Shah Mosque (Isfahan)

Isfahan, Iran

The royal mosque of Shah Abbas I on the south side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, considered the supreme masterpiece of Safavid architecture. Its tilework is among the finest in the Islamic world.

Historical Context

Shah Abbas I commissioned the mosque as the centerpiece of his new capital's ceremonial square. To speed construction, the builders pioneered the use of haft rang (seven-color) tile panels instead of the more time-consuming but traditional mosaic tilework (muaraq).