Goharshad Mosque

Goharshad Mosque is located in the city of Mashhad, in Razavi Khorasan Province, within the holy shrine complex of Imam Reza (peace be upon him). This magnificent mosque, one of the most important historical and religious monuments in Iran, was built in the early 9th century AH during the Timurid period, on the orders of Goharshad Begum, the wife of Shahrokh Timurid. Its location beside the Razavi shrine doubles its religious and historical importance and makes it one of the principal parts of the shrine complex. The mosque's architecture combines art, faith and Iranian-Islamic refinement, and it has kept its grandeur through the centuries.

Architecturally, the mosque is regarded as one of the masterpieces of the Timurid period, and it is especially famous for the great maqsura iwan, its turquoise mosaic tilework and its exquisite thuluth calligraphy inscriptions. The mosque's four-iwan plan is an outstanding model of Iranian Islamic architecture, one that later inspired many religious buildings. The magnificent dome, the spacious prayer halls (shabestans) and the artistic decoration create a spiritual yet artistic atmosphere that captures the attention of every visitor. Over the course of history, Goharshad Mosque has been damaged many times by natural and human causes. These include the damage caused by the earthquake of 1084 AH and the Russian bombardment of 1330 AH (lunar), which harmed the mosque's dome and iwans. After these events, the damaged sections were restored and rebuilt in various periods. The name Goharshad appears in mosaic tilework in two parts of the mosque: one above the silver door leading to the Dar al-Siyadah, and the other in the inscription of the maqsura iwan, written in the beautiful calligraphy of Baysonghor. Goharshad Mosque was built in the four-iwan style, and its architecture follows the Timurid manner. The architect of this valuable building is recorded as Master Qavam al-Din Shirazi, and the mosque's dome has been restored several times to date.

Goharshad Mosque can be reached through the various entrances of the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, and because it lies at the centre of the city's pilgrimage district, access is very easy. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when Mashhad's weather is pleasant and the crowds of pilgrims are more moderate. When visiting this religious and historical site, observing the etiquette of pilgrimage, keeping quiet, respecting the spiritual atmosphere and avoiding any damage to the historic decoration are important principles of nature-friendly and responsible tourism.