1

Persian Architecture

Main article: Persian Architecture

The ruins of Persepolis, approximately 2500 years old.

The pre-Islamic styles draw on 3-4 thousand years of architectural development fromvarious civilizations of the Iranian plateau. The Islamic architecture of Iran in turn, drawsideas from its pre-Islamic predecessor, and has geometrical and repetitive forms, as well assurfaces that are richly decorated with glazed tiles, carved stucco, patterned brickwork,floral motifs, and calligraphy. Iran and is recognized by UNESCO as being one of the cradlesof civilization.[4]

Each of the periods of Elamites, Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanids were creators ofgreat architecture that over the ages has spread wide and far to other cultures beingadopted. Although Iran has suffered its share of destruction, including Alexander TheGreat's decision to burn Persepolis, there are sufficient remains to form a picture of itsclassical architecture.

The Achaemenids built on a grand scale. The artists and materials they used were brought infrom practically all territories of what was then the largest state in the world. Pasargadaeset the standard: its city was laid out in an extensive park with bridges, gardens, colonnadedpalaces and open column pavilions. Pasargadae along with Susa and Persepolis expressedthe authority of The King of Kings, the staircases of the latter recording in relief sculpturethe vast extent of the imperial frontier.

1

Persian Architecture

Main article: Persian Architecture

The ruins of Persepolis, approximately 2500 years old.

The pre-Islamic styles draw on 3-4 thousand years of architectural development fromvarious civilizations of the Iranian plateau. The Islamic architecture of Iran in turn, drawsideas from its pre-Islamic predecessor, and has geometrical and repetitive forms, as well assurfaces that are richly decorated with glazed tiles, carved stucco, patterned brickwork,floral motifs, and calligraphy. Iran and is recognized by UNESCO as being one of the cradlesof civilization.[4]

Each of the periods of Elamites, Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanids were creators ofgreat architecture that over the ages has spread wide and far to other cultures beingadopted. Although Iran has suffered its share of destruction, including Alexander TheGreat's decision to burn Persepolis, there are sufficient remains to form a picture of itsclassical architecture.

The Achaemenids built on a grand scale. The artists and materials they used were brought infrom practically all territories of what was then the largest state in the world. Pasargadaeset the standard: its city was laid out in an extensive park with bridges, gardens, colonnadedpalaces and open column pavilions. Pasargadae along with Susa and Persepolis expressedthe authority of The King of Kings, the staircases of the latter recording in relief sculpturethe vast extent of the imperial frontier.

1

Persian Architecture

Main article: Persian Architecture

The ruins of Persepolis, approximately 2500 years old.

The pre-Islamic styles draw on 3-4 thousand years of architectural development fromvarious civilizations of the Iranian plateau. The Islamic architecture of Iran in turn, drawsideas from its pre-Islamic predecessor, and has geometrical and repetitive forms, as well assurfaces that are richly decorated with glazed tiles, carved stucco, patterned brickwork,floral motifs, and calligraphy. Iran and is recognized by UNESCO as being one of the cradlesof civilization.[4]

Each of the periods of Elamites, Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanids were creators ofgreat architecture that over the ages has spread wide and far to other cultures beingadopted. Although Iran has suffered its share of destruction, including Alexander TheGreat's decision to burn Persepolis, there are sufficient remains to form a picture of itsclassical architecture.

The Achaemenids built on a grand scale. The artists and materials they used were brought infrom practically all territories of what was then the largest state in the world. Pasargadaeset the standard: its city was laid out in an extensive park with bridges, gardens, colonnadedpalaces and open column pavilions. Pasargadae along with Susa and Persepolis expressedthe authority of The King of Kings, the staircases of the latter recording in relief sculpturethe vast extent of the imperial frontier.

2

The ruins of Taq-i Kisra at Ctesiphon (in today iraq) - an example of Persian architectureduring Sassanid period.

With the emergence of the Parthians and Sassanids there was an appearance of new forms.Parthian innovations fully flowered during the Sassanid period with massive barrel-vaultedchambers, solid masonry domes, and tall columns. This influence was to remain for years tocome. The roundness of the city of Baghdad in the Abbasid era for example, points to itsPersian precedents such as Firouzabad in Fars.[5] The two designers who were hired by al-Mansur to plan the city's design were Naubakht, a former Persian Zoroastrian who alsodetermined that the date of the foundation of the city would be astrologically auspicious,and Mashallah, a former Jew from Khorasan. The ruins of Persepolis, Ctesiphon, Jiroft,[6]

Sialk, Pasargadae, Firouzabad, Arg-é Bam, and thousands of other ruins may give us merelya distant glimpse of what contribution Persians made to the art of building.

The fall of the Sassanid Empire to invading Islamic forces ironically led to the creation ofremarkable religious buildings in Iran. Arts such as calligraphy, stucco work, mirror work,and mosaic work, became closely tied with architecture in Iran in the new era.Archaeological excavations have provided sufficient documents in support of the impacts ofSasanian architecture on the architecture of the Islamic world. Many experts believe theperiod of Persian architecture from the 15th through 17th Centuries to be the most brilliantof the post-Islamic era. Various structures such as mosques, mausoleums, bazaars, bridges,and different palaces have mainly survived from this period.

In the old Persian architecture, semi-circular and oval-shaped vaults were of great interest,leading Safavi architects to display their extraordinary skills in making massive domes. In thewords of D. Huff, a German archaeologist, the dome is the dominant element in Persianarchitecture. Domes can be seen frequently in the structure of bazaars and mosques,particularly during the Safavi period in Isfahan. Iranian domes are distinguished for theirheight, proportion of elements, beauty of form, and roundness of the dome stem. The outersurfaces of the domes are mostly mosaic faced, and create a magical view. Safavi Isfahantried to achieve grandeur in scale (Isfahan's Naghsh-i Jahan Square is the 6th largest squareworldwide) knowledge about building tall buildings with vast inner spaces. However, thequality of ornaments was decreased in comparison with those of the 14th and 15thcenturies.

