Vakil Mosque

Vakil Mosque in Shiraz was built in the late 18th century under Karim Khan Zand as the principal mosque of his capital. It forms part of the larger Vakil complex that includes the Vakil Bazaar and Vakil Bath.

Key features are the large rectangular courtyard, the tiled iwans and a monumental prayer hall notable for a regular array of carved columns (traditionally counted as 48) that support the roof and create an ordered interior space. Decorative tiles and carved plasterwork are important visual elements throughout the complex.

The mosque was commissioned by Karim Khan as part of his urban improvements in Shiraz and has been restored and conserved in subsequent centuries to maintain its historic fabric.

The mosque sits adjacent to the Vakil Bazaar in central Shiraz, within the historic core that was developed as Karim Khan’s administrative and commercial district.

• Date and patron: Constructed during the Zand period under Karim Khan Zand in the late 18th century as part of the broader Vakil complex that includes a bazaar and bathhouse.
• Columns: Famous for the mosque's prayer hall which contains 48 carved columns supporting the roof; the design emphasizes timber and stone carving typical of the period.

What to See #

• Main prayer hall and courtyard: A large prayer hall dating to the late 18th century featuring a forest of carved columns and richly tiled iwans surrounding a central courtyard.
• Entrance portal: The monumental northern portal with decorative tilework and inscriptions that fronts the mosque onto the surrounding bazaar district.