Aqa Bozorg Mosque, a Brilliant Combined Construction

Aqa Bozorg Mosque, one of the most magnificent mosques of Iran, is located in the heart of Kashan’s historical district. The first thing that attract your attention on arrival is the symmetry of this structure. Besides simplicity, this mosque well depicts Persian art.

This mosque is the first Islamic complex of Kashan, served as a place for both worship and religious teachings. So, ordinary people and religious leaders showed up in this place.

It dates back to the 18th century, in the middle of the Qajar government. The construction of this mosque started in the reign of Mohammad Shah Qajar. Finally, it was completed at the same time as the crowning of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. The aggregation of the shabestan (prayer hall) with “Aqa Bozorg Mosque-School” demonstrates one of the most brilliant integrated constructions in Persian architecture.

Why was This Mosque Named Aqa Bozorg?

The construction date of Aga Bozorg Mosque coincides with the time that a great religious leader lived in Kashan. Mulla Mahdi Naraqi was one of the great leaders of the city. He passed away at the same time as his son was born. So, the son was named after his father. According to a custom in Kashan, if a guy dies in coincidence with the birth of his son, the son is named after his father. In order to avoid this similarity, the father was remembered as Aqa Bozorg (the great master) and the son was titled as Aqa Kuchik (the young master).

Once, Mohammad Shah Qajar traveled to Kashan and visited Aqa Kuchik, Mulla Mohammad Naraqui’s son. The king was astonished by the knowledge of Aqa Kuchik and ordered people to call him Aqa Bozog since then. In addition, he ordered on constructing a mosque and school in which he could teach.

The Architecture of Aqa Bozorg Mosque

Aqa Bozorg Mosque is a splendid ensemble of Persian architectural elements. It also houses different sections such as gate, hashti, central courtyard, and shabestan (prayer hall). It also features the windcatchers, considered as an architectural element of the desert climate. More to the point, you will admire tileworks, brickworks, stucco inscriptions, muqarnas, calligraphy, paintings, etc.

The Importance of Respecting the Elderly in the Architecture of Aqa Bozorg Mosque

It is an important part of Iranian culture to respect the elderly. This principle has been considered in the architecture of this structure. For example, there are two platforms in the entrance, known as “Pirneshin” (literally means the sitting place of the elderly). In fact, these platforms have been devised for the elderly to take some rest. In addition, all the aisles of the mosque have been designed in a way that no problem comes into being for old men and women.

The Inscription and Wooden Door of Aqa Bozorg Mosque

Entering the mosque, you will see an inscription on the gate. This stone inscription demonstrates that this mosque became tax-exempt by the order of Mohammad Shah Qajar. The ceilings have also been decorated with the art of muqarnas. In addition, the entrance door has 666 nails, which matches the number of Quran verses.

The Dome of Aqa Bozorg Mosque

The dome of this mosque has a unique attribute that is less applied in the other old mosques. This dome is located on eight large bases. This location is resulted cool air to move in the interior space of the mosque in the summer.

This dome is also considered one of the largest brick domes of Iran. Its height reaches 18 meters, and its perimeter is 50 meters.

Garden Pit, an Iranian Creativity to Make the Private Space of the School

Without any doubt, garden pit is one of the most important part of this mosque architecturally. It is usually applied in the design of constructions lying in dry and desert climates.

Garden pit is dug 1 meter beneath the central courtyard. In this way, not only are trees and flowers covered by shadow, but the soil required for construction is provided. In addition, the qanat is accessed so easily. That is why there is usually a pond full of water at the center of the garden pit.

The garden pit separates mosque and school, and provide the condition for students to live in the rooms around. So, they can have a privacy apart from the bustle of the mosque. The other reason for constructing this pit is to protect the building from earthquake. According to the historical documents, this building has been constructed on the ruins of a terrible earthquake.

Visiting Aqa Bozorg Mosque, One of the Iranian Masterpieces

Aqa Bozorg Mosque is one of the great sites you can visit on your trip to Iran. Featuring all aspects of Iranian architecture, this spectacular attraction is one of the Qajar-era masterpieces. In addition, the construction of the mosque and school have been combined with each other so beautifully.

To visit this mosque up close, join us in 1001 Nights Tours. We have considered many tours for visiting Kashan and this fantastic site. To know more about the details of the itineraries, click here. You can also click here, to read about the other attractions of Kashan.
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