Masjed-e Vakil

Shiraz


Begun in Karim Khan’s time, this mosque next to the tribal arts arcade in the Bazar-e Vakil has an impressive tiled portal, a recessed entrance decorated with Shirazi rose-pink tiles, two vast iwans, a magnificent inner courtyard surrounded by beautifully tiled alcoves and porches, and a pleasingly proportioned 75m-by-36m vaulted prayer hall. The distinguishing feature of the mosque, however, is the forest of 48 diagonally fluted columns that support the prayer hall, displaying a hypnotic rhythm of verticals and arabesques.

Other fine features include an impressive mihrab and 14-step marble minbar, carved from a monolith transported all the way from Azerbaijan. Much of the tiling, with its predominantly floral motifs, was added in the early Qajar era.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Shiraz attractions

1. Hammam-e Vakil

0.02 MILES

The vaulted central chamber of this Zand-era bathhouse features some fine plasterwork and candy-twist columns. A series of costumed mannequins illustrate…

2. Bazar-e Vakil

0.05 MILES

The city’s ancient trading district is home to several bazaars dating from different periods. The finest and most famous of these is the Bazar-e Vakil, a…

3. Pars Museum

0.12 MILES

The tiny but beautiful pavilion housing this museum is as much of an attraction as the fine collection showcased therein.

4. Bagh-e Nazar

0.13 MILES

This formal garden encompasses an octagonal pavilion, which is now home to the Pars Museum. Karim Khan once received foreign dignitaries in the pavilion,…

5. Bazar-e Nou

0.18 MILES

On the north side of Karim Khan-e Zand Blvd, this Qajar-era bazaar caters largely to local shopping needs but makes for an interesting stroll nonetheless.

6. Bazar-e Vakil (North)

0.19 MILES

The northern spur of its famous neighbour, Bazar-e Vakil, across Karim Khan-e Zand Blvd, this Qajar-era bazaar is fringed with shops along Zand Blvd…

7. Arg-e Karim Khan

0.22 MILES

Dominating the city centre, this burly fortress was built in the early Zand period and formed part of the royal court that Karim Khan hoped would rival…

8. Madraseh-ye Khan

0.22 MILES

Imam Gholi Khan, governor of Fars, founded this serene theological college for around 100 students in 1615. Over the years the building has been…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "iran/central-iran/shiraz/attractions/masjed-e-vakil/a/poi-sig/451433/361016",
      "destination": "Shiraz",
      "continent": "Middle-East",
      "country": "Iran",
      "city": "Shiraz",
      "position": "superzone"
    }