TEHRAN—Rolling countryside, thousands of domed structures flanked by brick minarets make recurring scenes of mosques straight ahead on a drive through Iran.

Architecturally speaking, few places can match the architecture of mosques in the ancient land. It is the mixture of geometric patterns, symmetry and vibrant colors that dazzles the eyes of visitors and locals alike.

Amongst the lesser-known ones is Mir Emad Mosque, known as Masjed-e Meydan by the locals, which stands tall in the ancient city of Kashan, central Iran.

The mosque, which is situated adjacent to a traditional bazaar, bears arrays of intricate plasterwork and arabesque decorations that embellish its modest architecture.

The date of original construction is not clear, however, the oldest inscription associated with the mosque is a prayer niche bearing the date 1226/623 AH.

According to Archnet, the historical place of worship is named after one of its most important patrons, Emad al-Din Mahmud Shirvani, who is named along with the reigning member of the Qara Qoyonlu, Khwaja Jahanshah, in inscriptions dated 1462-1463/868 AH and 1463-1464/869 AH.

The other popular name of the mosque, Masjed-e Meydan, comes from a large public square on which the mosque originally sat, now replaced by the smaller, modern square named; Meydan-e Feyz.

Some evidence suggests the mosque dates from the pre-Mongol era. There are other speculations based on remaining inscriptions that indicate that it was founded in its current form in the fifteenth/ninth century AH under the patronage of Emad al-Din.

Based on the latter speculation, the mosque underwent some renovations during the Safavid and Qajar periods thereafter.

Sprawling near a route that connects Tehran to the giant destinations of Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd, Kashan is, in fact, a gateway to many sights, stories, and surrounding attractive villages to discover. Amongst the highlights are the lavishly decorated houses of Brujerdi, Tabatabai, Ameri, and Abbasi.

Apart from cultural sites such as a domed bazaar, where travelers can find loads of Kashani traditions and souvenirs, Kashan is home to a UNESCO-registered garden, Bag-e Fin, which is believed to be the epitome of Eden.

Moreover, Kashan is highly famed for rosewater distillation ceremonies, which draw visitors from all over the country. Many believe traditionally distilled rosewater is of higher quality than that produced in factories, probably due to shorter time intervals between the harvest and distillation practices. Golab or rosewater is a fragrant distillate of Mohammadi roses, which is used in dishes to flavor them or consumed as a religious perfume as well.

In addition, Kashan embraces some archaeological gems. Most importantly, the Tepe Sialk yielded interesting pottery pieces, metal tools, and domestic implements made from stone, clay, and bone that date from as early as the 4th millennium BC.

The name Kashan is tightly bound to the UNESCO-designated Abyane, which is situated around 90 km in a southward direction. The ancient village is known for its gorgeous architecture, traditional clothing specifically from the inhabitants, and its old dialect of Persian that dates from the Sassanid era. Abyaneh is truly a living piece of history. Its people’s ways of life and traditions have survived almost unchanged for hundreds of years. It would be an unforgettable day trip for Kashan.

AM