Recognition of the Process of Physical-Spatial Changes in the Ancient Shabestan of Jameh Mosque of Naein (analytical re-reading of the ceiling of the altar according to the new restoration

Jameh Mosque of Naein as one of the Shabestani mosques of the early centuries along with Jameh Mosque of Fahraj, Tarikhaneh Temple (Mosque) of Damghan and Early Jameh Mosque of Isfahan have always been mentioned by researchers in the field of architectural history of this country. This mosque is one of the magnificent and valuable buildings of Islamic architecture in Iran and has experienced extensive changes during its lifetime; and what is now provided to the observers of this building is different from what its original architects intended. The ancient nave of this mosque is one of the parts of this mosque that has experienced the most physical-spatial changes. Unlike the plastering decoration of the mosque, which has always been the focus of researchers in this field, the roof structures and the process of physical-spatial changes in this mosque are less considered. The objective of the present study was to recognize the altar (structure and architecture), study and analyze the process of physical-spatial changes in the ancient Shabestan and the effects of these changes on Jameh Mosque of Naein. The research method used is documentary and interpretive-historical. Also, while conducting in-depth interviews, it was attempted to analyze the data through documentation and objective observation. It should be noted that some documents used in this study have been published for the first time. The study results showed that the ceiling of the altar in the ancient Shabestan is of corbel type. In the 8th century AH, the height of this Shabestan changed and with the construction of the eastern and western counter ceilings, the height of its arches increased. Since then, as a result of this physical change in the Shabestan, the function of the visual effect of the altar to locate the direction of the Qibla has become weaker and damaged. The study results reduced the uncertainty in the field of the historical layers of this mosque, the parts that have been neglected so far.