The great mosques of Khorasan, Isfahan, and Tabriz each used local geometry, localmaterials, and local building methods to express in their own ways the order, harmony, andunity of Islamic architecture. And thus when the major monuments of Islamic Persianarchitecture are examined, they reveal complex geometrical relationships, a studiedhierarchy of form and ornament, and great depths of symbolic meaning.

2

The ruins of Taq-i Kisra at Ctesiphon (in today iraq) - an example of Persian architectureduring Sassanid period.

With the emergence of the Parthians and Sassanids there was an appearance of new forms.Parthian innovations fully flowered during the Sassanid period with massive barrel-vaultedchambers, solid masonry domes, and tall columns. This influence was to remain for years tocome. The roundness of the city of Baghdad in the Abbasid era for example, points to itsPersian precedents such as Firouzabad in Fars.[5] The two designers who were hired by al-Mansur to plan the city's design were Naubakht, a former Persian Zoroastrian who alsodetermined that the date of the foundation of the city would be astrologically auspicious,and Mashallah, a former Jew from Khorasan. The ruins of Persepolis, Ctesiphon, Jiroft,[6]

Sialk, Pasargadae, Firouzabad, Arg-é Bam, and thousands of other ruins may give us merelya distant glimpse of what contribution Persians made to the art of building.

The fall of the Sassanid Empire to invading Islamic forces ironically led to the creation ofremarkable religious buildings in Iran. Arts such as calligraphy, stucco work, mirror work,and mosaic work, became closely tied with architecture in Iran in the new era.Archaeological excavations have provided sufficient documents in support of the impacts ofSasanian architecture on the architecture of the Islamic world. Many experts believe theperiod of Persian architecture from the 15th through 17th Centuries to be the most brilliantof the post-Islamic era. Various structures such as mosques, mausoleums, bazaars, bridges,and different palaces have mainly survived from this period.

In the old Persian architecture, semi-circular and oval-shaped vaults were of great interest,leading Safavi architects to display their extraordinary skills in making massive domes. In thewords of D. Huff, a German archaeologist, the dome is the dominant element in Persianarchitecture. Domes can be seen frequently in the structure of bazaars and mosques,particularly during the Safavi period in Isfahan. Iranian domes are distinguished for theirheight, proportion of elements, beauty of form, and roundness of the dome stem. The outersurfaces of the domes are mostly mosaic faced, and create a magical view. Safavi Isfahantried to achieve grandeur in scale (Isfahan's Naghsh-i Jahan Square is the 6th largest squareworldwide) knowledge about building tall buildings with vast inner spaces. However, thequality of ornaments was decreased in comparison with those of the 14th and 15thcenturies.

The great mosques of Khorasan, Isfahan, and Tabriz each used local geometry, localmaterials, and local building methods to express in their own ways the order, harmony, andunity of Islamic architecture. And thus when the major monuments of Islamic Persianarchitecture are examined, they reveal complex geometrical relationships, a studiedhierarchy of form and ornament, and great depths of symbolic meaning.

2

The ruins of Taq-i Kisra at Ctesiphon (in today iraq) - an example of Persian architectureduring Sassanid period.

With the emergence of the Parthians and Sassanids there was an appearance of new forms.Parthian innovations fully flowered during the Sassanid period with massive barrel-vaultedchambers, solid masonry domes, and tall columns. This influence was to remain for years tocome. The roundness of the city of Baghdad in the Abbasid era for example, points to itsPersian precedents such as Firouzabad in Fars.[5] The two designers who were hired by al-Mansur to plan the city's design were Naubakht, a former Persian Zoroastrian who alsodetermined that the date of the foundation of the city would be astrologically auspicious,and Mashallah, a former Jew from Khorasan. The ruins of Persepolis, Ctesiphon, Jiroft,[6]

Sialk, Pasargadae, Firouzabad, Arg-é Bam, and thousands of other ruins may give us merelya distant glimpse of what contribution Persians made to the art of building.

The fall of the Sassanid Empire to invading Islamic forces ironically led to the creation ofremarkable religious buildings in Iran. Arts such as calligraphy, stucco work, mirror work,and mosaic work, became closely tied with architecture in Iran in the new era.Archaeological excavations have provided sufficient documents in support of the impacts ofSasanian architecture on the architecture of the Islamic world. Many experts believe theperiod of Persian architecture from the 15th through 17th Centuries to be the most brilliantof the post-Islamic era. Various structures such as mosques, mausoleums, bazaars, bridges,and different palaces have mainly survived from this period.

In the old Persian architecture, semi-circular and oval-shaped vaults were of great interest,leading Safavi architects to display their extraordinary skills in making massive domes. In thewords of D. Huff, a German archaeologist, the dome is the dominant element in Persianarchitecture. Domes can be seen frequently in the structure of bazaars and mosques,particularly during the Safavi period in Isfahan. Iranian domes are distinguished for theirheight, proportion of elements, beauty of form, and roundness of the dome stem. The outersurfaces of the domes are mostly mosaic faced, and create a magical view. Safavi Isfahantried to achieve grandeur in scale (Isfahan's Naghsh-i Jahan Square is the 6th largest squareworldwide) knowledge about building tall buildings with vast inner spaces. However, thequality of ornaments was decreased in comparison with those of the 14th and 15thcenturies.

