Pamenar Mosque

Pamenar Mosque in Zavareh is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city of Zavareh, in Ardestan County, Isfahan Province. It stands in Pamenar Alley, in the historic quarter of the city. The original mosque dates to the Seljuk period and the 5th century AH, and according to historical accounts, a Sasanian-era fire temple stood on the site before Islam arrived in Iran. The mosque is famous above all for its historic minaret, which was built in 461 AH by order of Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ibrahim. A brick inscription in Kufic script on the body of the minaret records the name of its founder and the date of construction. Pamenar Mosque was registered on Iran's National Heritage list on 12 Esfand 1315 under number 284, and it is regarded as one of the most important historical and religious monuments of Zavareh.

The minaret of Pamenar Mosque, about 20 metres tall, is one of Iran's historic inscribed minarets, and in terms of age it holds a special place after the minaret of the Saveh mosque. It stands on the southern side of the mosque, and its brick body is decorated with a Kufic inscription. The features of Seljuk-era art can also be seen in the mosque's architecture, including its arches and iwans, brick ornamentation, delicate stucco work and arabesque motifs. The original building had several mihrabs, one of them oriented toward Jerusalem and the others toward Mecca. Over time part of this structure was altered and some of the old sections of the building were lost. What remains of the mosque today includes the courtyard, iwans, prayer hall and mihrabs with historic decoration. In the past the complex was also known as the Bonkuyeh Mosque of Zavareh and the Musalla of Imam Hasan (AS).

To visit Pamenar Mosque, head to the city of Zavareh in Ardestan County and follow Pamenar Street and Pamenar Alley in the historic quarter. Spring and early autumn, with their milder weather, are good times to visit this historic building and wander the old neighbourhoods of Zavareh. During your visit you can take a close look at the details of the minaret's Kufic inscription and the mosque's brickwork and stucco, and then go on to other nearby attractions such as the Jame Mosque of Zavareh, the historic bazaar, Sang-Bast Castle and the Neyri Hasht Behesht House. Given the building's historical value and age, it is best to avoid touching the decorations and fragile parts, and to respect the peaceful atmosphere of this place of worship.