Shafei Jameh Mosque is one of the historical mosques of Kermanshah, constructed in 1945 for the Sunni population. This building is connected to the Kermanshah Traditional Market (Tarikeh Bazar) on one side and Javanshir Square on the other. The implementation of the Islamic architecture style of Ottoman mosques in Turkey is one of the distinctive features of this building, making it one of the most-visited Kermanshah tourist attractions.
Architectural Style and Features of Shafei Jameh Mosque in Kermanshah
In the past, there was a pilgrimage inn in the place of this mosque. In 1945, a group of Sunni benefactors under the leadership of the late Haj Mullah Seyyed Hossein Masoudi acquired the land. Then, the mosque building was constructed in the place of the said pilgrimage inn.
This mosque area stretches over an area of about 1060 square meters. The main structure is made of metal, and the roof is built in barrel vault style. Taq Zarbi (barrel vault) is one of the oldest types of roof construction popular in Iran, especially in the city of Yazd.
In addition, the exterior facade of this mosque is made with white travertine stone, which has created a beautiful sight. Travertine is a type of sedimentary rock that is hollow and used for decorative purposes that is mined from hot springs. The pores in travertine and other sedimentary rocks result from trapped gasses emitted from hot springs.
Shafei Jameh Mosque has a large dome and semi-domes, an old minaret, and two simple metal minarets in golden color. The two mentioned minarets stand at a height of approximately 9 meters and are located on the south side of the mosque, on top of the endowed building. The old minaret is located adjacent to the mosque. The mentioned minarets are slender with pointed spires.
In this mosque’s interior are women’s and men’s Shabestans (prayer halls), a library, a shoe storage area, and a pantry. The main prayer hall is on the north side of this building. This prayer hall has 5 columns in different sections.
Features of Mosque’s Mihrab and Elegant Decorations
The mihrab (altar) of this mosque is located on the south side of the main prayer hall. This altar has white marble decorative elements. Black marble is used on the edges of the altar, which looks pristine.
Among other decorations in this mosque are the decorations of the interior facade and plasterwork. All these parts are embellished with Quranic verses.
In addition, this building has inscriptions written in Tughra script. Stunning paintings and stout columns are among the other decorations of this mosque.
The decorations of the high vault of Shafei Mosque are one of its prominent features. Also, the interior lighting of this mosque is provided through the windows all around the interior facade. The lighting creates a very beautiful sight at noon when direct light shines through the windows.
Famous Sunni Mosques in Iran
In general, the Sunni population has many mosques throughout Iran. There are 9 active mosques in the capital, including Sadeghiyeh Mosque, TehranPars Mosque, Shahr-e Quds Grand Mosque, Persian Gulf Mosque, Al-Nabi Mosque, Haft Jouy Mosque, Wahidiya Mosque, Nasim Shahr Mosque and Razi Abad Mosque.
In addition to the capital, there are Sunni mosques in other cities of the country for Sunni religious gatherings. Tabriz, Isfahan, Ahvaz, etc. are among these cities.
There is a mosque called “Mil Li” in Tabriz dating back to the Afsharid period. During the past centuries, this mosque has been a place of unity for Shiites, Sunnis, and Kalimis. The mosque’s building has been demolished and needs to be renovated. Reconstruction plans for this mosque, which is a symbol of the peaceful coexistence of different religions, can be a valuable move toward cultural unity.
Visit This Unique Sunni Mosque in Kermanshah
This Sunni Mosque in Kermanshah attracts many tourists with the allure of its stunning architecture. The interior and exterior facades of this mosque create a magnificent sight with their beautiful decorations. Therefore, if you are traveling in search of magnificent buildings and are interested in visiting mosques with classic architecture, we suggest visiting the Shafei Jameh Mosque.
Whether you travel to Kermanshah on Iran tour packages or personally, do not miss visiting the Sunni mosque. Destination Iran aims to introduce the tourist attractions of Kermanshah and invites you to visit the Shafei Jameh Mosque.
Where is the Shafei Jameh Mosque in Kermanshah?
Shafei Jameh Mosque is located in Kermanshah, Taleghani Square (Javanshir), Javanshir Blvd., and in the direction of the Kermanshah market. You can see the exact location of this mosque below:
Frequently Asked Questions About Shafei Jameh Mosque
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What are the characteristics of Jame Shafi’i mosque architecture?
The architecture of this mosque is an imitation of the Islamic architectural style of Ottoman Empire mosques in Turkey. The main structure is made of metal, and the roof is made in barrel vault style. The mosque has a main dome and large semi-domes, an old minaret, and two simple metal minarets that are slender with pointed spires.
The high vault of Shafei Mosque is decorated with unique plasterwork and embellished with beautiful inscriptions.
How old is the Shafei Jameh Mosque of Kermanshah?
This mosque was built in 1945, in an area that used to be the site of a pilgrimage inn.
What are the segments of the Kermanshah Shafei Grand Mosque?
This mosque has a rectangular courtyard and two women’s and men’s prayer halls.
The main prayer hall is located on the north side and is decorated with a mezzanine with five beautiful columns. The mihrab (altar) of the mosque is located on the south side of Shabestan.
A shoe storage area, library, pantry, and service areas are other segments of the mosque. A new building has been built next to the mosque where congregational prayers are held.
