Jame Mosque of Zanjan

The Jame Mosque of Zanjan, also known as the Seyyed Mosque, the Jame Seyyed Mosque and the Soltani Mosque, is one of the most important religious and historical buildings in Zanjan Province. It stands on the southern side of Sabzeh Meydan, in the heart of the historic district of Zanjan. This valuable complex was built in 1242 AH (lunar Hijri) by order of Abdollah Mirza Dara, a son of the Qajar king Fath-Ali Shah, and today it is regarded as the largest historic mosque in the city. Besides its religious use, the Jame Mosque of Zanjan was an important centre for teaching religious sciences, which is why a theological school (madrasa) was built next to it. The monument was inscribed on the Iran National Heritage list on 10 Ordibehesht 1342 under registration number 1056, and it is considered one of the most distinctive examples of Qajar-era architecture in northwestern Iran.

Architecturally, the Jame Mosque of Zanjan is a prominent example of the four-iwan mosques of the Qajar period. Its courtyard is rectangular, measuring roughly 48 by 36 metres, and symmetrical iwans on all four sides give the building its visual identity. Around the courtyard there are cells for religious students: 16 cells in the eastern and western iwans and 6 in the northern section. In the past, a pool stood in the centre of the courtyard, surrounded by lush flower beds, but it was later lost. Beautiful decoration, including haft-rangi (seven-colour) tilework, moaqeli tiles, banna'i brick lettering and floral motifs executed mainly in yellow and black, gives the iwans an eye-catching look. The main prayer hall (shabestan) lies behind the southern iwan and is covered by a huge double-shelled dome resting on thick piers, which looks striking with its turquoise tiles. An inscription of Surah Al-Insan (Dahr) in thuluth calligraphy is set on the dome and adds to its artistic value. The Hosseini Library is also located on the upper floor of the building, reflecting the educational and cultural role of the complex. The domed prayer hall, the historic cells, the Hosseini Library and the proximity to Zanjan's traditional bazaar make this complex one of the city's most valuable cultural and historical attractions.

The Jame Mosque of Zanjan is very easy to reach. It is located on Imam Khomeini Street, next to Sabzeh Meydan and the Qeysarieh Bazaar. Visitors can enter the complex via the Sabzeh Meydan pedestrian street or through the entrance connected to Zanjan's historic bazaar. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the weather is more suitable for strolling around Zanjan's historic district. When visiting this religious and historical building, respecting cultural norms, keeping the atmosphere calm, avoiding any damage to the valuable decorations and tilework, and not leaving litter are among the key principles of responsible tourism.