Shah Portal

The portal on the eastern side of the mosque has the humble appearance of the classical Seljuk style. Opening into the part of the mosque that remains in ruins, this is the portal the Shah used when he worshipped here. It had the same function as the portals known as the Sultan’s Portal during Ottoman times. The portal was made lower than the average human height as a reminder of man’s submission and lowliness and to emphasize that the Shah bowed to no one but Allah. However, the Sultan’s Portals were not designed to separate the ruler from the rest of the congregation but as a measure against would-be assassins. Above, to remind the Shah each time he entered, is an inscription that reads “All Property belongs to the Almighty and Only God, Allah” At first light, the silhouette of a woman wearing a crown appears.