Blue Mosque of Tabriz is reminiscent of Qara Quyunlu monarchy. This mosque is located in Imam Street, between Khaqani Street and Mansur Crossroad in the city of Tabriz, West Azerbaijan Province.
The unique characteristic of Blue Mosque is the color of ultramarine of its tiles. Combined with the colors of its bricks, the color palette of this mosque has given to it the title Firuzeh (Turquoise) of Islamic World. Another reason for the popularity of this mosque is its mosaic faience works. The builder of Blue Mosque is Muzaffar al-Din Jahan Shah ibn Yusuf, one of the rules of Qara Quyunly.
Blue Mosque was only one part of Mozaffarieh complex, which in past included school, mosque, monastery, library and many other buildings, as well. But today from the great complex of Mozafarieh, only the mosque is remaining.
Even though Blue Mosque was gravely damaged by the earthquake of 1158 SH, many of its details and fine ornaments in gold can be seen on its ceiling.
Blue Mosque, also known as Goy Machid by local people of Tabriz, have long received the attention of travelers and tourists. One of the most famous travelers who have mentioned this mosque in their notes are Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, the famous French explorer, and Madam Jane Dieulafoy, who travelled to Iran with his husband to conduct archeological expeditions.
The chaotic and ruining conditions of Blue Mosque continued until the end of Qajar era. It was during the first half of Pahlavi dynasty that a council for the protection of historical monuments and artifacts of Iran was established.
Blue Mosque of Tabriz has been built according to the principals of Azari School of architecture. This structure has two domes, the main and the southern. Each of them has been positioned on a large and smaller Sahn. In addition to these domes, seven small domes have been built over the prayer hall and entrance pathways. The main Sahn of the mosque is located underneath its dome. The crypt is positioned in the south of the small Sahn. It is believed that the two tombs located in the crypt belong to Jahan shah and his daughter.
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