Unlocking Isfahan's Secrets: Is This Mosque a Palace in Disguise?

The primary enigma revolves around the Hadji Mosque's original purpose. Conventional understanding identifies it as a Safavid-era mosque. However, this investigation challenges that assumption, suggesting the mosque's initial function was not religious but possibly a Safavid pavilion, later adapted into a mosque through the addition of the southern nave, the 'Shabestan'.

The study points to several clues. The original nucleus of the Hadji Mosque shares similarities with Safavid pavilions like Hasht-Behesht, including platform construction and open arches, creating 'spatial clearness.' Furthermore, inconsistencies in the design of the southern nave suggest it was added later, altering the building's original form and potentially its function. The absence of the southern nave in the original design, along with discrepancies in form, scale, and shape proportions compared to the northern nave, further supports this argument.

The southern nave, or 'Shabestan,' is crucial because the study suggests it was added later, indicating a modification of the original structure. The absence of this feature in the initial architectural blueprint, along with design disparities compared to the northern section, indicates it wasn't part of the initial plan. The first-story spaces are also ill-suited for typical mosque functions. The addition of the southern nave might indicate a transition from a different initial purpose to religious use.

The investigation utilized a combination of meticulous field observations and rigorous library research. Detailed examination of the mosque's architectural features, design elements, and historical context was conducted through on-site observation. Simultaneously, thorough research of available documents was undertaken to understand the broader historical context and identify any supporting evidence or historical precedents that could help redefine the Hadji Mosque's original purpose.

By questioning the conventional identification of the Hadji Mosque and proposing an alternative interpretation, the study promises to unveil a hidden layer of Isfahan's architectural heritage. The re-evaluation of the mosque's original purpose—potentially as a Safavid pavilion—challenges existing assumptions and encourages a more nuanced understanding of architectural evolution and adaptation within the historical context of the Rouydasht region near Isfahan. This detailed exploration of structures such as the Hadji Mosque prompts a deeper understanding of the existing documents and provides valuable insight into the historical depth of the Iranian landscape.