Blue Mosque, a Survived Story Teller of Great Times
The sapphire of Tabriz and a must-see attraction among museums, Bazaar and historical houses!
Blue Mosque (aka Kabud mosque) in the city of Tabriz in north western parts of Iran, the Tourism Capital of Islamic Countries in 2018, and once the capital of the country for many decades, shines like a sapphire in the city and tells the story of hundred years of the city being hand to hand between Iranians and Ottomans. It was constructed in 1465 and the delicately designed and glazed mosaics were the best of their kind in its era.
Blue Mosque is located on Imam Khomeini Avenue, at a really at-hand location near Azerbaijan and Iron Age Museums. The first thing that raises questions is that there are no minarets for this mosque. The reason is a very powerful earthquake in 1773 which almost turned the whole city and the mosque into dust except the main entrance hall. So now this part and some interior ones are the only true untouched survivors. What remains today of Blue mosque of Tabriz is a witness to the earlier greatness and majesty. Blue Mosque is also known as Turquoise of Islam due to the blue tiles used in the decoration of both interior and exterior of the mosque.
No one knows why, but the restoration was not done even for an inch of it for over 150 years. After this long halt, the restoration process started around 80 years ago and the main structure of the mosque was restored again. However, you should face the entrance hall to witness the once excellent external tile work. The inside and outside restoration process is still in progress even nowadays. Today, some of the missing and damaged tiles are displayed in the back of Blue mosque. You will know the philosophy of the name when you enter the mosque and see the remaining and restored blue tiles. The intricate calligraphy inside is also eye catching.
The king who ordered building of Blue mosque and made Tabriz the capital of the kingdom was Jahan Shah the ruler of Kara Koyunlu dynasty (1374 to 1468). He was killed and buried inside the Blue Mosque which is on the parts of the mosque that survived the earthquake. The remaining of the tomb can be visited nowadays.
Tabriz Blue Mosque is also remarkable for its simplicity and great size as well and while astonished with the unique architecture and history of the place, some uniquely placed windows which let the sun beams come in, allow photography enthusiasts to capture some amazing combinations of shadow and light. A great help to seize the moments of majesty in the photos. All these make Blue Mosque a must-see attraction in Tabriz.
While in Tabriz, you can also visit Historic Bazaar Complex of Tabriz, Azerbaijan Museum, Constitution House of Tabriz, Amirnezam House and so many other attractions. Just Contact Marcopolo Iran Tours via incoming@iranmarcopolo.com for more information on tours including Blue Mosque or other historical attractions in Tabriz.
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