Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

　　Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is situated on the eastern side of Imam Square in Isfahan. It was constructed during the reign of Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty, with construction beginning in 1603 and completed in 1618. Unlike other mosques in Iran, this mosque was built as a private place of worship for the royal family. For this reason, it is relatively small in size and has no minarets.

　　The dome of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is covered with light green tiles, which make it stand out even more. When it was first built, Westerners had no knowledge of the mosque’s existence and certainly did not enter to pray. It was not until several centuries later that the mosque was opened to the public, allowing ordinary people to come and worship. One of the most unique features of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is the peacock mural located in the center of the dome. If you stand at the entrance of the inner hall and look up at the middle of the dome, you can see an image of a peacock whose tail is formed by the sunlight streaming through the ceiling — a dazzling sight.

　　Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque Must-visit reason: The most distinctive mosque in Iran Continent: Asia Country/Region: Iran Province/State: Isfahan Province City: Isfahan