The great mosques of Khorasan, Isfahan, and Tabriz each used local geometry, localmaterials, and local building methods to express in their own ways the order, harmony, andunity of Islamic architecture. And thus when the major monuments of Islamic Persianarchitecture are examined, they reveal complex geometrical relationships, a studiedhierarchy of form and ornament, and great depths of symbolic meaning.

3

Iranian architecture or Persian architecture is the architecture of contemporary Iran andthe Iranian Cultural Continent. It has a continuous history from at least 5000 BCE to thepresent, with characteristic examples distributed over a vast area from Turkey and Iraq toNorthern India and Tajikistan, and from the Caucasus to Zanzibar. Persian buildings varyfrom peasant huts to tea houses and garden, pavilions to "some of the most majesticstructures the world has ever seen".[1]

Iranian architecture displays great variety, both structural and aesthetic, developinggradually and coherently out of earlier traditions and experience. Without suddeninnovations, and despite the repeated trauma of invasions and cultural shocks, it hasachieved "an individuality distinct from that of other Muslim countries".[2] Its paramountvirtues are several: "a marked feeling for form and scale; structural inventiveness, especiallyin vault and dome construction; a genius for decoration with a freedom and success notrivaled in any other architecture".[3]

Traditionally, the guiding formative motif of Iranian architecture has been its cosmicsymbolism "by which man is brought into communication and participation with the powersof heaven".[4] This theme, shared by virtually all Asian architecture and persisting even intomodern times, has not only given unity and continuity to the architecture of Persia, but hasbeen a primary source of its emotional character as well.

“The supreme Iranian art, in the proper meaning of the word, has alwaysbeen its architecture. The supremacy of architecture applies to both pre-andpost-Islamic periods. ”

—Arthur Pope,

Fundamental principles

Si-o-se Pol

Traditional Persian architecture has maintained a continuity that, although temporarilydistracted by internal political conflicts or foreign invasion, nonetheless has achieved anunmistakable style.

3

Iranian architecture or Persian architecture is the architecture of contemporary Iran andthe Iranian Cultural Continent. It has a continuous history from at least 5000 BCE to thepresent, with characteristic examples distributed over a vast area from Turkey and Iraq toNorthern India and Tajikistan, and from the Caucasus to Zanzibar. Persian buildings varyfrom peasant huts to tea houses and garden, pavilions to "some of the most majesticstructures the world has ever seen".[1]

Iranian architecture displays great variety, both structural and aesthetic, developinggradually and coherently out of earlier traditions and experience. Without suddeninnovations, and despite the repeated trauma of invasions and cultural shocks, it hasachieved "an individuality distinct from that of other Muslim countries".[2] Its paramountvirtues are several: "a marked feeling for form and scale; structural inventiveness, especiallyin vault and dome construction; a genius for decoration with a freedom and success notrivaled in any other architecture".[3]

Traditionally, the guiding formative motif of Iranian architecture has been its cosmicsymbolism "by which man is brought into communication and participation with the powersof heaven".[4] This theme, shared by virtually all Asian architecture and persisting even intomodern times, has not only given unity and continuity to the architecture of Persia, but hasbeen a primary source of its emotional character as well.

“The supreme Iranian art, in the proper meaning of the word, has alwaysbeen its architecture. The supremacy of architecture applies to both pre-andpost-Islamic periods. ”

—Arthur Pope,

Fundamental principles

Si-o-se Pol

Traditional Persian architecture has maintained a continuity that, although temporarilydistracted by internal political conflicts or foreign invasion, nonetheless has achieved anunmistakable style.

3

Iranian architecture or Persian architecture is the architecture of contemporary Iran andthe Iranian Cultural Continent. It has a continuous history from at least 5000 BCE to thepresent, with characteristic examples distributed over a vast area from Turkey and Iraq toNorthern India and Tajikistan, and from the Caucasus to Zanzibar. Persian buildings varyfrom peasant huts to tea houses and garden, pavilions to "some of the most majesticstructures the world has ever seen".[1]

Iranian architecture displays great variety, both structural and aesthetic, developinggradually and coherently out of earlier traditions and experience. Without suddeninnovations, and despite the repeated trauma of invasions and cultural shocks, it hasachieved "an individuality distinct from that of other Muslim countries".[2] Its paramountvirtues are several: "a marked feeling for form and scale; structural inventiveness, especiallyin vault and dome construction; a genius for decoration with a freedom and success notrivaled in any other architecture".[3]

Traditionally, the guiding formative motif of Iranian architecture has been its cosmicsymbolism "by which man is brought into communication and participation with the powersof heaven".[4] This theme, shared by virtually all Asian architecture and persisting even intomodern times, has not only given unity and continuity to the architecture of Persia, but hasbeen a primary source of its emotional character as well.

“The supreme Iranian art, in the proper meaning of the word, has alwaysbeen its architecture. The supremacy of architecture applies to both pre-andpost-Islamic periods. ”

—Arthur Pope,

Fundamental principles

Si-o-se Pol

Traditional Persian architecture has maintained a continuity that, although temporarilydistracted by internal political conflicts or foreign invasion, nonetheless has achieved anunmistakable style.

4

In this architecture, "there are no trivial buildings; even garden pavilions have nobility anddignity, and the humblest caravanserais generally have charm. In expressiveness andcommunicativity, most Persian buildings are lucid - even eloquent. The combination ofintensity and simplicity of form provides immediacy, while ornament and, often, subtleproportions reward sustained observation."[6]

Categorization of styles

The Eram Garden in Shiraz is an 18th-century building and a legacy of the Zand Dynasty.

