ABSTRACT
The Maidan-i-Shah, built by Shah Abbas I of Persia between 1599 and1627, is considered one of the most superb examples of Islamic architecture and urban design. It has attained this status because it is an overall complex that linked many functions into a unified whole and with unparalleled proportions, subdued architectural language and taut spatial composition (Herdeg 1991: 13). Though ostensibly a royal polo ground, the Maidan unified the Shah’s mosques, bazaar, gardens and palace into a distinct whole. As it unified buildings and spaces, it also brought together streets and alleys leading to different parts of Isfahan. To the south is the Majid-i-Sah mosque while to the north is the bazaar through which is the street leading to Isfahan’s Friday or great mosque. On the Maidan’s east is the Sheik Lutfullah mosque across from which is Ali Qapu, the former pavilion that also marked the former entrance to the royal palace and gardens.
