Sheik Lotfollah Mosque poster – Isfahan, Istanbul, Turkey travel poster
Immerse yourself in the captivating artistry of the Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque with our stunning Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque poster. Discover the mosque’s intricate design, the mesmerising “peacock” dome, and its rich history, perfectly captured for your home.
The ceiling of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque stands as an extraordinary masterpiece of Islamic architecture and decorative art, renowned globally for its breathtaking beauty and intricate design. This magnificent artistry is the very focus of our wonderful Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque poster, bringing the awe-inspiring details directly into your home.
The Dazzling Dome: A Celestial Spectacle
This Sheik Loft-Allah poster is based on a photograph taken by Phillip Maiwald of the interior side of the dome, in 2008. The mosque’s dome, a true architectural marvel, is one of the few single-shell domes from the Safavid era. Measuring 13 metres in diameter, its structure is a sophisticated interplay of three levels. From the floor, four pointed-arched squinches, framed by a beautiful inscription band in white and blue, ascend to support sixteen kite-shaped shields. These, in turn, hold the drum, comprising sixteen elegant arched panels.
The drum itself is exquisitely ornamented with alternating double-grille windows, each boasting a mesmerising arabesque pattern. Look up inside, and the interior dome reveals a spectacular sunburst design, from which medallions inscribing floral motifs cascade downwards, growing larger as they recede from the centre. The exterior of the dome is adorned with a stunning arabesque of white, blue, and black floral motifs against a vibrant yellow background.
One of the most unique characteristics, and a true highlight of any Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque poster, is the “peacock” at the centre of the interior dome. Stand at the entrance gate of the inner hall and gaze upwards: the sun’s rays, filtering through the ceiling, magically form the tail of a majestic peacock, an unforgettable illusion.
The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque: A Jewel of Isfahan
Throughout its illustrious history, this mosque has been known by many names, each reflecting its profound impact. Junabadi referred to it as the “mosque with the great dome” (Masjed-e qubbat-e ’azim), while the contemporary historian Iskandar Munshi lauded it as the “mosque of great purity and beauty.” This rich heritage is what makes an Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque poster so much more than just a picture.
The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (Persian: مسجد شیخ لطف الله, Masjid-i Shaykh Lutfallah), a magnificent Shi’ite mosque, is gracefully situated on the eastern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran. It stands as one of the quintessential architectural masterpieces of Iranian design, conceived and brought to life during the Safavid Empire. Construction began in 1603 CE and was completed in 1619 CE.
Inside the Dome of the The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
The interior of the dome is a testament to ingenious design; its decoration subtly guides the eye upwards towards its centre, as rings of ornamental bands, replete with intricate arabesque patterns, diminish in size, drawing you into its heart. This visual journey is wonderfully captured in any quality Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque poster.
The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, completed in the distinctive Safavid style, was a pivotal architectural undertaking within Isfahan’s maidan. Its prominence stems from its strategic location, graceful scale, innovative design, and lavish ornamentation. Notably, this mosque was intended for the private use of the royal court, distinguishing it from the public Shah Mosque. This exclusivity explains its lack of minarets and smaller stature, and why few Westerners during the Safavid era had access or even knew of its existence.
The mosque was formally named in 1622 after Shaykh Lutfallah Maysi al-‘Amili (d.1622), a revered religious scholar and teacher who resided on the site at the behest of Shah ‘Abbas. Robert Byron, in “The Road to Oxiana,” eloquently described it: “I know of no finer example of the Persian Islamic genius than the interior of the dome. The dome is inset with a network of lemon-shaped compartments, which decrease in size as they ascend towards the formalised peacock at the apex…”
Sheik Lotfollah Mosque poster
Our Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque poster is a wonderful souvenir, destined to hold a special place for anyone who has ever visited this captivating mosque or the vibrant city it stands in, whether on a day trip, weekend break, or longer holiday. It’s a wonderful reminder of Isfahan’s unique atmosphere and a way to bring a touch of Iranian flair to your home.
This Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque poster would be a perfect addition to your office, living room, snug, or kitchen, sparking conversations and igniting memories of this iconic Iranian mosque. Order your reproduction Isfahan Lotfollah Mosque poster today!
