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Construction of the Mosque began in 1611, before its completion around 1630

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Shah Mosque is a construction of a Persian landmark located on the south side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran

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The Mosque was built during the Safavid Dynasty, under Shah Abbas I, the Great.

The chief architect was Ali Akbar Isfahani

The goal was to make Isfahan a center of Islamic culture and art

served as a pivotal and important part of religious life

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19th century: Small restorations were done as the mosque showed minor signs of wear throughout the years

20th century: Restoration projects were undertaken to preserve the tile work and structure.

Post-1979 (Islamic Republic): The name officially changed from "Shah Mosque" to "Imam Mosque" following the Iranian Revolution

UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1979, the mosque and Naqsh-e Jahan Square were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The language primarily spoken in Shah's Mosque, and the official language of Iran, is Persian. The scriptural language mostly used is Arabic.

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While being constructed, the type of government in Iran was an absolute monarchy/ theocracy.

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Branch: Shia Islam

The Safavid dynasty, which made Twelver Shi'ism the official religion of Iran in the early 1500s.

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Over 99% of Iran's Population is Muslim

-Shia (Twelver)90–95%

-Sunni 5–10%

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The Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, is an important place for Muslims, especially those who follow Shia Islam. A few major festivals are celebrated there:

Eid al-Fitr – This happens after Ramadan ends. People come to the mosque to pray and celebrate after a whole month of fasting.

Eid al-Adha – Known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It remembers the story of Prophet Ibrahim and shows the importance of faith and giving.

Ashura – A very important day for Shia Muslims. It honors the death of Imam Hussein, and people gather for prayers and remembrance.

During Ramadan, the mosque is super active, with special prayers every night and people coming together to break their fast.

The Shah Mosque isn't just a pretty building — it's a big part of how people practice their faith and celebrate important events together.

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“Shah Mosque Muqarnas: Architectural Legacy of the Absolute Truth.” Encountering the Middle East: HONR 212B‑01H, Loyola University Chicago, spring 2001 digital exhibit, libapps.luc.edu/digitalexhibits/s/honr212spring01/page/giulianna-l2. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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A long time ago, Iran was home to the Persian Empire, and most people followed a religion called Zoroastrianism. But in the 7th century, Arab Muslim armies invaded during the Islamic conquest of Persia. Over time, more and more people in Iran started converting to Islam.

At first, most Iranians were Sunni Muslims, but in the 1500s, the Safavid dynasty made Shia Islam the official religion. They built beautiful mosques like the Shah Mosque and helped shape the country into what it is today — a Shia-majority Islamic nation.

So, through conquests, cultural changes, and government support, Iran slowly became an Islamic country.

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Shah Mosque, Isfahan. Iran E‑Negin Travel, irannegintravel.com, https://irannegintravel.com/iran-highlight/shah-mosque. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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Daniel, Elton. "Islamic Conquest of Persia." Oxford Islamic Studies Online, Oxford University Press, http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e1222. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.