Overall, the traditional architecture of the Iranian lands throughout the ages can becategorized into the six following classes or styles ("sabk"):[7]

Pre-Islamic:o The Parsian style (up until the third century BCE) including:

Pre-Parsian style (up until the eighth century BCE) e.g. Chogha Zanbil, Median style (from the eighth to the sixth century BCE), Achaemenid style (from the sixth to the fourth century BCE) manifesting in

construction of spectacular cities used for governance and inhabitation(such as Perspepolis, Susa, Ecbatana), temples made for worship and socialgatherings (such as Zoroastrian temples), and mausoleums erected in honorof fallen kings (such as the burial tomb of Cyrus the Great),

o The Parthian style includes designs from the following eras: Seleucid era e.g. Anahita Temple, Khorheh, Parthian era e.g. the royal compounds at Nysa, Sassanid era e.g. Ghal'eh Dokhtar, the Taq-i Kisra, Bishapur,

Islamic:o The Khorasani style (from the late 7th until the end of the 10th century CE), e.g.

Jameh Mosque of Nain and Jameh Mosque of Isfahan,o The Razi style (from the 11th century to the Mongol invasion period) which includes

the methods and devices of the following periods: Samanid period, e.g. Samanid Mausoleum, Ghaznavid period, e.g. Gonbad-e Qabus, Seljukid period, e.g. Kharraqan towers,

o The Azari style (from the late 13th century to the appearance of the Safavid Dynastyin the 16th century), e.g. Soltaniyeh, Arg-i Alishah, Jameh Mosque of Varamin,Goharshad Mosque, Bibi Khanum mosque in Samarqand, tomb of Abdas-Samad,Gur-e Amir, Jameh mosque of Yazd

4

In this architecture, "there are no trivial buildings; even garden pavilions have nobility anddignity, and the humblest caravanserais generally have charm. In expressiveness andcommunicativity, most Persian buildings are lucid - even eloquent. The combination ofintensity and simplicity of form provides immediacy, while ornament and, often, subtleproportions reward sustained observation."[6]

Categorization of styles

The Eram Garden in Shiraz is an 18th-century building and a legacy of the Zand Dynasty.

Overall, the traditional architecture of the Iranian lands throughout the ages can becategorized into the six following classes or styles ("sabk"):[7]

Pre-Islamic:o The Parsian style (up until the third century BCE) including:

Pre-Parsian style (up until the eighth century BCE) e.g. Chogha Zanbil, Median style (from the eighth to the sixth century BCE), Achaemenid style (from the sixth to the fourth century BCE) manifesting in

construction of spectacular cities used for governance and inhabitation(such as Perspepolis, Susa, Ecbatana), temples made for worship and socialgatherings (such as Zoroastrian temples), and mausoleums erected in honorof fallen kings (such as the burial tomb of Cyrus the Great),

o The Parthian style includes designs from the following eras: Seleucid era e.g. Anahita Temple, Khorheh, Parthian era e.g. the royal compounds at Nysa, Sassanid era e.g. Ghal'eh Dokhtar, the Taq-i Kisra, Bishapur,

Islamic:o The Khorasani style (from the late 7th until the end of the 10th century CE), e.g.

Jameh Mosque of Nain and Jameh Mosque of Isfahan,o The Razi style (from the 11th century to the Mongol invasion period) which includes

the methods and devices of the following periods: Samanid period, e.g. Samanid Mausoleum, Ghaznavid period, e.g. Gonbad-e Qabus, Seljukid period, e.g. Kharraqan towers,

o The Azari style (from the late 13th century to the appearance of the Safavid Dynastyin the 16th century), e.g. Soltaniyeh, Arg-i Alishah, Jameh Mosque of Varamin,Goharshad Mosque, Bibi Khanum mosque in Samarqand, tomb of Abdas-Samad,Gur-e Amir, Jameh mosque of Yazd

4

In this architecture, "there are no trivial buildings; even garden pavilions have nobility anddignity, and the humblest caravanserais generally have charm. In expressiveness andcommunicativity, most Persian buildings are lucid - even eloquent. The combination ofintensity and simplicity of form provides immediacy, while ornament and, often, subtleproportions reward sustained observation."[6]

Categorization of styles

The Eram Garden in Shiraz is an 18th-century building and a legacy of the Zand Dynasty.

Overall, the traditional architecture of the Iranian lands throughout the ages can becategorized into the six following classes or styles ("sabk"):[7]

Pre-Islamic:o The Parsian style (up until the third century BCE) including:

Pre-Parsian style (up until the eighth century BCE) e.g. Chogha Zanbil, Median style (from the eighth to the sixth century BCE), Achaemenid style (from the sixth to the fourth century BCE) manifesting in

construction of spectacular cities used for governance and inhabitation(such as Perspepolis, Susa, Ecbatana), temples made for worship and socialgatherings (such as Zoroastrian temples), and mausoleums erected in honorof fallen kings (such as the burial tomb of Cyrus the Great),

o The Parthian style includes designs from the following eras: Seleucid era e.g. Anahita Temple, Khorheh, Parthian era e.g. the royal compounds at Nysa, Sassanid era e.g. Ghal'eh Dokhtar, the Taq-i Kisra, Bishapur,

Islamic:o The Khorasani style (from the late 7th until the end of the 10th century CE), e.g.

Jameh Mosque of Nain and Jameh Mosque of Isfahan,o The Razi style (from the 11th century to the Mongol invasion period) which includes

the methods and devices of the following periods: Samanid period, e.g. Samanid Mausoleum, Ghaznavid period, e.g. Gonbad-e Qabus, Seljukid period, e.g. Kharraqan towers,

o The Azari style (from the late 13th century to the appearance of the Safavid Dynastyin the 16th century), e.g. Soltaniyeh, Arg-i Alishah, Jameh Mosque of Varamin,Goharshad Mosque, Bibi Khanum mosque in Samarqand, tomb of Abdas-Samad,Gur-e Amir, Jameh mosque of Yazd

5

o The Isfahani style spanning through the Safavid, Afsharid, Zand, and Qajariddynasties starting from the 16th century onward, e.g. Chehelsotoon, Ali Qapu, AghaBozorg Mosque, Kashan, Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque.

