Golpayegan Juma Mosque

The Golpayegan Juma Mosque was built by Muhammad Tapar, the son of the Seljuk sultan Malik Shah. Only a small part, covered by a dome, has survived. The building took its present form when a courtyard and four iwans were added ta the building during the Qajar Dynasty.

The Golpayegan Juma Mosque is an example of the Iranian kiosk mosque plan. This type of mosque was reputed ta have been developed from Sasanian fire temples of the pre-lslamic period. Godard states that this type of building has a small section far worship and an independent minaret. it is thought that the community gathered around the mosque far worship. This viewpoint is not supported by Bemard O'Kane. According ta him, the domed room was surrounded by worship places with wooden pilfars. Gulam Hatemi has a similar hypothesis. Hatemi uncovered a column from the Seljuk period during the excavations carried aut in the courtyard.

Added ta the building in the Qajar period in the 19th century were two large iwans in the north and the south, two small iwans in the east and west and a small domed room behind each of the latter.

The domed bay with a square plan was constructed of brick. Side sections of the building are connected through an opening with three arches. Similarly, the iwan in the north is also connected through a door. There is a stucco mihrab, decorated with stalactites.

There are three kufic inscription bands, separated from each other by geometric motifs. There are openings on the sides. Comer squinches, decorated with stalactites, ensure the transition ta the dome.

The building's roof is straight on the outside and resembles a tent. There is a high drum with parallel sides, decorated with interesting elements, on the drum skirt.

There is a small, cylindrical minaret outside the building, behind the kibla wall. It has an octagonal base. It is decorated with flat turquoise glazed tiles.

The construction date of the building is written in an inscription on the skirt of the dome. The names of the benefactor of the building and its architect are mentioned. The inscription reads: "in the name of Compassionate and Merciful God (Kuran 9.18). Only those, who believe in God and the afterlife, who pray properly, who donate ta charity and fear only God will find the right way. This dome was made upon the order of Ebu Suca Muhammed Müminlerin, son of the righteous emperor, Great Sultan Melik Shah, Master of the great Shahs, Arabs and Iranians; by his assistant, poor lbrahim Baba Abdulmelik, son of Muhammed, son of Ebu Nasr lbrahim, who needs God's forgiveness."

Other inscriptions on the building indicate that the building was constructed at two different dates. First the domed bay with kiosk, named the Masjid, was constructed, followed at a later date by the courtyard and the sections with iwans.