Blue Mosque, Tabriz

The Blue Mosque of Tabriz
Religion
AffiliationIslam
ProvinceEast Azerbaijan Province
Location
LocationTabriz, Iran
MunicipalityTabriz County
Blue Mosque, Tabriz is located in Iran
Blue Mosque, Tabriz
Shown within Iran
Geographic coordinates38°04′24.91″N 46°18′03.88″E / 38.0735861°N 46.3010778°E / 38.0735861; 46.3010778
Architecture
TypeMosque
Completed1465
The Blue Mosque as it stood in 1840 (Pascal Coste)
exterior view of Blue Mosque, Tabriz

The Blue Mosque (Azerbaijani: گؤی مسجید, romanizedGöy Məscid, Persian: مسجد کبود, romanizedMasjed-e Kabūd)[1] is a historic mosque in Tabriz, Iran. The construction for Blue Mosque, also known as Masjed-e Moẓaffariya, started during the rule of the Qarā Qoyunlu dynasty (1351–1469) and was completed in 1465 during the reign of the Āq Qoyunlu[2] The famous Blue Mosque is widely recognized as the last remaining example of Turkmen architectural and decorative styles in the city. The features of Blue Mosque prompted the scholars to explore the innovative features of Tabriz's ceramic tile craftsmanship—highlighting its distinctive "blue-and-white" patterns, lusterware, and gilded cobalt tiles, which for a considerable time were recognized as the sole known example of their kind.[3]

vault corridors of Blue Mosque, Tabriz

The mosque was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1780,[4] leaving only the iwan (entrance hall).[5] Reconstruction began in 1973 by Reza Memaran Benam under the supervision of Iranian Ministry of Culture. However, it is still incomplete.

interior view of main hall, Blue Mosque, Tabriz, Iran
  1. ^ Miller 2021.
  2. ^ Aube, 2020.
  3. ^ Aube, 2016.
  4. ^ Melville 1981, p. 170.
  5. ^ Berberian 2014, p. 224.