Materials

Available building materials dictate major forms in traditional Iranian architecture. Heavyclays, readily available at various places throughout the plateau, have encouraged thedevelopment of the most primitive of all building techniques, molded mud, compressed assolidly as possible, and allowed to dry. This technique, used in Iran from ancient times, hasnever been completely abandoned. The abundance of heavy plastic earth, in conjunctionwith a tenacious lime mortar, also facilitated the development and use of brick.[8]

Geometry

Iranian architecture makes use of abundant symbolic geometry, using pure forms such ascircles and squares, and plans are based on often symmetrical layouts featuring rectangularcourtyards and halls.

Design

Certain design elements of Persian architecture have persisted throughout the history ofIran. The most striking are a marked feeling for scale and a discerning use of simple andmassive forms. The consistency of decorative preferences, the high-arched portal set withina recess, columns with bracket capitals, and recurrent types of plan and elevation can alsobe mentioned. Through the ages these elements have recurred in completely different typesof buildings, constructed for various programs and under the patronage of a long successionof rulers.

Persian-style column, as seen in Persepolis.

5

o The Isfahani style spanning through the Safavid, Afsharid, Zand, and Qajariddynasties starting from the 16th century onward, e.g. Chehelsotoon, Ali Qapu, AghaBozorg Mosque, Kashan, Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque.

Materials

Available building materials dictate major forms in traditional Iranian architecture. Heavyclays, readily available at various places throughout the plateau, have encouraged thedevelopment of the most primitive of all building techniques, molded mud, compressed assolidly as possible, and allowed to dry. This technique, used in Iran from ancient times, hasnever been completely abandoned. The abundance of heavy plastic earth, in conjunctionwith a tenacious lime mortar, also facilitated the development and use of brick.[8]

Geometry

Iranian architecture makes use of abundant symbolic geometry, using pure forms such ascircles and squares, and plans are based on often symmetrical layouts featuring rectangularcourtyards and halls.

Design

Certain design elements of Persian architecture have persisted throughout the history ofIran. The most striking are a marked feeling for scale and a discerning use of simple andmassive forms. The consistency of decorative preferences, the high-arched portal set withina recess, columns with bracket capitals, and recurrent types of plan and elevation can alsobe mentioned. Through the ages these elements have recurred in completely different typesof buildings, constructed for various programs and under the patronage of a long successionof rulers.

Persian-style column, as seen in Persepolis.

5

o The Isfahani style spanning through the Safavid, Afsharid, Zand, and Qajariddynasties starting from the 16th century onward, e.g. Chehelsotoon, Ali Qapu, AghaBozorg Mosque, Kashan, Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque.

Materials

Available building materials dictate major forms in traditional Iranian architecture. Heavyclays, readily available at various places throughout the plateau, have encouraged thedevelopment of the most primitive of all building techniques, molded mud, compressed assolidly as possible, and allowed to dry. This technique, used in Iran from ancient times, hasnever been completely abandoned. The abundance of heavy plastic earth, in conjunctionwith a tenacious lime mortar, also facilitated the development and use of brick.[8]

Geometry

Iranian architecture makes use of abundant symbolic geometry, using pure forms such ascircles and squares, and plans are based on often symmetrical layouts featuring rectangularcourtyards and halls.

Design

Certain design elements of Persian architecture have persisted throughout the history ofIran. The most striking are a marked feeling for scale and a discerning use of simple andmassive forms. The consistency of decorative preferences, the high-arched portal set withina recess, columns with bracket capitals, and recurrent types of plan and elevation can alsobe mentioned. Through the ages these elements have recurred in completely different typesof buildings, constructed for various programs and under the patronage of a long successionof rulers.

Persian-style column, as seen in Persepolis.

6

The columned porch, or talar, seen in the rock-cut tombs near Persepolis, reappear inSassanid temples, and in late Islamic times it was used as the portico of a palace or mosque,and adapted even to the architecture of roadside tea-houses. Similarly, the gonbad on fourarches, so characteristic of Sassanid times, is a still to be found in many cemeteries andImamzadehs across Iran today. The notion of earthly towers reaching up toward the sky tomingle with the divine towers of heaven lasted into the 19th century, while the interiorcourt and pool, the angled entrance and extensive decoration are ancient, but still common,features of Iranian architecture.[6]

Pre-Islamic architecture of Persia

Hatra in Iraq. In the 3rd to 1st century BCE, during the Parthian Empire, Hatra was a religious andtrading center. Today it is a World heritage site, protected by UNESCO.

Main articles: Achaemenid architecture & Sassanid architecture

The pre-Islamic styles draw on 3000 to 4000 years of architectural development fromvarious civilizations of the Iranian plateau. The post-Islamic architecture of Iran in turn,draws ideas from its pre-Islamic predecessor, and has geometrical and repetitive forms, aswell as surfaces that are richly decorated with glazed tiles, carved stucco, patternedbrickwork, floral motifs, and calligraphy.

