Jomeh Mosque

Jomeh Mosque, also known as the Jame Mosque of Ardabil, is one of the most important and oldest historical religious buildings in the city of Ardabil, in Ardabil Province, and has played a central role in the region's history and religious culture. Located in the Pir Shams al-Din neighbourhood in the old part of the city, this historic mosque preserves the remains of one of the principal mosques of the early Islamic centuries in northwestern Iran, and it stands alongside earlier remains such as fire temples from the Parthian era. Jomeh Mosque is inscribed on Iran's National Heritage List and is regarded as a symbol of Ardabil's religious architectural heritage and historic communities.

The construction of the building is attributed to the Seljuk period (around 800 years ago), although its foundations were laid on pre-Islamic structures, and it was restored and rebuilt over time in later periods, including the Ilkhanid era. The original mosque was far larger than what remains today and included a courtyard, an iwan, a magnificent arch and many other spaces, parts of which were destroyed by invasions, earthquakes and the passage of time. What we see today includes sections of the iwan, the domed chamber and a cylindrical brick minaret, which recalls Seljuk architecture. The historical inscriptions on the mosque's minaret show the art of brickwork and traditional Islamic architecture, and archaeological research at the site has helped clarify its historical and structural dimensions.

To reach Jomeh Mosque, visitors can head from the centre of Ardabil towards the Pir Shams al-Din neighbourhood, which lies in the old historic quarter of the city and is easily accessible on foot or by public transport. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and strolling through the historic alleys and the mosque grounds is more enjoyable. While visiting this historic site, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism and to respect the historic fabric, including not touching or damaging the structures, keeping the site clean and following local guidelines for preserving cultural heritage.