Persian Design at the Jameh Mosque – Yazd, Iran


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Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Audrey Scott

Yazd, a historically Zoroastrian town and a sort of desert outpost that took in people fleeing persecution and wars in other parts of the country, is one of our favorite cities in Iran. Its old city is almost entirely built in brown-red adobe clay, helping to blend it into the surrounding desert landscape and to keep its building interiors cool.

Ones eyes adapt to this mono-color, after which the bright turquoise and intricate Persian Islamic design in the Jameh Mosque will make you feel like you've put on 3-D glasses. Gaze at the mosque's designs long enough and they'll dizzy you, pull you in and play tricks on your eyes as you try to discern the calligraphy, symmetry and symbolism buried within.

Inside the Jameh Mosque in Yazd, Iran
Fisheye view from inside the Jameh Mosque (Friday mosque) in Yazd, Iran.

Take a look around the almost 900-year old mosque, focusing your attention on the patterns of the mihrab, a semi-circle niche that indicates the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. From 1365, it's considered one of the finest mihrabs in all of Iran.

Finally, look up and check out the rooftop and lose yourself in the stars of the dome. Enjoy!


Disclosure: Our trip to Iran is in cooperation with G Adventures as Wanderers in Residence. We paid our own transport to and from Iran, some expenses on the ground and for an additional one week private tour. As always, the opinions expressed here are entirely our own.

Our experiences above were from the G Adventures Discover Persia Tour. If you plan to book this or another tour with G Adventures, please consider starting the process by clicking on the ad below. The price stays the same to you and we earn a small commission that helps us continue to share stories like this. Thank you!


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About Audrey Scott
Audrey Scott is a writer, storyteller, speaker and tourism development consultant. She aims to help turn people's fears into curiosity and connection. She harbors an obsession for artichokes and can bake a devastating pan of brownies. You can keep up with her adventures on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And you can learn more about her on the About Page and on LinkedIn.

21 thoughts on “Persian Design at the Jameh Mosque – Yazd, Iran”

  1. @Oliver: It was always difficult for our guide to pull us away from the interiors as the design and detail was just amazing. Every time we looked we saw something new and it dazzled the eyes. Glad you enjoyed it as well!

    @Rebecca: So true. The craftsmanship and dedication to do this is incredible, esp. when you consider that most of this was built and created pre big machines.

    @Corinne: Hope you have another opportunity to visit Iran – it is a fascinating place. And, I hope it will become easier for travelers to visit. The train between Iran and Turkey is wonderful (read more here: https://uncorneredmarket.com/iran-turkey-train/)

    Reply
  2. Going to Iran is so on Jim’s and my list. We almost crossed the border from Turkey a few years ago, but at the last minute just didn’t. This mosque is gorgeous!

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  3. Beautiful post and picture! I would love to go to Iran or other islamic countries, I love the food, the decoration, the arquitecture… but I have fear. What is your experience? Thanks

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  4. So much detail in such a wonderful building. The full panorama is quite dizzying but proves a fantastic way to take in this interesting interior

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  5. @Oscar: We spent three weeks traveling around Iran and even as Americans we didn’t have any trouble and had a great time. What is it that you fear about traveling in Iran or the Middle East?

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  6. @Amit: You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

    @Blaz: Great to hear from you!! Yes, there is a similarity in design in Iran as to what we saw in Samarkand and Bukhara. And I hear you on wanting to pack your bags to go 🙂

    @Fatima: Thanks for your comment. We’ve written quite a bit on our travels in Iran and how we were welcomed by Iranian people. The media doesn’t do a good job sharing these types of stories. You can see more of our experiences in Iran here: https://uncorneredmarket.com/travel/iran/

    Reply
  7. I’m an Iranian,Iran is a very safe.Unfortunately the western media of Iran is a good advertising do not.Iran is a fascinating country and the people are friendly,Women and girls are particularly beautiful.
    I’m glad to know you

    Reply
  8. This is a gorgeous panorama! Yazd itself sounds magical, but for now I’ll just read about it, as I refuse to visit Iran for personal reasons, due to a certain law it has.

    Reply
  9. salam,I am iranian.i read about your tour in iran. i invite you for you travel to kashan.kashan is big city from iran.kashan has very beauty old house.boroujerdy house, tabatabaee house,fin garden & …
    i hope that see you soon in my great city kashan

    Reply

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