SAEDNEWS: The Jameh Mosque of Nain is the grand, congregational mosque (Jāmeh) of Nā'īn city, within Isfahan Province of Iran.
Although the Jame Mosque is one of the oldest in Iran, it remains active today and is carefully protected by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization.
The mosque’s origins in Isfahan province trace back to the 8th century CE, but the complex as it stands today was built in stages over the centuries, resulting in a fascinating blend of architectural styles.
As one of Iran’s most historic mosques, it boasts a series of remarkable features: the stunning plasterwork above the niche, the intricate brick patterns surrounding the courtyard, and a mysterious underground chamber—thought to have once been a fire temple before the mosque was established.
Unlike many of Isfahan and Yazd’s famous mosques, this one does not have a grand iwan or a dome. Instead, a striking octagonal minaret, standing 28 meters tall, was added nearly 700 years ago, lending the mosque its distinctive silhouette.
Step into the courtyard, and fourteen columns rise around you, each decorated with a unique, intricate pattern of brickwork. Pay close attention to the alabaster stonework in the basement, which captures sunlight and reflects it in a soft, ethereal glow.
Inside, one of the mosque’s most exquisite treasures is the wooden marquetry pulpit, or menbar. The carpenter assembled its wooden pieces like a complex puzzle, forming organic geometric patterns that captivate the eye. According to a wooden inscription on its side, this masterpiece was created approximately 700 years ago.
Beneath the mosque runs an underground water channel, once used for ritual ablutions before prayers. A stairway connects this channel to chambers above the pool, integrating water and architecture seamlessly. The basement itself served as a prayer space during hot summers and cold winters. Remarkably, its temperature remains consistently moderate, rarely fluctuating more than 10 to 15 degrees. Interestingly, the basement wasn’t constructed with bricks or mortar—it was simply dug into the ground, making it an extraordinary example of practical and natural architecture.
