Kashan, the city of pure rosewater and magnificent historical houses has so much to offer to its visitors. From the stunning rosewater distillation to architectural masterpieces like Fin Garden and astonishing historical houses and mosques. One of the greatest mosques in Kashan is Meydan Mosque; Persian call it Masjed-e Meydan which means Meydan Mosque and the name Meydan comes after its location being close to a square. Right across the Kashan Bazaar in the southern part of Sang-e Ghadimi Square, you can find this beautiful mosque.
History of Meydan Mosque
The history of the mosque is somehow unknown. There are various sayings and evidence about the history of this mosque. One of the main pieces of evidence for supporting its history is an ancient inscription in the mosque’s Mihrab dating back to 1226 AD. It supports the idea that the primary structure goes back to the Seljuk Period. During that time, due to being in the vicinity of one of Kashan’s gates, it held a strategic position. Meydan Mosque functioned as a spot for social and religious meetings.
Studies of the inscriptions in the mosque show public instructions dating back to the 15th to 18th centuries; mainly belonging to Qajar, Safavid, and Qara Qoyunlu kings. The topics were mostly about people’s everyday lives and how they dealt with a wide range of subjects like merchandising goods, the maintenance of people’s welfare, the importance of farming, eradication of cruelty, and banning illegal acts like gambling. These issues were of high importance among people on those days and these inscriptions were of great help to balance people’s lives and fairly pass laws among them.
The Beauties of Meydan Mosque
Known also as Miremad or Emad Mosque, it had lofty Iwans, a magnificent domed sanctuary, a large courtyard, and a basement chamber (known in Persian as Howz Khaneh). Unfortunately, various groups destroyed the primary building. But they renovated it so many times after that.
Not only is it of high historical importance, but also Masjed-e Meydan has architectural significance as well. The structure dates back to the Seljuk Dynasty. Unfortunately, Mongols have demolished the structure. They rebuilt it 250 years later. The name Emad Mosque comes after Khajeh Emad al-Din who rebuilt the mosque after Mongol’s intrusion.
Same as pre-Safavid buildings, the dome of the mosque has a squat shape; it is made of bricks. The Menbar in the sanctuary is more than four meters high; green tile mosaics are the decorations of Menbar. Not to mention the magnificent Mihrab dating back to 1226. Al Hasan ibn Arab Shah has signed the Mihrab. Unfortunately, in the 20th century, it got stolen and was taken to Europe. Now you can find it in the Museum of Islamic Arts in Berlin. The outstanding tile works of the Mihrab shocks and amazes all visitors. Eye-catching paintings and calligraphy are the ingenious decoration on this building. Unfortunately, the Minaret was destroyed due to the earthquake in 1778.
Khajeh Emad al-Din’s tomb, who is the founder of the mosque, is also near Meydan Mosque.
Kashan is one of the chief tourist attractions of Iran. It has a variety of natural, historical, and religious sites for visitors. During your visit to Kashan, do not miss going to Fin Garden, Maranjab Desert, Silak Hills, Abyaneh Village, and Tabatabaei House. We highly recommend you to make your visit during May and June to enjoy the beauties of the landscape and the fragrant festivals. It is a great time to enjoy both the pleasant weather and get a chance to get deeper in Kashan’s culture by participating in their events and festivals. While visiting Kashan, do not miss trying their pure and one of a kind herbal drinks. These can also be a perfect souvenir for your loved ones.
In case you have visited Meydan Mosque, we would be happy to hear your experience or question in the comments below.
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