Chehel Sotoun Mosque, Zanjan

The Chehel Sotoun Mosque of Zanjan is one of the most valuable religious and historical buildings in the city. It stands in the old fabric of the Zanjan Bazaar, along the Hojjat-ol-Eslam Passage, on the southeastern side of the Jameh Mosque of Zanjan. The mosque was built in 1284 AH (lunar Hijri) through the efforts of a prominent Qajar-era scholar, Molla Ali Gharpuzabadi, and in its time it was regarded as one of the most important theological seminaries in Iran. Its location within the historic Zanjan Bazaar complex adds to its cultural and social importance, so that besides its religious function the Chehel Sotoun Mosque is also considered part of the city's historical identity. For more than a century, this historic building, together with other valuable monuments of Zanjan, has told part of the region's scholarly and religious history.

The Chehel Sotoun Mosque has a spacious courtyard and a large prayer hall. Its most important architectural feature is that its arches and brick vaults rest on 32 thick, sturdy columns, which is why the building became known as Chehel Sotoun ("Forty Columns"). The mosque's architecture is influenced by the four-iwan pattern, and the cells of the religious students are placed on both sides of the building. The mihrab is decorated with beautiful geometric panelling and Moaqeli tilework, and its dados, with floral motifs and seven-colour tiles, make a striking sight that is characteristic of Qajar-era tile art. The historical inscriptions in the building also give valuable information about when it was built and about the restorations carried out in later periods. The peaceful atmosphere, wide prayer halls and authentic architecture of this mosque make it one of the most appealing religious buildings in Zanjan for those interested in history and architecture.

To reach the Chehel Sotoun Mosque, simply head to the upper part of the Zanjan Bazaar and the Hojjat-ol-Eslam Passage. The mosque is a short distance from the Jameh Mosque of Zanjan, and you can visit both buildings as one historical walk through the old part of the city. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when Zanjan's weather is more suitable for walking through the historic bazaar and visiting cultural sites. When visiting this valuable complex, keeping quiet and respecting the religious atmosphere, not touching the historical decorations and keeping the site clean are among the most important principles of responsible tourism, and they help protect this cultural heritage.