Jameh

Jameh is a term used in Persian and several Arabic-influenced languages that denotes a congregational or central gathering place. In Persian, the adjective form jamé (جامع) means congregational, comprehensive, or universal, and it is commonly attached to the names of mosques and institutions that serve as major community hubs.

In Islamic architecture, Masjid-e Jameh, or Jameh Mosque, refers to the principal mosque in a city designated for Friday prayers and large communal gatherings. The best-known example is the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, a historic complex that reflects multiple architectural periods and styles. Other cities in Iran and the wider region have Jameh Mosques as well, such as those in Yazd and Qazvin, which contribute to regional architectural traditions and urban life centered on the mosque.

Beyond religious buildings, Jameh can appear in personal names or place names within Iran and Persian-speaking communities, reflecting the same root meaning of gathering or inclusiveness. The word is transliterated in several ways—Jameh, Jamé, or Jamee—depending on language and orthography.

Overall, Jameh functions as a culturally and architecturally significant term that highlights central, congregational functions in cities and communities. Its usage spans religious, historical, and onomastic contexts, illustrating how a single root can shape place names, architectural nomenclature, and personal identifiers across regions.