Sepahsalar Mosque is one of Tehran’s most architecturally distinctive religious complexes, built in the late 19th century during a period of reform and institutional change. Unlike earlier mosques, it was conceived as a planned ensemble, combining a mosque, madrasa, library, and courtyard spaces into a unified civic and educational complex.
Architecturally, the mosque blends Iranian mosque traditions with Ottoman influences. It is organized around a large rectangular courtyard surrounded by arcades and teaching rooms, emphasizing symmetry and clarity of movement. The prayer hall is crowned by a large central dome, while eight slender minarets, an unusual feature in Iranian mosque architecture. Rich tilework, calligraphy panels, muqarnas details, and carefully proportioned iwans reinforce its ceremonial character without overwhelming the space.
Slightly removed from Tehran’s busiest streets, Sepahsalar Mosque remains active today.
