Every morning something magical happens inside the walls of a 19th century mosque in southwestern Iran.
When the rays of the rising sun reach the building (tiled in seven colors!) and pass through its magnificent stained glass windows, the interior of Nasīr al-Mulk is transformed into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope.
Stained glass windows are de rigeur in Christian churches and are frequently used in modern Jewish temples, but only appear in a handful of the world's mosques. According to photographer Ramin Rahmani Nejad Asil, they are standard in Iranian architecture and also common in Iranian mosques, used to beautify interiors and also protect against flying insects. Seeing the spectacular effects they produce, it's surprising they aren't standard issue in mosques everywhere!
Photographer Ramin Rahmani Nejad Asil grew up in Shiraz, in the shadow of this spectacular building. He began shooting it five years ago, attracted by the symmetry of the mosque's architecture, and the wild color play among its intricately tiled arches and spires, decorated walls, and richly patterned carpets.
“Seeing the mosque in different lights can completely change the appearance of the rooms. The light tends to reflect off the mosaic tiles. It’s simply beautiful,” said the 30-year old photographer.
If you can’t make it to this place known as The Pink Mosque at sunrise, experience it now through Ramin’s glorious pictures. All images are courtesy of Ramin Rahmani Nejad Asil, and you can contact him or follow his work via his Facebook page (link here).
