Dashti Mosque

The Dashti Mosque, also known as the Dashti Jameh Mosque, is a renowned historical monument from the Ilkhanid period. It stands in the village of Dashti, part of South Baraan, on the southern bank of the Zayandeh Rud, about 18 kilometres east of Isfahan. Registered as number 347 on the Iran National Heritage list, it is one of the best-known historical buildings in the area, thanks to its proximity to Isfahan and its location along the route leading east out of the city. The mosque is attributed to the 8th century AH (Hijri lunar), although there are differing views about the exact date of its construction, and no inscription remains that states a definitive date or the name of its builder. Some studies place its construction around 725 AH (Hijri lunar), and its architecture also ranks it among the distinctive works of the Ilkhanid period.

The most important feature of the Dashti Mosque is its large brick dome, which is why the building is also known as the Dome of the Dashti Mosque. The main space of the mosque is a square chamber that leads to the entrance and iwan on the north side and to a brick mihrab on the south side. Its domed chamber, with eight large blind arches in the lower section and sixteen small arches in the upper section, gradually transitions into the circular form of the dome. The dome is about 9.8 metres in diameter, and traces of skylights and the sockets of old scaffolding timbers can be seen in various parts of the building. The mosque's mihrab once had stucco decoration, much of which is now damaged. Around the building there are also remains of structures that disappeared in later periods. A minaret from the Seljuk period stood beside the mosque until a few decades ago; it was later demolished and its bricks were reused in construction in the village. The simplicity of the brick facade, together with the proportions of the domed chamber, is among the features that set this building apart from the other historical mosques in eastern Isfahan.

To reach the Dashti Mosque, travel east from Isfahan and continue to the area of Dashti village, where you will find the mosque. Its position beside the road makes this historical monument easier to reach than many rural monuments. Spring and autumn, with Isfahan's milder weather, are the best times to visit and to wander around the mosque and along the banks of the Zayandeh Rud. When visiting, avoid entering protected areas without permission, touching or leaning on the historical walls and decorations, and any action that could damage the bricks or the structure of the building. If you explore the area around the river and the village, keep the environment clean and respect the natural surroundings and the local residents' homes.