Project 1 Research Time-line Analysis (Persian Architecture)

Individual Component: Analysis of the 7 principles of Jameh Mosque of Isfahan

The Jameh Mosque of Isfahan known as Masjid-i Jami'-i Isfahan in Persian is located 340km south of Tehran, the capital of Iran. It is known to be the Friday Mosque of Isfahan and it was built during the Seljuk rule where it became a prominent architectural expression of the Seljuk rule in Persia. The Jameh Mosque is one of the oldest mosques still standing in Iran and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.

Architecture of Tawhid

The four-iwan architectural style, placing four gates face to face are not of equal importance and is reflected through different dimensions, structure, and decorative motifs. Visually, it is flanked by two towers and referred to in the vernacular as sofe-e saheb or "the high dignified space of the master" and was deliberately enlarged above the others to emphasize the direction of qibla. 

Architecture of Ihtiram

The Jameh Mosque of Isfahan hypostyle plan that dates back to the tenth-century existed on the site. Consequently, the mosque's plan evolved from a hypostyle plan with a rectangular inner court 65 by 55 meters surrounded by prayer halls comprised of round columns carrying a wooden roof. It represent the idea of the center and each face is corresponding to the primary direction of nadir, zenith and the cordinal point of the universe.

Architecture of Sincerity

The court comprise two-story arcade acting as 2-D screen decorated with glazed bricks forming floral and geometric patterns in dark and light blue, white, and yellow. The four elevations of the court are flat screens, but  also embody passageways that lead to the different sacred spaces of the mosque and the profane, living spaces of the city. 

Architecture of Iqtisad

The arches of the two-story arcade are symmetrically arranged around the four iwans situated in the center of each one of the four walls, and uniformly equal in height, except the two bays flanking the eastern iwan, which rise higher than the other arches. Th northern dome is an epitome of mathematical perfection, evident in the harmony of its horizontal and vertical divisions, and it is achieved by a hierarchy of the fitting of its parts and adhering to the Golden Section.

Architecture of Ilm

Inscription bands decorate the mihrab date mainly from the time of Shah Tahmasp (reg. 1531-32) and Shah Abbas II (reg. 1642-67).  The two words are dominant in these inscriptions: ta'mir (to restore) and taz'yin (to decorate). The inscriptions come from Quranic passages praising the power of God, or venerating the names of Shi'ite imams. The iwan's ceiling dates from the 15th century; most of its walls are covered with Safavid statements.

Architecture of Dikr

The amalgam of decoration compositions produced by the variety of brick patterns, the meticulous work in carved stucco, colored panels of floral, geometric and epigraphic motifs, all render the Friday mosque of Isfahan a highlight of Seljuk architecture.

Architecture of Haya

The north-east dome of the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan served as a private prayer space, a women's mosque. Smaller in size and placed on the same lateral longitudinal axis as the southwest dome, the northeast dome rests on a square base of square, massive piers, with an octagonal transitional zone formed by four squinches, on top of which rests another zone of sixteen arches with a drum comprising an inscription band with religious inscription.

Group Component: Timeline of the Persian Architecture

Lecture 4

Architecture for Iqtisad (Balance)

The essence of Islamic architecture is to achieve delicate balance between functional and spiritual elements. Harmony is created through the point of intersection where the stability of the soul is achieved which is beneficial to one. As the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W states,

"the best way is the middle way...do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately...and always adopt a middle, moderate regular course whereby you will reachyour target (paradise)".

Balance is defined as a condition where different elements are equal or in the right proportions. In architecture, balance can be achieved by moderating balance between built and nature. The considerations of these two elements have a profound impact on architecture. Courtyards manage to accomplish balance to the building. At the aesthetics point of view, balance is achieved through ornamentations. Shapes and geometry in Islamic architecture is proportionate, order, and always harmony.

Lavatera Arborea: 3 folded leaves, 5 petal flower, heads of 8 seed

Golden ratio rule is applied in most of the Islamic architecture

Geometric ornaments

The Taj Mahal is one of the best example of Islamic Architecture that exemplifies the 

Architecture for Iqtisad

Architecture of Haya’ (Modesty)

Haya' is defined as the quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities. It is the preservation of dignity where it can be achieved in Islamic architecture by having it based around the central core and having an open court that not only serves an environmental purpose but also addresses the different roles and responsibilities of the sexes.

Looking at the Islamic architecture, the Mashrabiyya preserves the dignity of the Muslim women. It allows the right "to see" and not to "be seen". It is a type of projecting oriel window enclosed with carved wood lattice work located on the second storey of a building or perhaps higher. It is often lined with stained glass. The women inside the building are given the freedom to carry out their activities with a sense of privacy.

 

 Mashrabiyya from the outside

 Mashrabiyya from the inside 

Architecture as Dikr (Remembrance)

Islamic building should be an aid to remembrance of Allah. Building pillar upon pillar, arcade upon arcade is a rhythmic precision mirrored in the contemplative chanting of God’s innumerable attributes/zikr is known as Architecture of Monotony. It is a rhythmic precision mirrored in the contemplative chanting of God’s innumerable attributes. The manifestation of contemplation maintains a sense of unity through the rhythm which is seen as the eternal and infinite nature of God’s essence.

"lt has a portico of surpassing beauty...like the soul of a believer, immersed in the remembrance of God..."

In Islamic Architecture, it is encouraged to repeat elements just to remind people of God. As elements, are repeated, the reminder is repeated. The use of ornaments, pillars, arches, and many more is often repeated in Islamic Architecture. 

Inscription on the wall of the Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Repetitive elements (Alhambra, Granada, Spain)