JAME ATIQ MUSJID
JAME ATIQ MUSJID
- The city of Shiraz has always been extolled by historians and travellers for its beauty and charm. For travellers passing through the surrounding deserts and then reaching a city through which five rivers flow leading to an abundance of greenery in its surrounds, it was described as a mini paradise.
- The renowned 14th century traveller, ibn Battuta, said regarding this city that “there is no city in the East that can compare with Damascus in terms of the beauty of its souks, gardens, rivers and even the handsome features of its inhabitants, except Shiraz.”
- One of the main features of the city described by ibn Battuta was its Jami’ Musjid. The ancient Jame’ Atiq Musjid of Shiraz is one of the oldest Musjids in Iran and a relic of the days of the Saffarid rule. The Saffarids were Sunnis from the Sistan region which is found in present-day Iran and Afghanistan. The ruler Amr bin al-Lais began the construction of the Musjid in 875CE and ever since, it has captured the eye of many a traveller throughout its long history.
- The Musjid was the first religious centre in the city and thus had an important social and political role.
- He Musjid has six entrance gates the most famous of which is located at the northern section of the Musjid. The original structure used to have six iwans (portals) but nearly all have fallen victim owing to the numerous catastrophes it has witnessed during its life. It has therefore been rebuilt and restored many times.
