The rivalry between these two great figures even extended to the choice of Architect - they both employed the same one; but whereas Nizam al-Mulk employed the architect to restore an existing sanctuary, Taj Al-Mulk, or Abu'l Ghanai'im Al-Marzban ibn-e-Khusrau Firuz, to give him his full name, gave him a completely free hand to create something totally new. Nizam al- Mulk's dome inspires and even intimidates the visitor with is simple, straightforward, and even arrogant simplicity. the sense of power is implicit in the straightforward structures which it employs. This sanctuary, on the other hand, is a precursor of the Renaissance, setting numerical puzzles, appealing through elegance and proportion rather than massive presence and power.
When visiting each of the domes you cannmot help but compare the two men who sponsored them. Nizam, supremely powerful, a stern and intimidating personality, and his rival Taj, who appears to have been more subtle, and who in the end triumphed over his lifelong rival.
The dome here is shown from the outside of the mosque. Before examining the inside you may find it helpful to know a little of the design principles which the architect so carefully embedded into his work.
Examine the
Design.
Examine the
Chamber.
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08-February-95