Agha Bozorg Mosque

🕰️When was it built?

Building began under the Qajar king Mohammad Shah and was finished in the first years of Naser al-Din Shah's reign. It was paid for by Mohammad Taqi Khanban and his son. The forty-column northern prayer hall is probably older and was built on the remains of the Khajeh Taj al-Din complex of the 15th century (9th century AH).

🏛️What was it built for?

The mosque and school are named after Mulla Mohammad Mahdi Naraqi, known as Agha Bozorg, and were built for prayer and for the lessons of religious students. The complex stands next to the Khajeh Taj al-Din shrine on Agha Bozorg Street.

👀What you will see

• The domed chamber stands on eight massive piers; this design lets cool air move through the chamber in the hot desert summers.
• The sunken garden, with its large pool and flower beds, is the mosque's lower courtyard.
• The main entrance is a pair of carved wooden doors with geometric lattice work and studs; it is said the number of studs equals the number of verses in the Quran.
• Also look at the school's wind towers and decoration such as stucco, muqarnas and tiled vault patterns.

🎒Good to know before you go

• The building has little decoration and its beauty lies mostly in its proportions; look at the portal and the dome from the middle of the lower courtyard.
• Dress modestly, and at prayer time leave the prayer hall to those praying.