Iran pushes for preservation of Blue Mosque of Yerevan
The Blue Mosque, as the only active mosque and the last remaining example of Iranian architecture in Armenia, welcomes hundreds of foreign visitors each day.
During a recent visit by Deputy Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism Minister for Tourism Affairs Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpey, Iran officially submitted a request to the Armenian government to launch a new phase of restoration for this significant historic monument. Also known as the “Jaame Mosque of Yerevan,” it is considered the most important Iranian heritage site in Armenia and, according to historical records, one of the few Islamic structures in the region built entirely with traditional Iranian brick architecture, according to chtn.ir.
The Blue Mosque, a prominent symbol of Iran’s historical and cultural presence in the Caucasus, stands out in Yerevan’s predominantly tuff-stone urban landscape as a building constructed entirely in the Iranian architectural tradition. In terms of style, layout, and decoration, it is regarded as one of the most significant Qajar-era structures located outside Iran’s borders. The mosque includes 28 chambers, a prayer hall, a central courtyard, and a large open plaza. While parts of it have been restored with hand-carved stonework, the main structure has retained its authentic Iranian architectural identity.
According to historical documents, Qajar-era travelogues, and archival materials in Yerevan, the mosque was built in the 18th century. After periods of deterioration, it underwent a full restoration in 2000 under Iran’s supervision, following a cultural cooperation agreement between the two countries. Iran has now submitted a new official proposal to Armenia to begin the second phase of restoration, focusing on the preservation and revitalization of the mosque’s architectural ornamentation.
Beyond its religious and architectural importance, the Blue Mosque holds strategic value for Iran’s cultural diplomacy. Estimates indicate that between 300 and 500 foreign tourists visit the site daily, making it one of the most-visited representations of Iranian culture outside the country.
Officials from Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts believe the Blue Mosque could serve as a designated center for promoting Iranian tourism attractions in Yerevan. Establishing an information hub offering brochures, maps, multimedia content, and travel itineraries could encourage foreign visitors to continue their journeys into Iran, contributing significantly to the growth of inbound tourism.