Iran is recognized by UNESCO as being one of the cradles of civilization.[9][dead link]

The ruins of Persepolis, built 2500 years ago during the reign of the Achaemenid Empire. (see 3Dmodeling)

6

The columned porch, or talar, seen in the rock-cut tombs near Persepolis, reappear inSassanid temples, and in late Islamic times it was used as the portico of a palace or mosque,and adapted even to the architecture of roadside tea-houses. Similarly, the gonbad on fourarches, so characteristic of Sassanid times, is a still to be found in many cemeteries andImamzadehs across Iran today. The notion of earthly towers reaching up toward the sky tomingle with the divine towers of heaven lasted into the 19th century, while the interiorcourt and pool, the angled entrance and extensive decoration are ancient, but still common,features of Iranian architecture.[6]

Pre-Islamic architecture of Persia

Hatra in Iraq. In the 3rd to 1st century BCE, during the Parthian Empire, Hatra was a religious andtrading center. Today it is a World heritage site, protected by UNESCO.

Main articles: Achaemenid architecture & Sassanid architecture

The pre-Islamic styles draw on 3000 to 4000 years of architectural development fromvarious civilizations of the Iranian plateau. The post-Islamic architecture of Iran in turn,draws ideas from its pre-Islamic predecessor, and has geometrical and repetitive forms, aswell as surfaces that are richly decorated with glazed tiles, carved stucco, patternedbrickwork, floral motifs, and calligraphy.

Iran is recognized by UNESCO as being one of the cradles of civilization.[9][dead link]

The ruins of Persepolis, built 2500 years ago during the reign of the Achaemenid Empire. (see 3Dmodeling)

6

The columned porch, or talar, seen in the rock-cut tombs near Persepolis, reappear inSassanid temples, and in late Islamic times it was used as the portico of a palace or mosque,and adapted even to the architecture of roadside tea-houses. Similarly, the gonbad on fourarches, so characteristic of Sassanid times, is a still to be found in many cemeteries andImamzadehs across Iran today. The notion of earthly towers reaching up toward the sky tomingle with the divine towers of heaven lasted into the 19th century, while the interiorcourt and pool, the angled entrance and extensive decoration are ancient, but still common,features of Iranian architecture.[6]

Pre-Islamic architecture of Persia

Hatra in Iraq. In the 3rd to 1st century BCE, during the Parthian Empire, Hatra was a religious andtrading center. Today it is a World heritage site, protected by UNESCO.

Main articles: Achaemenid architecture & Sassanid architecture

The pre-Islamic styles draw on 3000 to 4000 years of architectural development fromvarious civilizations of the Iranian plateau. The post-Islamic architecture of Iran in turn,draws ideas from its pre-Islamic predecessor, and has geometrical and repetitive forms, aswell as surfaces that are richly decorated with glazed tiles, carved stucco, patternedbrickwork, floral motifs, and calligraphy.

Iran is recognized by UNESCO as being one of the cradles of civilization.[9][dead link]

The ruins of Persepolis, built 2500 years ago during the reign of the Achaemenid Empire. (see 3Dmodeling)

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Each of the periods of Elamites, Achaemenids, Parthians and Sassanids were creators ofgreat architecture that, over the ages, spread far and wide far to other cultures. AlthoughIran has suffered its share of destruction, including Alexander The Great's decision to burnPersepolis, there are sufficient remains to form a picture of its classical architecture.

The Achaemenids built on a grand scale. The artists and materials they used were brought infrom practically all territories of what was then the largest state in the world. Pasargadaeset the standard: its city was laid out in an extensive park with bridges, gardens, colonnadedpalaces and open column pavilions. Pasargadae along with Susa and Persepolis expressedthe authority of The King of Kings, the staircases of the latter recording in relief sculpturethe vast extent of the imperial frontier.Davazdah Cheshmeh Bridge Amol, Old city Iranarchitectur, Kamboj,Shekleh Shah.

With the emergence of the Parthians and Sassanids new forms appeared. Parthianinnovations fully flowered during the Sassanid period with massive barrel-vaulted chambers,solid masonry domes and tall columns. This influence was to remain for years to come.

For example, the roundness of the city of Baghdad in the Abbasid era, points to its Persianprecedents, such as Firouzabad in Fars.[10] Al-Mansur hired two designers to plan the city'sdesign: Naubakht, a former Persian Zoroastrian who also determined that the date of thefoundation of the city should be astrologically significant, and Mashallah ibn Athari, aformer Jew from Khorasan.[11]

The ruins of Persepolis, Ctesiphon, Jiroft,[12] Sialk, Pasargadae, Firouzabad, and Arg-é Bamgive us a distant glimpse of what contributions Persians made to the art of building.

Dej-e Shaapour-khaast

Sassanid fortress in Darband Russia.

Pasargad

8

Arg-e Bam

Panoramic view of the Naqsh-e Rustam. This site contains the tombs of four Achaemenid kings,including those of Darius I and Xerxes.

Islamic architecture of Persia

The Shah Mosque in Isfahan, constructed in 1629.

8

Arg-e Bam

Panoramic view of the Naqsh-e Rustam. This site contains the tombs of four Achaemenid kings,including those of Darius I and Xerxes.

Islamic architecture of Persia

The Shah Mosque in Isfahan, constructed in 1629.

8

Arg-e Bam

Panoramic view of the Naqsh-e Rustam. This site contains the tombs of four Achaemenid kings,including those of Darius I and Xerxes.

Islamic architecture of Persia

The Shah Mosque in Isfahan, constructed in 1629.

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Maqam · Mugam · NasheedQawwaliTheatre

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Islam Portal

v t e

The fall of the Persian empire to invading Islamic forces led to the creation of remarkablereligious buildings in Iran. Arts such as calligraphy, stucco work, mirror work and mosaicsbecame closely tied with architecture in Iran in the new era.

Archaeological excavations have provided much evidence supporting the impact of Sassanidarchitecture on the architecture of the Islamic world.

