This article does not tend to discuss the history of architecture, the methods of arch and dome construction or other technical aspects of the architecture of mosques and religious schools in the Iranian plateau. This has been properly done by prior writers. Instead, it deals with the essential common characteristics of this unique architecture that originated only in the Persian plateau and became popular there between the 12th and 19th centuries. Although these mosques vary in dimensions and details, they have the same classical attributes and essential factors.
In this research, I have chosen Isfahan Friday Mosque as an evident on the appearance of this architectural style, and also Isfahan Royal Mosque as the thorough, perfect example of such.
Isfahan Friday Mosque
This mosque was built by Abbasid rulers in the Arabic style. They would base their mosques on rectangular or square-shaped platforms and build the sanctuary (a hall with many columns) on it. The Seljuks renovated the mosque to a totally different shape, the way it looks today. Since then, this innovative style has been widely imitated — with slight differences in the details — in all the cities and important centres of the Iranian plateau. In this new style, the great number of columns in the main sanctuary is eliminated and replaced with another sanctuary, this time covered with a dome and looking to the courtyard through its entrance. I will name some of the most essential characteristics of this style here.
