Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque at 12 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue is the only functioning mosque in Yerevan, Armenia, and a rare surviving example of Persian-style religious architecture in the capital. It was built in 1766 during the reign of Hussein Ali Khan, the Persian governor of Yerevan, and was restored in the late twentieth century with Iranian support. The complex is arranged around a quiet courtyard with a pool and trees, a cluster of former madrasa cells, and a library. The prayer hall is crowned by a large dome and a tall minaret, and the facade is covered in blue, turquoise and yellow tilework with geometric and floral patterns that give the mosque its name. Inside, visitors can see the prayer hall, carpets and calligraphy, and a small exhibition on Persian culture is housed in the complex. The mosque also serves as the Iranian cultural centre in Yerevan and holds Persian language and cultural events. A visit takes 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors should dress modestly: women cover their hair and arms, and scarves are lent at the entrance, while shoes are removed in the prayer hall. Opening hours reported by guides are split between a morning and an afternoon session, with closures for prayers and religious holidays, so visiting between 15:00 and 17:00 gives soft light on the tiles and a quiet courtyard. Entry is free and donations are appreciated. The mosque is within walking distance of Republic Square and is easily combined with the Vernissage market and the Kentron cafes.