TEHRAN – The UNESCO-registered Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, also known as Atiq Mosque, is set to undergo further restoration and maintenance projects.

On Monday, Isfahan’s tourism chief Amir Karamzadeh announced the allocation of governmental funding for three key restoration projects at the ancient mosque, CHTN reported.

Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, with a history spanning over 1,280 years, holds the distinction of being the first mosque in the Islamic world to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, he said.

Karamzadeh added: “While significant restoration work has been carried out in recent years, particularly in 2023, the massive extent and ancient age of the mosque mean that further preservation efforts are still required.”

In a recent meeting at the mosque's World Heritage Base, an estimated budget of 30 billion rials (some $50,000) was approved for three restoration initiatives, the official said.

These include the restoration of the dome above the Khorsravi Prayer Hall, improvements to the lighting system in the mosque's main courtyards, and the restoration and waterproofing of the roofs on the mosque’s western side, Karamzadeh explained.

He said that technical experts are currently finalizing restoration plans, and the work is expected to commence in the coming days.

A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan is one of Iran’s most iconic historical and religious sites, attracting both worshippers and tourists.

Jameh Mosque of Isfahan has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, drawing visitors from around the globe to admire its artistic and architectural wonders.

UNESCO has it that the mosque can be seen as a stunning illustration of the evolution of mosque architecture over twelve centuries. The complex, covering more than 20,000 square meters, is also the first Islamic building that adapted the four-courtyard layout of Sassanid palaces to Islamic religious architecture.

Soaked in a rich history and culture, Isfahan was once a crossroads of international trade and diplomacy in Iran. Now, it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good reasons. The ancient city is filled with many architectural wonders, such as unmatched Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards.

AM