Blue Mosque of Yerevan

Today we went out to find the Modern Art Museum and happened upon the Blue Mosque when its gates were open. What a treat our short walk in the gardens was--a tranquil and well-loved space with a rose garden and fountain.

Also known as the Iranian Mosque, it was built in the 1700s by Persians. During the 70+ years of Soviet rule, the building served as a museum but since independence it has reopened as a place of worship. 

The site is accessible through an iron gate, a four-sided garden bordered by tiled and brick buildings. The minaret rises off the corner closest to the large dome.

The tilework features beautiful blues, aquas and yellows with depictions of nature--birds and flowers--as well as Arabic script.

Along the sides of the garden are several arched spaces, but no washing facilities were in sight. One of the spaces holds a small but stunning display of Iranian works. These include miniature paintings as well as painted or glazed metal plates and vases.

Here are some closeups of the miniatures and the detail of the plates in the cases. As you can see the colors are quite vivid and the detail is exquisite.