Tabriz's iconic 'Blue Mosque': A stunning treasure adorned with unique blue tiles

By Haydar Sahin

TABRIZ, Iran (AA) - The "Blue Mosque" in Tabriz, the capital of Iran's East Azerbaijan province, is a monument from the Karakoyunlu era and is one of the country’s most important historical buildings, famous for its unique blue tiles.

Though located in a busy part of the city, the mosque remains somewhat hidden from view. Upon entering through a door that separates the mud-brick wall facing the qibla, visitors are greeted by a large courtyard and the mosque’s distinctive walls and domes.

While the walls of the mosque, which has undergone several restorations over the years, may not retain their original elegance, the remaining sections still showcase exquisite craftsmanship that immediately captures attention. The original walls feature a mix of blue shades and black tiles, with some areas adorned with glazed bricks.

Unlike the horizontally laid bricks commonly used in its time and today, the Blue Mosque's walls are built with bricks arranged in pentagonal and octagonal star patterns.

Speaking to Anadolu, Mina Rencber, an expert from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, said the mosque is also known by the names "Jahan Shah Mosque" or “Masjed-e Moẓaffariya.”

Rencber explained that the mosque was built in 1465 by Sultan Jahan Shah of the Karakoyunlu dynasty for his daughter Begum Hatun. Because of its blue tiles, it became popularly known as the "Masjed-e Kabud" (Blue Mosque), with "kabud" meaning "sky-colored" or "blue."

While much of the tile decorations that started at the grand semi-dome entrance have been damaged over time, some tiles have been restored to their original form, with the remaining pieces standing as witnesses to their era, Rencber pointed out. He also mentioned that the mosque was severely damaged by an earthquake about 200 years ago, but much of it was rebuilt, including the dome, which was restored to its original height of 21 meters.

Rencber stressed that the Blue Mosque advanced Great Seljuk architecture, creating a link with Anatolian architecture, and that its dome structure, with connections between domes, resembles early Ottoman architectural works. He added that the large and gently rising main dome is surrounded on three sides by spaces with lower domes. Rencber also pointed out that under the dome on the qibla side, there is a tomb area with four graves, although the graves are empty.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Celik in Ankara