Timcheh-e-Aminoddowleh, Bazaar of Kashan

Many experts believe the period of Persian architecture from the 15th through 17thcenturies CE to be the pinnacle of the post-Islamic era. Various structures such as mosques,mausoleums, bazaars, bridges and palaces have survived from this period.

Safavid Isfahan tried to achieve grandeur in scale (Isfahan's Naghsh-i Jahan Square is thesixth largest square worldwide), knowing how to build tall buildings with vast inner spaces.

10

Maqam · Mugam · NasheedQawwaliTheatre

Bangsawan · Karagöz and HacivatTa'zieh

Islam Portal

v t e

The fall of the Persian empire to invading Islamic forces led to the creation of remarkablereligious buildings in Iran. Arts such as calligraphy, stucco work, mirror work and mosaicsbecame closely tied with architecture in Iran in the new era.

Archaeological excavations have provided much evidence supporting the impact of Sassanidarchitecture on the architecture of the Islamic world.

Timcheh-e-Aminoddowleh, Bazaar of Kashan

Many experts believe the period of Persian architecture from the 15th through 17thcenturies CE to be the pinnacle of the post-Islamic era. Various structures such as mosques,mausoleums, bazaars, bridges and palaces have survived from this period.

Safavid Isfahan tried to achieve grandeur in scale (Isfahan's Naghsh-i Jahan Square is thesixth largest square worldwide), knowing how to build tall buildings with vast inner spaces.

10

Maqam · Mugam · NasheedQawwaliTheatre

Bangsawan · Karagöz and HacivatTa'zieh

Islam Portal

v t e

The fall of the Persian empire to invading Islamic forces led to the creation of remarkablereligious buildings in Iran. Arts such as calligraphy, stucco work, mirror work and mosaicsbecame closely tied with architecture in Iran in the new era.

Archaeological excavations have provided much evidence supporting the impact of Sassanidarchitecture on the architecture of the Islamic world.

Timcheh-e-Aminoddowleh, Bazaar of Kashan

Many experts believe the period of Persian architecture from the 15th through 17thcenturies CE to be the pinnacle of the post-Islamic era. Various structures such as mosques,mausoleums, bazaars, bridges and palaces have survived from this period.

Safavid Isfahan tried to achieve grandeur in scale (Isfahan's Naghsh-i Jahan Square is thesixth largest square worldwide), knowing how to build tall buildings with vast inner spaces.

11

However, the quality of ornaments was less compared to those of the 14th and 15thcenturies.

Another aspect of this architecture was the harmony with the people, their environmentand their beliefs it presented and manifested. At the same time no strict rules were appliedto govern this form of Islamic architecture.

The great mosques of Khorasan, Isfahan and Tabriz each used local geometry, localmaterials and local building methods to express, each in their own way, the order, harmonyand unity of Islamic architecture. When the major monuments of Islamic Persianarchitecture are examined, they reveal complex geometrical relationships, a studiedhierarchy of form and ornament and great depths of symbolic meaning.

In the words of Arthur U. Pope, who carried out extensive studies in ancient Persian andIslamic buildings:

"The meaningful Impact of Persian architecture is versatile. Not overwhelming but dignified,magnificent and impressive."

Naqshe Jahan square in Isfahan is the epitome of 16th century Iranian architecture. See 360°view[13]

Persian Domes

The Palace of Ardashir, constructed in AD 224 during the Sassanid Dynasty. The building has threelarge domes, among the oldest examples of such large-scale domes in the World.

11

However, the quality of ornaments was less compared to those of the 14th and 15thcenturies.

Another aspect of this architecture was the harmony with the people, their environmentand their beliefs it presented and manifested. At the same time no strict rules were appliedto govern this form of Islamic architecture.

The great mosques of Khorasan, Isfahan and Tabriz each used local geometry, localmaterials and local building methods to express, each in their own way, the order, harmonyand unity of Islamic architecture. When the major monuments of Islamic Persianarchitecture are examined, they reveal complex geometrical relationships, a studiedhierarchy of form and ornament and great depths of symbolic meaning.

In the words of Arthur U. Pope, who carried out extensive studies in ancient Persian andIslamic buildings:

"The meaningful Impact of Persian architecture is versatile. Not overwhelming but dignified,magnificent and impressive."

Naqshe Jahan square in Isfahan is the epitome of 16th century Iranian architecture. See 360°view[13]

Persian Domes

The Palace of Ardashir, constructed in AD 224 during the Sassanid Dynasty. The building has threelarge domes, among the oldest examples of such large-scale domes in the World.

11

However, the quality of ornaments was less compared to those of the 14th and 15thcenturies.

Another aspect of this architecture was the harmony with the people, their environmentand their beliefs it presented and manifested. At the same time no strict rules were appliedto govern this form of Islamic architecture.

The great mosques of Khorasan, Isfahan and Tabriz each used local geometry, localmaterials and local building methods to express, each in their own way, the order, harmonyand unity of Islamic architecture. When the major monuments of Islamic Persianarchitecture are examined, they reveal complex geometrical relationships, a studiedhierarchy of form and ornament and great depths of symbolic meaning.

In the words of Arthur U. Pope, who carried out extensive studies in ancient Persian andIslamic buildings:

"The meaningful Impact of Persian architecture is versatile. Not overwhelming but dignified,magnificent and impressive."

Naqshe Jahan square in Isfahan is the epitome of 16th century Iranian architecture. See 360°view[13]

Persian Domes

The Palace of Ardashir, constructed in AD 224 during the Sassanid Dynasty. The building has threelarge domes, among the oldest examples of such large-scale domes in the World.

12

The Sassanid Empire initiated the construction of the first large-scale domes in Persia, withsuch royal buildings as the Palace of Ardashir and Ghal'eh Dokhtar. After the Muslimconquest of the Sassanid Empire, the Persian architectural style became a major influenceon Muslim societies and the dome also became a feature of Muslim architecture (seegonbad).

