Inside the Entrance

Tilework Niche

As soon as one enters the mosque the softly lit corridor invokes a mood of reflection. The contrast between the strong light outside and the subdued light within, together with the intricacy and extent of the mosaic and haft rang tilework which covers almost every part of the interior catch you unawares and you fail to notice that you have been discretely turned 45 degrees to the left.

The workmanship of the tiler is quite unforgettable, and everywhere there are treasures like this little niche just inside the entrance which just catches the last of the outside light. The arabesque here reaches consummate skill and balance, the spiraling branches set with remarkable rhythm. Note the Chrysanthemum blooms at the top, which show the influence of Chinese cultural contacts.

The Architect of the mosque was Mohammed Reza who has left a tile with his name on to the left of the mehrab in the sanctuary, together with the date on which he completed his work, 1618. Arthur Upham Pope suggests that the Ostad Hossein of Isfahan from whom he claims descent may have been the same who signed his name on the mausoleum of Haroun Vilayat which dates from 1512.

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27-January-95