Al-Nabi Mosque of Qazvin

Al-Nabi Mosque, also known as the Soltani Mosque or the Shah Mosque, is located in the city of Qazvin, in Qazvin Province. The mosque was built in 1166 SH (1887 CE) by order of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar and covers an area of about 14,000 square metres. According to the inscriptions in the mosque, Fath-Ali Shah Qajar is named as its founder, but there is also evidence that a mosque existed on the site in the Safavid era. The architect of the building is said to have been Ustad Mirza Shirazi. Because of its historical and cultural value, Al-Nabi Mosque was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 30 Khordad 1337 under registration number 390, and it remains one of the major attractions of this historic city. This monument reflects the union of art, history and spirituality in the heart of Qazvin, and attracts travellers and those interested in Iranian culture.

Al-Nabi Mosque of Qazvin has a four-iwan layout, and its double-shell dome with an inner diameter of 15 metres is one of the building's most outstanding features. The courtyard is surrounded by four large iwans and has spacious prayer halls. Seven-colour tilework, ma'qeli (geometric Kufic) tile decoration and muqarnas plasterwork at the entrances give the mosque a distinctive character. Besides its historical value, the mosque is a place of worship where worshippers gather for Friday prayers.

To reach Al-Nabi Mosque in Qazvin, head from the city centre towards Imam Khomeini Street. The mosque stands on the southern side of this street, close to the Qazvin Bazaar. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant for sightseeing. Visiting hours are from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM in spring and summer, and from 8 AM to 5 PM in autumn and winter. Please practise responsible travel here: keep quiet, do not damage the historic features and do not litter.