Vakil Mosque

It’s not just any mosque, it’s one of the best. Vakil Mosque is one of the life-changing destinations in the world for those who want to get different experiences. Marvel at the gorgeous mosque of Vakil and immerse yourself in the eye-catching architecture of Persia!

It’s not just any mosque, it’s one of the best. Vakil Mosque is one of the life-changing destinations in the world for those who want to get different experiences. Marvel at the gorgeous mosque of Vakil and immerse yourself in the eye-catching architecture of Persia! The Vakil Mosque is one of the most remarkable monuments of the Zand dynasty and shines brightly like a diamond in the heart of Shiraz, due to its dazzling architecture. Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, and Bath are three monuments from the Zand dynasty, which create part of the city's identity.

As mentioned above, the Vakil Mosque was established in Shiraz, between the Vakil Bath and the Vakil Bazaar on Karim Khan Zand’s orders. This mosque lies in the western part of the Vakil Bazaar and located about 100 meters away from the Vakil Bath. The vastness of this mosque, along with the exquisite architectural features, has made it one of the most popular monuments in Shiraz.

• The architecture of the Vakil Mosque
  Vakil Mosque with an area over 11,000 square meters, adorable architecture, superb carvings, sculpted inscriptions to the Nastaliq, Naskh and Thuluth scripts, and its colorful tile works will be praised and appreciated by every visitor.
  At first glance, you will notice the tangible harmony between different parts of this mosque. It’s interesting to know that, the Vakil Mosque hasn’t any dome and designed in Razi, Azari and Isfahani styles (categories of Iranian architecture). This mosque has two Iwans (the entrance structure of traditional places), two southern and eastern Shabestan (a space like a chamber that can be usually found in traditional places), entrance gate, courtyard, Mihrab (a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque), and Marble Minbar (a pulpit in the mosque). Although the entire mosque has an impressive design, three magnificent vaults are something special and rarely seen in the world.

• Entrance Gate

The entrance to the mosque is in the vicinity of the fencing market. This entrance has two doors with high of 8 meters. Just pick up your head so you'll be amazed at the beautiful ceiling painted with tiles from flowers and beans, and the beautiful Kofic line. After passing through the entrance you will enter into a hall composed of eight sides.

• Northern Iwan or Morvarid Vault (pearl vault):
  On the northern side of the Vakil Mosque, there is a long and spectacular Iwan that consists of two tiled Minarets, with a height of 20 meters. The ceilings of the Morvarid Vault are covered with seven-color tiles in which it was decorated with ornamental designs. In the inner part of the vault, the rocks that are mounted at the foot of the wall are lightweight marble.

• Southern Iwan:
  The Southern Iwan is located in the southern part of the Vakil Mosque, opposite the Morvarid vault. This Iwan is decorated with stone carvings and covered with seven-color tiles and mosaic tiles on the walls.

The high value of the art of pug (Vitreous enamel) is not overlooked by anyone. This art is seen everywhere in the Vakil Mosque, and you will not see any part of the wall without a pug. Pink and red and green colors have added to the magnificence of this mosque.

But, one of the enchanting parts of this mosque is its pillars. 48 amazing pillars that were skillfully carved and bring glory to this mosque. In addition to beauties, these pillars are responsible for maintaining the vast roof of the Shabestan.

• What is the best time to go?
  Due to the arid climate of the Yazd, the weather is hot in summer and cold in winter. So the best time to get there is Autumn and Spring.
  • Below, you will find information about the Vakil Mosque working hours:
    • In Spring and Summer -  8 AM to 8 PM.
    • In Autumn and Winter – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
  •  The Vakil Mosque is close in the following days:
    Tasu'a, Ashura, 21st Ramadan The martyrdom of Imam Ali, The death of the Prophet, Imam Khomeini's death, 25th Sha'al of the testimony of Imam Ja'far Sadiq.
  • The entrance fee to the Vakil Mosque is about 150.000 IRR for foreign visitors.

• Getting there?
  In order to access the Vakil Mosque, you can use public transportation and choose one of the following ways:
  • Bus: Ride the buses that stop at the Shahdari Square and the surrounding area.
  • Metro: Take yourself to the Namazi Square Station and get to the Shahdari Square by bus or taxi. You can also take the Zandieh metro station and reach the mosque by walking.