. Its cupola that is full of color and made from ceramic tile show the detailed work that went into building this masterpiece. The mosque is centered and around a large rectangular courtyard that streches over a mile.

Both mosques have a great deal of detail should truly be respected as works of art.