Vakil Mosque Shiraz

Shiraz is one of the most famous tourist destinations, and every traveler leaves it with lots of joy memories. One of the most famous attractions in Shiraz is Vakil Mosque. This mosque was constructed in Karim Khan Zand period, with the best available materials.

Vakil Mosque Introduction

There is an old beautiful mosque on the western side of Vakil Bazaar, built by Karim Khan Zand in his era. The design of Vakil Mosque has a two-Shabestan plan and consists of two southern and eastern Shabestans with stunning architecture.

This mosque was registered on the List of national works of Iran on July 9, 1932 due to its architectural and historical value.

Vakil Mosque Shiraz Location

Vakil Mosque is adjacent to Vakil Bazaar and Taleghani Street in Shiraz. You will not have much difficulty finding public transport to access Vakil Mosque. Its location is near Shahrdari Square, one of the main and frequented squares in Shiraz, so it is very easy to access. The nearest metro station to the mosque is Zandiyeh Station and the nearest bus station is Shohada Square Station.

If you are driving your own car to Vakil Mosque, you should go to Shahrdari Square by Zand Street.

Vakil Mosque Shiraz History

In his reign, Karim Khan Zand built a magnificent and valuable building. This makes Shiraz, as his headquarters, one of the best places of the day. Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bath, and Vakil Bazaar are buildings known as Vakil Complex, which have been built in downtown Shiraz. According to the documents, the construction date of the mosque dates back to 1773 as the same time as the square building and bazaar.

Vakil Mosque Shiraz Architecture

Vakil Mosque Shiraz has always been one of the most impressive monuments in Fars province due to its unique architecture, magnificent inscriptions in Nastaliq, Naskh and Thuluth script and the variety of tiles. This admirable architecture is an example of Iranian architecture and shows a significant harmony between the artistic beauty and the religious culture of the people of that time.

Of course the simplicity of the images and architectural lines used in design and beautification should not be neglected. You will see a remarkable collection by observing various beautiful colors and vitreous enamels on the walls and different parts of this large mosque; a collection which according to Pierre Loti in his book Vers Ispahan, is compared to an azure turquoise color palace.

Taq-e Morvarid (Pearl Arch)

 In the northern part of Vakil Mosque, Pearl Arch is composed of two tiled minarets with 20meters height and 12meters diameter. At four parts of the Pearl Arch, there are three small arcades and a single Shah Toizeh. One of these arches is the entrance to the mosque courtyard and the other three arcs are the front-porches with 5meters width. The ceiling and columns of Pearl Arch are decorated with Haft Rang (seven-color) tiles and plant and Indian patterns. Also, the indoor dado is made of light marble, and the column dados on the left and right sides of the arch are made of marble Gandomak Stone.

Winter Shabestan

Back of the eastern porch, there is Shabestan consists of 4 entrances with 25meters length and 20meters width, known as Winter Shabestan. This Shabestan has a brick ceiling, situated on 12 identical pillars with an elevation of about 5meters.

We suggest you to visit this historic mosque when you travel to Shiraz.