The Role of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque’s Buttresses in Prevention of its Thrust and Reasons for its Recent Re-thrust

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the important mosques in Isfahan located on the east side of Naghshejahan Square. The mosque was built from 1602 to 1606 A.D. by Mohammad Reza Isfahani. The structural balance was damaged after the destruction of the school behind the mosque and later the existing bathroom and Turkish closet. Afterwards, in 1934-1938, the project to construct the buttresses began, due to the thrust movement in the north and north-west side of the mosque. Currently, deformation and movement can be observed, despite the presence of these buttresses which are examined in this research using field studies, a careful examination of the buttresses and vulnerability analysis in the area according to library studies. The results of this study verify the presence of ascending moisture caused by leakage of water and sewage pipes in the area as the main reasons for this damage. Therefore, replacement of pipes, foundation grouting and organizing the area are among the restoration project requirements.