Isfahan's Shah Mosque: Important Iranian site damaged in restoration

Isfahan is one of the key tourist destinations in Iran

A 17th-Century Iranian mosque hailed as an architectural masterpiece has been damaged during restoration work, officials have admitted.

The Shah Mosque in Isfahan is regarded as possibly the most beautiful In Iran and is part of a United Nations World Heritage site.

But in recent pictures, one side looks uneven, while its distinctive flower patterns do not match.

Officials acknowledged the defects, but said they could be rectified.

The work was "not yet finished", said the restorer, Mehdi Pakdel.

Mr Pakdel blamed problems with the scaffolding used, as well as challenges posed by the height of the 54m (177ft) dome.

The mosque was built during what is known as the golden age of Isfahan, the third-biggest city in the country.

With its striking bright blue and yellow patterned tiles, it is a magnet for Muslim worshippers and tourists from inside and outside Iran.

"Supervisors and restorers realised there was damage, especially in the upper part of the dome," said Alireza Izadi, head of heritage for the city, according to state media.

"We are going to replace the dome tiles, because the weight of the scaffolding has damaged their edge," he added.

Some of the designs on the restored tiles do not match

One of the dome's sides looks uneven