Marandiz Jame Mosque

The Marandiz Jame Mosque is one of the historic buildings of Marandiz village in Bajestan County, Razavi Khorasan Province, about 37 kilometres northeast of the town of Bajestan. The core and original structure of the building is attributed to the Ilkhanid period. A study of its different parts shows that it was altered and restored in later periods as well, including work attributed to the 11th century AH. Covering roughly 600 square metres, the mosque was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 17 Mordad 1383 under registration number 11056. Its location in Marandiz village and its continued use throughout the historical periods show its importance among the religious architecture of the Bajestan region.

The mosque consists of a courtyard, an iwan, a qibla area and a domed prayer hall (shabestan), and in terms of architectural pattern it belongs to the group of single-iwan mosques. The maqsura iwan is one of the most important parts of the building, and its covering is formed with a vault and ribs (tavizeh). At the far end of this iwan, delicate plaster rasmi-bandi (geometric plasterwork) has been executed, and some of the decoration consists of painting in ochre colour and rows of plaster qatar-bandi (stalactite-like tiers). The combination of this decoration with the structure of the iwan and the courtyard gives the interior of the mosque a distinctive character. The plan and some decorative elements of the Marandiz Jame Mosque resemble those of buildings such as the historic Khaf Mosque, the Rashtkhar Mosque and the dome of the tomb of Qutb al-Din Haydar, and these similarities show the architectural link of this building with the historical architectural traditions of eastern Khorasan.

To reach the Marandiz Jame Mosque, drive northeast from the town of Bajestan and, after about 37 kilometres, you will arrive at Marandiz village. The mosque is located within the village and is accessible by road. Spring, especially when the vegetation and the surrounding plains turn green, is a better time to travel to this part of Razavi Khorasan, although for visiting a historic building, pleasant weather in other seasons can also be suitable. When visiting, please keep in mind the religious function of the building, stay quiet and dress appropriately, and avoid touching the plaster decoration, the walls or the fragile parts of the building, or causing any damage to the site. Keeping the village clean and respecting the residents' living space are also part of responsible tourism in this area.