Spiral pillars
Rope-carved stone.
Hamidimehr7100 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sajjadtiger — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Amir Ziadloo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sajjadtiger — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mostafameraji — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Vakil Mosque is a large mosque in Shiraz, west of the Vakil Bazaar by its entrance, about 400 metres in a straight line from the Arg of Karim Khan. It joined Iran's National Heritage List in 1932. It was built between 1164 and 1187 AH in the Zand era and restored in the 19th century under the Qajars. «Vakil», meaning regent, was the title of Karim Khan, founder of the Zand dynasty, who ruled from Shiraz and endowed many buildings there, this mosque among them. The mosque covers 8,660 square metres and has two iwans instead of the usual four, facing across a broad courtyard 65 by 60 metres. The prayer hall's great feature is its 48 massive stone pillars carved in rope-like spirals beneath arches, while bright floral tiles cover the iwans. This is a place of worship, so dress modestly, women cover their hair, and avoid prayer times. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Iran and warns that British nationals risk detention, so check official guidance before making any plans. We could not confirm the current state of this site.
Rope-carved stone.
65 by 60 metres.
Bright floral designs.
West of the Vakil Bazaar, Shiraz, Iran
Arg of Karim KhanThe Arg of Karim Khan, or Karim Khan Citadel, is a fortress in central Shiraz bu5 minutes walk
Nasir al-Mulk MosqueNasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is a Qajar-era mosque in th9 minutes walk
Tomb of HafezThe Tomb of Hafez, known as Hafezieh, is a memorial to the great Persian poet Ha22 minutes walkThe title of Karim Khan, founder of the Zand dynasty.
Modest dress; women cover their hair.