Majid Jahan
Photography

The Blue Mosque (or Masjid-e Kabud) on the north side of Imam Khomeini Avenue, is a 15th-century structure destroyed by one of Tabriz's recurrent earthquakes. Despite showing a sorry ruin, it was recently restored with the utmost skill. Because of the blue tiles used in the decoration of both interior and exterior of the mosque, it has become to be known as the Turquoise of Islam.What remains of the mosque is a witness to its earlier grandeur and splendor. Completed in 1465 by Nimatullah ibn Mohammad Bavvab, architect of Prince Jahan Shah Torkman Salimi (of the Qara Qoyunlu rulers) even today its Timurid tile work (main entrance) with a blue-on-white inscription band of mosaic tile in Riqa' calligraphy is of a magnificence rivaling that of the Sanctuary of Mash had, as well as a remarkable aspect of the new techniques, designs and wider range of colors used here.