The muqarnas of the Shah Mosque and Fatima Masumeh Shrine, Iran

[littlemissmartypants]

Muqarnas is a three-dimensional architectural decorative element that flourished in its most complete form mainly during the Islamic period and is most pervasively used in domes and semi-domes. One of the key features of this mesmerizing element is its geometry which still remains a mystery and is a subject that required a deeper study by artists and art historians.
More...
https://www.worldhistory.org/Muqarnas/

The dimensionality is better visualized in this photo of the muqarnas vaulting in the iwan entrance of Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Atabki Sahn, Qom, Iran by the Iranian architectural photographer, Amir Hossein Pashaei, 11 July 2020.

The dimensionality is better visualized in this photo of the muqarnas vaulting in the iwan entrance of Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Atabki Sahn, Qom, Iran by the Iranian architectural photographer, Amir Hossein Pashaei, 11 July 2020.

— (@2diamondeyes.bsky.social) 2026-03-11T05:30:43.559Z

Decorative muqarnas vaulting in the iwan entrance of Fatima Masumeh Shrine in atabki sahn, Qom, Iran. This picture merged from 25 pictures. 5 frames and each frame contain 5 pictures with 5 levels of exposure. HDR + Panorama

Iranian architectural photographer
Amir Hossein Pashaei
11 July 2020

Muqarnas in the St. Petersburg Cathedral Mosque, Russia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Muqarnas/

The muqarnas of the Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, are a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

America and Israel of course are desperate to destroy this intricate beauty. #SolidarityWithIran

— Jenny Difficult-Frecklington-Jones #IStandWithPalestine🍉🍉 (@joneshowdareyou.bsky.social) 2026-03-11T03:59:10.593Z

The muqarnas of the Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, are a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

America and Israel of course are desperate to destroy this intricate beauty. #SolidarityWithIran

Hat Tip

cliffside
https://democraticunderground.com/10143630776
Strikes on Iran Damage Cultural Heritage Sites, Infuriating Iranians
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/world/middleeast/iran-heritage-sites-damaged.html?unlocked_article_code=1.SVA._l3R.7OYvoaHJM6jo&smid=url-share

[Deuxcents]

1. Beautiful. I thought historical/antiquities were off limits. But then,so are schools and hospitals so..I could be wrong

[littlemissmartypants]

2. They are definitely off limits. The damaged buildings with the muqarnas are

Unesco World Heritage sites. The Fatima Masumeh Shrine is part of a complex of three or four adjacent Unesco designated sites. It is over four centuries old.

The craftsmanship and materials, including glass, mirrors and marble, are exquisite.

So many tiny pieces put together for something that big blows my mind. I would have loved to see the work as it was being done.

Thanks for your reply, Deuxcents.

❤️

[Deuxcents]

3. Just looking at the pictures, I wonder about a few things..where did these materials come from..

How far did they know to search for them..who designed such masterpieces and how long would it have taken..how did they place them piece by piece to make sure they would be there and did they even conceive it would be still in place hundreds of years later or was that their intention? I cannot imagine how I would be able to take it all in if I were to ever see it in person. I’m sure I’d never be the same again!

I’ve been watching documentaries on the excavations in Pompeii and the frescos, mosaic tile floors and they, too, are wonders to ponder. The world and its many different cultures present and long past are treasures we can never get again. Thanks for your posts..an example of why I love it here 🌺

[brer cat]

4. Extremely interesting post, pants.

It is good to have you back posting. You were missed!