A Comparative Study of Illuminationism in the Architecture of Safavid and Contemporary Mosques

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Architecture, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

2 Associate professor at Department of Architecture, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran.

Abstract

Islamic architecture, like other types of architecture, is related to epistemology and ontology in the culture of society. To apprehend traditional Islamic architecture, or any other form of traditional architecture, it is compulsory to be acquainted with the style of traditional attitudes towards architecture as a whole and its constituents. The most central of these components is space. Safavid period (1135-907 AH) is one of the brilliant periods of architecture in Iran. This historical period has been one of the most sensitive historical periods in terms of the prosperity of Islamic culture and thought. In the contemporary period, with the expansion of relations with the West, Islamic architecture was also influenced to some extent by new innovations. The issue that can be raised here is the degree of influence of Safavid and contemporary architecture in terms of the signs of Illuminationism within them. This research is based on descriptive and analytical methods and grounded on library studies and field observations. The architecture of Isfahan Grand Mosque and Al-Ghadir Mosque in Tehran have been studied as prominent examples of Safavid and contemporary architecture as two architectural works. The research findings indicate that the world in the mind of the Safavid architect is based on holy verses and religious narrations, consequently in the architecture of the Imam Mosque of Isfahan, the issue of Illuminationism is evidently reflected. In the Al-Ghadir Mosque, the purity of the volumes used, the application of materials and brick and tile decorations in the façade and the use of elements and concepts of past architecture presented in a new expression indicate the influence of postmodernist movements in contemporary architecture.
Research aims:
1. Recognition of the signs of the wisdom of enlightenment in Isfahan Grand Mosque and Al-Ghadir Mosque in Tehran
2. Comparative study of the architecture of Isfahan Grand Mosque and Al-Ghadir Mosque in Tehran
Research questions:
1. What effect does Illuminationism have on the architecture of Isfahan Grand Mosque and Al-Ghadir Mosque in Tehran?
2. What are the similarities and differences between the architecture of Isfahan Imam Mosque and Al-Ghadir Mosque in Tehran?

Keywords

References

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