| Vakil
Mosque
By
far the most impressive Vakil monument in Shiraz, the
mosque was completed in 17and re stored in 1825. It has
only two ivans instead of the usual four, on the northern
and southern sides of a large open court. The ivans and
court are decorated with typical Shirazi haft rangi
tiles, a characteristic feature of the art and industry of
Shiraz during the latter half of the 18th century .Their
gay color and floral designs attracted the admiration of
many famous travelers. and give a special charm to this
unusual building.
The large winter prayer hall (shabestan) behind the
soutivan is supported by a veritable forest of 48
monolithic pillars carved in spirals, each with a capital
of acanthus leaves. The minbar, or pulpit, in this hall is
cut from a solid piece of marble with a flight of 14
steps.
The mosque, like other Karim Khan Zand structure~, is so
solid that even after two violent earth quakes it stands
as firm and solid as ever. |