Islamic
Architecture
(11th-13th
Century)
THE
SELJUKS
During this period, the centre of power within the
Islamic world shifted from the Arab territories to Anatolia and Iran, with the
traditional centres now residing in the Seljuk capitals - Merv, Nishapur, Rayy
and Isfahan.
With the establishment of the Seljuk
Turks(1055-1256) a distinctive form of mosque was introduced. Its most striking
feature is the vaulted niche or iwan . Iwan is introduces into each of the four
enclosing walls of the court . Such a plan was adopted for the rebuilding of
the Great Mosque of Isfahan in 1121 ans was widely used in Persia until recent
times. A notable example is the Masjid-i-shah founded by Shah Abbas at Isfahan
in 1612.
The characteristic feature of the buildings of this
period, is the decorative use of un-plastered bricks. The earlier use of stucco
facing on the outer walls, as well on the inside was discontinued, although it
reappeared later.
(Reference: http://www.artarena.force9.co.uk/seljuks.htm)
Tarikhaneh Mosque
It is located on the Southeast of
Damghan and it is one of the most important monuments, which is remained from the primeval Islamic centuries
in Iran.
The oldest mosque in Iran belonging
to the 1st century after arrival of Islam which still preserves its original
shape. Tarikhaneh and Nayeen
Mosque in Isfahan are the only mosques in the Islamic World which resemble the
Prophet's Mosque in Medina. This mosque was built during the 8th century A.D.
This is an Arabic design but the building material and architecture is
Sassanid. The minaret of the mosque which is located outside the yard was a
sign for the caravans to find the mosque more easily. The main arch is like the
Sasanian arches before the arrival of Islam.
Tarikhaneh Mosque is equipped with
a square yard and a gallery with 18 columns facing the Qiblah and the three
sides of the yard are surrounded by porticos. The minaret rising over the
mosque is said to belong to the Seljuqid era and the tiled inscription over the
minaret is in fact the oldest tile work in Islamic architecture
References: http://www.isfahan.org.uk/glossary/hist3.html
The decorative effect achieved by
the use of recessed bricks, forming highly original rhythms and geometric
patterns,is characteristic of this 11th century Persian art.
(References: http://www.tarikhaneh.com/English/tarikhaneh.htm)
In relation to Islamic Principles:
1.
Architecture as
Tawhid. (Unity and Uniquity)
This
building somehow contradicts the Islamic principles as it allows the people to
stray away from gathering to worship Allah but gathers them to worship a
person’s death. It is said that the greatest tomb is to be vanished of earth
and the person should be remembered as a
memory.
2.
Architecture of
Ithiram: (Respect)
The decorative styles on the minaret of the building show markings of one who
respects Allah and so forth respects the prince. This is purely traditional
Islamic architecture and creates a synthesis of space.
3.
Architecture with Ikhlas: (Sincerity)
This building has the space construct of the absence
of human imaginary & idols. It also has art consists images but with sublime silence in contemplation that
is projecting soul thru’ its patterns.
4. Architecture for
Iqtisad: (Balance)
The
building is balanced and is symmetrical in its shape. Apart from its balance of
light and proportion, it also has the sense of its heart and soul compared to
its body. The building was built in memory of someone and therefore has a
meaning and the patterns on the walls show balance as well.
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