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Most Iranian mosques under the influence of Abbasid architecture were buit with an emphasis on the sanctuary space. However, during the seljuks Empire, in the elevnth century AD., a new trend of mosque design took place in four-iwan (four-porches) mosque concept. In this design four porches surrounded the main courtyard.
This article will review the reasons for such a change in the design of Abbasid mosques which resulted the new concept of Four-iwan mosque in the Iranian Islamic architecture.