The present research investigates the authenticity and probable date of execution of the dated inscription in the central part of the mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia. At first glance, the date 676 AH inscribed on the inscription attributes its origin to this period. However, this research begins by posing the fundamental question of whether the current inscription is the same original inscription belonging to the 13th century CE (7th century AH) or whether it was reconstructed in later periods based on an older inscription that was likely damaged or destroyed. The main objective of this research is to determine or refute the authenticity of the dated inscription of the mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia. This article will analyze the mihrab inscription of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia using an analytical-historical approach and drawing upon fieldwork and artistic and historical analyses. The results of field investigations and observations of the stucco decorations in various parts of the dome chamber of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia indicate that the inscription in the central part of the mihrab, executed in 676 AH, was sketched and recorded during the Safavid period (likely). Subsequently, the inscription in question was completely destroyed (and possibly some reinforcement work was done on the underlying layer), and then the same original text that had been sketched was transferred onto a new stucco base and the stucco work was carried out. In fact, the construction date of the mihrab is indeed 676 AH, but the inscription under discussion was executed in the late Safavid period. The final section of the inscription, related to Surah Al-Fath, also dates from the restorations of this period. A noteworthy point in the intervention is that the text of the inscription was reconstructed exactly to ensure that the construction date of the mihrab and the artist who created it would not be forgotten. In essence, during a certain period (likely Safavid), a stucco master executed the dated inscription of the mihrab and the final section of the Al-Fath inscription using a specific type of stucco, a particular processing method, and a distinct cutting technique, which differ from the Ilkhanid and Qajar sections.
