The historical mosques of Maragheh rank among the most distinguished examples of Islamic architecture in Iran, constructed over the city's long history, particularly during the Ilkhanid, Safavid, and Qajar eras. This article aims to conduct a typological study of these historical mosques, thereby highlighting the architectural value of Maragheh's heritage. The research employs a combination of library-based and field data collection, utilizing a descriptive analytical method to identify and classify the various mosque types. The findings reveal that the historical mosques of Maragheh exhibit significantly greater structural diversity compared to those in neighboring cities. The typology comprises two main categories: dome chamber mosques and hypostyle (shabestani) mosques. The hypostyle mosques are further subdivided based on structural systems into two types: those with arched ceilings and those with columnar supports and wooden flat ceilings. In terms of function, the mosques are classified into three groups: pure mosques, mosque schools (madrasa mosques), and mosque school tomb complexes.Most Maragheh mosques feature courtyards; however, in contrast to the mosques of central Iran, these courtyards are not centrally planned and play a subordinate role in the overall spatial organization. An exception is the Jameh (Congregational) Mosque of Maragheh, which originally functioned as a mosque school, though its valuable wooden hypostyle halls have unfortunately been demolished. Despite formal variations, the mosques share a common material palette: brick walls with modest brick ornamentation concentrated at the entrances and facades. The wooden columned mosques are distinguished by timber pillars with muqarnas decorated capitals and flat roofs, whereas the arched type mosques feature brick piers and vaulted ceilings. Plan analysis indicates that the local climate of Maragheh has significantly influenced the layout of these mosques. Moreover, unlike their wooden counterparts, the arched and domed mosques exhibit minimal decorative elaboration.
neghabi, M., mirzayi, S., rostami, Z. & musavi, S. (2026). Formal and Spatial Typology of the Historical Mosques of Maragheh. (e743869). Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment, (), e743869
MLA
neghabi, M., mirzayi, S., rostami, Z., & musavi, S. "Formal and Spatial Typology of the Historical Mosques of Maragheh" .e743869 , Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment, , 2026, e743869.
HARVARD
neghabi, M., mirzayi, S., rostami, Z., & musavi, S. (2026). 'Formal and Spatial Typology of the Historical Mosques of Maragheh', Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment, (), e743869.
CHICAGO
neghabi, M., mirzayi, S., rostami, Z. & musavi, S., "Formal and Spatial Typology of the Historical Mosques of Maragheh." Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment, (2026): e743869,
VANCOUVER
neghabi M., mirzayi S., rostami Z., musavi S. Formal and Spatial Typology of the Historical Mosques of Maragheh. CCAE. 2026;():e743869 (In Persian).