Islamic architecture of Iran
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Iran is the land of different cultures and ethnic groups.
With an area of 164800 square kilometers, Iran has
been the origin of many architectural styles. These
styles are transferred from one generation to the next,
and from a dynasty to another, and today is a great
architectural encyclopedia. In pre-Islamic era, every
dynasty added a new dimension to Iranian
architecture. After Muslim conquest of Persia,
fundamental transformations occurred in architecture
during some historical eras. Seljuk, Mongol, Timurid,
Safavid and Qajar are among them.
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By Seljuk empire rule in 11th century, Iranian
architecture gradually traced back to its glorious era,
and magnificent monuments were built. Many Fourcourt (Iwan) mosques and schools were built in Seljuk
dynasty. Jame Mosque of Isfahan is one of the
prominent examples of Seljuk architecture
which is still beautiful and glorious.
By the Mongol conquest of Iran in 13th century,
leaving extensive destruction, Mongolian rulers
gradually inspired by Iranian culture and
Ilkhanid architecture style with flower plaster
decorations came to exist. The main materials
for building were plaster and brick which its
examples are available today. The Dome of
Soltaniyeh (the Mausoleum of Il-khan Öljeitü
also known as Muhammad Khodabandeh) in
Zanjan is a splendid example of this style.
By Timur conquest of Iran in 14th century, the
history of Iran entered a new stage. Timur's
interest in Iranian art and architecture led to
the evolution of Islamic architecture in this
era. Tile work in decoration of the buildings
is one of the specifications of Timurid style.
As far as Timur was very passionate to build
up his capital- Samarkand- today, most of
monuments built in Timurid era are located
outside Iran's borders. However, his children
followed their father and ordered to build
splendid mosques like Goharshad Mosque in
Mashhad.
Safavid ornaments in 16th century, are mostly
inspired by the Timurid architecture style. Most of
works in Safavid era were ornamented by colorful
tiles. During the rule of Shah Abbas the Great, due
to Safavids and Ottoman Empire rivalry, the great
and magnificent monuments were built. Isfahan
became one of the most beautiful capital cities in
16th century with the glorious palaces, mosques,
and bridges. Naghsh-e Jahan Square is the most
prominent architectural monuments which
includes political, social, religious and
economical values at the same time.
In Qajar era, Western science, technology,
and educational methods were introduced
into Persia and the country's modernization
was begun. Iranian art and architecture
inspired by western styles and had taken a
new shape. The mosque and school of Agha
Bozorg in Kashan, and the most parts of
Golestan Palace are among the best works of
Qajar era.
Jame' Mosque of Isfahan
Jame' Mosque of Isfahan is located in center of
Isfahan, and it can be seen as the museum of
architecture, and a stunning illustration of the
evolution of mosque architecture over twelve
centuries. The complex covering more than
20,000 suare meters, and is the first Islamic
building that adopted the four-courtyard layout
of Sassanid palaces to Islamic architecture. The
mosque inspired builders throughout the region.
Dolat Khaneh
Safavid Dolat Khaneh is located between
Naghsh-e Jahan square and Chaharbagh Street,
and includes Art University of Isfahan, Melli
Bank, Timurid Hall, Chehelsotun Complex,
Isfahan
Municipality
building,
Isfahan
Telecommunications building, Shahid Rajaei
Park, and other administrative buildings like
central library, Isfahan Department of Education,
and Khorshid hospital.
Ali Qapu Palace
Ali Qapu royal palace, located in western side of Naghsh-e Jahan
square, is one of architectural masterpieces of Safavid era. It is
forty-eight meters high and there are six floors, each accessible by a
difficult spiral staircase. In the sixth floor, Music Hall, deep circular
niches are found in the walls, having not only aesthetic value, but also
acoustic.
Jame' Mosque of Na'in
The old Jame' Mosque of Na'in is one of the most valuable
religious buildings in Iran. Excavations and Archaeological
studies showed that the mosque goes back to fourth century
AD. The mosque contains a central rectangular courtyard that
is surrounded with hypostyles on three sides. Unlike the
common layout of Seljuqi mosques, which have been built
with four courtyards, it has the Arabic mosques layout. The
basement prayer hall is built in Sassanid era.
Tabatabaei House
Tabatabaei House, as one of the most magnificent
historical houses in Kashan, is located in Soltan Amir
Ahmad neighborhood of Kashan. Architect Ali Maryam
has built this house for Seyed Jaafar Tabatabaei in 1834
BC. It consists of four courtyards, wall paintings with
elegant stained glass windows, and includes other classic
features of traditional Persian residential architecture, such
as biruni and andaruni.
Nasir- al Molk Mosque
Nasir- al Molk Mosque is one of Qajar mosques is located
near Shah- Cheragh in Shiraz, and is built by Hassanali Nasiral Molk in 1293 AD. The mosque includes extensive colored
glass in its facade, and displays other traditional elements such
as the Panj Kāse ("five concaved") design. It is named in
popular culture as the Pink Mosque, due to the usage of
considerable pink color tiles for its interior design. It is known
for its beautifully painted, intricate arches and niches, and
colorful stained glass. The mosque has two eastern and
western Shabestans (hall) that the intricate brickwork of the
western one is inspired by Vakil mosque of Shiraz.