The Great Mosque of Herat consists of a four-iwan courtyard design which uses brick construction and blue and turquoise glazed tiles to create star patterns and calligraphic and arabesque designs on its exterior walls. The northern iwan leads visitors to the open courtyard which leads to prayer halls with vaulted roofs and domed chambers that experience changing light effects between outdoor brightness and indoor dimness. The mosque serves religious purposes through mathematical ornamentation which directs worshippers to prayer areas while displaying political and cultural power through its large tile decorations. The mosque maintains its status as a living heritage site through its traditional color scheme and geometric designs which were restored during the twentieth century.]]> Image 2: Creative Commons

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