Blue Mosque, Tabriz

The Blue Mosque (Persian: مسجد کبود, romanized: Masjed-e Kabūd), also known as the Masjed-e Moẓaffariya and as the Kabood Mosque, is a former mosque and mausoleum complex, in a partial ruinous state, partially preserved as a museum, located in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. The construction of the former mosque started during the Qarā Qoyunlu dynasty and was completed in 1465, but the mausoleum extension south of the mosque was completed later during the reign of the Āq Qoyunlu, into the 1480s CE. The former Blue Mosque is widely recognized as the last remaining example of Turkmen architectural and decorative styles in the city. The features of the former mosque prompted the scholars to explore the innovative features of Tabriz's ceramic tile craftsmanship—highlighting its distinctive "blue-and-white" patterns, lusterware, and gilded cobalt tiles, which for a considerable time were recognized as the sole known example of their kind. The former mosque was added to the Iran National Heritage List in 1932, administered by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran. The mosque was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1780, leaving only the iwan (entrance hall). Reconstruction began in 1973 by Reza Memaran Benam, under the supervision of Iranian Ministry of Culture. However, as of March 2025, the reconstruction was incomplete. In November 2024, it was reported that the Blue Mosque was one of several historical mosques that were submitted by the Iranian Government to UNESCO, for inclusion on the World Heritage List.