The Il-Khanate period provided several innovations to dome-building that eventuallyenabled the Persians to construct much taller structures. These changes later paved the wayfor Safavid architecture. The pinnacle of Il-Khanate architecture was reached with theconstruction of the Soltaniyeh Dome (1302–1312) in Zanjan, Iran, which measures 50 m inheight and 25 m in diameter, making it the 3rd largest and the tallest masonry dome evererected.[14] The thin, double-shelled dome was reinforced by arches between the layers.[15]

The renaissance in Persian mosque and dome building came during the Safavid dynasty,when Shah Abbas, in 1598, initiated the reconstruction of Isfahan, with the Naqsh-e JahanSquare as the centerpiece of his new capital.[16] Architecturally they borrowed heavily fromIl-Khanate designs, but artistically they elevated the designs to a new level. The distinctfeature of Persian domes, which separates them from those domes created in the Christianworld or the Ottoman and Mughal empires, was the use of colourful tiles, with which theexterior of domes are covered much like the interior. These domes soon numbered dozensin Isfahan and the distinct blue shape would dominate the skyline of the city. Reflecting thelight of the sun, these domes appeared like glittering turquoise gems and could be seenfrom miles away by travelers following the Silk road through Persia.

This very distinct style of architecture was inherited from the Seljuq dynasty, who forcenturies had used it in their mosque building, but it was perfected during the Safavidswhen they invented the haft- rangi, or seven colour style of tile burning, a process thatenabled them to apply more colours to each tile, creating richer patterns, sweeter to theeye.[17] The colours that the Persians favoured where gold, white and turquoise patterns ona dark-blue background.[18] The extensive inscription bands of calligraphy and arabesque onmost of the major buildings where carefully planned and executed by Ali Reza Abbasi, whowas appointed head of the royal library and Master calligrapher at the Shah's court in1598,[19] while Shaykh Bahai oversaw the construction projects. Reaching 53 meters inheight, the dome of Masjed-e Shah (Shah Mosque) would become the tallest in the citywhen it was finished in 1629. It was built as a double-shelled dome, spanning 14 m betweenthe two layers and resting on an octagonal dome chamber.[20]

See also: Gonbad

Architecture of Persian Gardens. Khalvat-i Karim-khani, in the gardens of theGolestan Palace.

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Architecture of shrines and monuments. Shrine of Omar Khayyám, Nishapur.

Architecture of houses: The 18th century Abbasian House, Kashan.

Architecture of towers and tombs. A design of The Seljuki era. Qazvin

Places of worship: mosques and cathedrals. Thaddeus Monastery, 68CE, WestAzarbaijan province.

Jamkaran

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Architecture of shrines and monuments. Shrine of Omar Khayyám, Nishapur.

Architecture of houses: The 18th century Abbasian House, Kashan.

Architecture of towers and tombs. A design of The Seljuki era. Qazvin

Places of worship: mosques and cathedrals. Thaddeus Monastery, 68CE, WestAzarbaijan province.

Jamkaran

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Architecture of shrines and monuments. Shrine of Omar Khayyám, Nishapur.

Architecture of houses: The 18th century Abbasian House, Kashan.

Architecture of towers and tombs. A design of The Seljuki era. Qazvin

Places of worship: mosques and cathedrals. Thaddeus Monastery, 68CE, WestAzarbaijan province.

Jamkaran

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Contemporary Iranian architecture in and outside Iran

Contemporary architecture in Iran begins with the advent of the first Pahlavi period in theearly 1920s. Some designers, such as Andre Godard, created works such as the NationalMuseum of Iran that were reminiscent of Iran's historical architectural heritage. Othersmade an effort to merge the traditional elements with modern designs in their works. TheTehran University main campus is one such example. Others, such as Heydar Ghiai andHoushang Seyhoun, have tried to create completely original works, independent of priorinfluences.[21] Borj-e Milad (or Milad Tower) is the tallest tower in Iran and is the fourthtallest tower in the world.

Iran Senate House Traditional Persian mythology such as the chains of justice ofNowshiravan and essences of Iranian architecture have been incorporated by HeydarGhiai to create a new modern iranian architecture.

Tehran City Theater, Pahlavi period.

The Lotus Temple in Delhi, by Bahai architect Fariborz Sahba

Tehran's Museum of Contemporary Arts designed by Kamran Diba is based ontraditional Iranian elements such as Badgirs, and yet has a spiraling interiorreminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim.

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Bank Melli Iran, Amol.

Tehran University College of Social Sciences shows obvious traces of architecturefrom Persepolis.

Future architecture in Iran

Major construction projects are undergoing all around Iran. The Flower of the EastDevelopment Project is the biggest project on Kish Island in the Persian Gulf. The project,includes a '7-star' and two '5-star' hotels, three residential areas, villas and apartmentcomplexes, coffee shops, luxury showrooms and stores, sports facilities and a marina.

Iranian architectsSee main articles: List of historical Iranian architects and List of Iranian architects

Persian architects were highly sought in the old days, before the advent of ModernArchitecture. For example, Ostad Isa Shirazi is most often credited as the chief architect (orplan drawer) of the Taj Mahal.[22] These artisans were also highly instrumental in the designsof such edifices as Afghanistan's Minaret of Jam, The Sultaniyeh Dome, or Tamerlane's tombin Samarkand, among many others.

Tomb of Humayun, India. Many Iranian architects built edifices outside theirhomeland.

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The Taj Mahal, a prominent Iranian architectural work in India. It has many ideasfrom Indian architecture too.

The medieval royal courtyard and its Chahar Bagh garden in