“Pink mosque (Nasir al-Mulk):”

The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Shiraz, dating back to the Qajar era. It is located in a neighborhood that once belonged to the Qavam family, and several historical monuments from that period are situated there. Today, this beloved mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Fars province of Shiraz and enjoys great popularity among both domestic and international tourists.

History of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque:

The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque was built by the order of Mirza Hasan Ali, known as Nasir al-Mulk, who was a prominent figure in the Qajar dynasty. The mosque’s architecture was the work of Mohammad Hasan-e Memar. The construction period spanned about 12 years, from 1293 to 1305 Hijri Qamari (Islamic lunar calendar). The foundation of the mosque covers an area of 2,212 square meters, and its total area is 2,980 square meters. The restoration, preservation, and maintenance of this magnificent and valuable building, following international standards for the restoration of historical monuments, began years ago by the Nasir al-Mulk Endowment under the supervision of Mr. Mahmoud Ghavam and the management of Mr. Kourosh Javidi Parsi and continues to this day.

In the “Farsnama-ye Naseri”, one can find references to the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.

In terms of the solidity of its foundation, stone plinths, and stone columns, as well as its shabestan (underground hall), pool, and courtyard, it is similar to, and perhaps slightly larger than, the Meshir al-Molk Mosque, with some recent modifications added that have enhanced its beauty.

In the book “Athar al-Ajam”, this mosque is also mentioned and its spaces are described.

The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque was registered as number 396 in the list of Iran’s national heritage sites by the Iranian National Heritage and Archeology Association in the year 1358 (1979 AD).

The architecture of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque:

The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque features a large courtyard located on the north side of the mosque. This valuable complex includes several different sections, each showcasing architectural artistry in its unique way.

Head to the entrance of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque:

The entrance features a large iwan (vaulted space) whose ceiling is adorned with seven-colored tiles. The iwan’s plinth is made of wheat-colored stone, and the entrance iwan showcases beautiful muqarnas (stalactite vaulting) work with seven-colored tiles. The mosque’s entry doors are two large wooden doors, above which, on marble, a poem by Shurideh Shirazi commemorates the mosque’s builder and the year of its completion.

The wastern part of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque:

The mosque has two shabestans (underground halls) — eastern and western — which, unlike the usual practice due to the building’s orientation towards the Qibla, are situated along the Qibla axis. The western shabestan has a brick covering and is more elaborately decorated and beautiful. The arch of this shabestan rests on stone columns with a spiral design. These columns are arranged in two rows of six, totaling twelve, symbolizing the Twelve Imams. Additionally, this shabestan features seven portals that connect it to the mosque’s courtyard through seven wooden and stained-glass doors. This shabestan is referred to as the winter prayer hall.

In front of this shabestan, there is an iwan (a vaulted space) 6 meters wide that is separated from the courtyard by eight arches and has seven brick piers. On these piers and on the facades of the arches, Quranic verses and floral tilework motifs are inscribed.

The eastern wing of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque:

The stone carving and decoration of this shabestan are inspired by the Vakil Mosque and the Moshir Mosque of Shiraz and are made from a single piece of wheat-colored stone. The arches and walls of the shabestan are adorned with beautiful tilework, featuring floral motifs, arabesques, and several Quranic verses in exquisite Thuluth calligraphy. The floor of the shabestan is decorated with turquoise tiles, and the floor of its mihrab, which is situated lower than the rest of the shabestan, is made of marble. The squinches between the transitions in the shabestan have a slight rise. This shabestan is actually considered the summer prayer hall.

In this shabestan, there is a door that opens to a water well. This passage is referred to as a “cow well” or “gav-chah.” Additionally, in this location, there is a small pool and a corridor. The eastern shabestan has now been transformed into a Waqf Museum. In the northern corridor, there are stone inscriptions on which the following poem is beautifully inscribed in Nastaliq script:

The purpose is a design that remains from us, for I see no permanence in existence,

Except perhaps a compassionate soul one day mercifully prays for the masters.

At the end, the names of Mohammad Hasan Memar and Master Mohammad Reza Kashi-paz, who were among the architects and builders of the structure, are mentioned, along with the start date in 1293 Hijri Lunar and its completion in 1305 Hijri Lunar.

The mosque has two iwan (porches), the northern and the southern, which are not alike, with the northern iwan being more beautiful than the southern one. The northern iwan features three half-domes on three sides, and it is open to the courtyard from the fourth side. The central dome is a tall arch, known as the “Pearl Arch.” Quranic verses and hadiths are inscribed on the walls of this arch, and the date 1299 Hijri Lunar is noted on its left side. Additionally, this iwan includes four chambers, and its central ceiling is adorned with muqarnas (stalactite vaulting) and the creation of five domes. Wooden elements have been integrated into the brickwork of this arch to prevent seismic vibrations.