Images of the spectacular ceilings that can be found in Iran and the mosques, mausolea, madrasahs and palaces they belong to.

These photos were taken on my overland journey from London to Beijing in 2019.

Shrine of Fatima Masumeh, Qom

This shrine is considered by Shia Muslims to be the second most sacred site in Iran after Mashhad. Fatima Masumeh was the sister of the eighth Imam after the Prophet Mohammed. In Shia Islam, women are often revered as saints if they are close relatives to one of the Twelver Imams.

Mausoleum of Oljaytu, Soltaniyeh

After conquering this region and converting to Islam, the Mongol general Oljaytu established a capital in the city of Soltaniyeh and constructed this massive mausoleum for himself in 1312. The turquoise dome and stylised Kufic calligraphy are similar to those found in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan.

The Blue Mosque, Tabriz

Fin Garden, Kashan

The garden was built under the reign of Abbas I of Persia and completed in 1590. It is the oldest extant garden in Iran.

Agha Bozorg Mosque, Kashan

Shah Mosque, Isfahan

In 1587, Shah Abbas became the ruler of the third great Persian empire and made Isfahan his capital constructing numerous palaces, mosques, gardens and bazaars soon after. The great Safavid ruler brought hundreds of Chinese artisans to Isfahan. The Shah (Royal) Mosque was perhaps the greatest architectural achievement of that period.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan

Built during the reign of Shah Abbas I, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was completed in 1619 and was for the exclusive use of the Royal family.

Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan

Ali Qapu Palace served as the official residence of Persian Emperors of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736). It was here that the Shah Abbas I used to entertain noble visitors, and foreign ambassadors.

Jameh Mosque, Isfahan

The origins of this mosque lie in the 8th century, but it burnt down and was rebuilt again in the 11th century during the Seljuk dynasty and went through remodelling many times. As a result, it has rooms built in different architectural styles, so now the mosque represents a condensed history of Iranian architecture.

The Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Yazd

The complex, which was built during the Timurid period in 1438, contains a mosque, a caravanserai, a tekyeh, a bathhouse, a cold water well, and a confectionery. Ceiling and surface design only viewable from a distance here.

Jameh Mosque, Yazd

The Jameh Mosque dates back to the 12th century although it was largely rebuilt between 1324 and 1365. Its minarets are the highest in Iran measuring 52 metres in height and 6 metres in diameter.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz

This mosque is known popularly as ‘the pink mosque’ due to large number of pink coloured tiles used to decorate it. It was built during the Qajar dynasty and completed in 1888.