Part 11 There are two hundred mosques in Isfahan.Visits to three of them are therefore not superfluous all the more so since Imam, Sheikh Lotfollah and Jam-e Mosque differ considerably. The Jam-e Mosque is the oldest. The greater part of the present building dates back to the 11th century and to the beginning of the 12th. Changes and additions were made is subsequent periods.

The monument therefore illustrates the evolution of Iranian sacred architecture. Comprehensive restoration and clearing work around the building have been carried out during the past few years. The central courtyard is one of the largest in Iran: 65 meters by 67. In the center, a fine marble pool with generously festooned edges reflects in its calm waters the image of the four ivans.

The visitor's attention is usually attracted first to the western ivans because of its sandy color and the soberness of its decoration of small mosaic squares inlaid in the brick. The architecture of the apse is also differnt from that of the Safavid mosques: there are no padentives or complicated stalactites to overlaod the vault which is made up of large alveoles of very pure design.

This 18th century construction however is not the most remarkable. The southern porch opens up on a very wide and elegant arch, the proportion of its architrave, which is wider than it is high, are perfect but unfortunately two minarets which were subsequently added detract from its harmony. This layout, which is relatively rare, reflects a Mongol influence; the porch was built under the Timurid dynasty (Tamerlane's) in the 15th century.

The mosaics on its sides represent stars, rosettes, and very original stylized floral motifs. Generally speaking, blue shades predominate.