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.
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