Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

The Relationship Between Identity Semantics and Motifs Influenced by the Islamic Worldview in Iranian Architecture

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali Asgari 1
Saeed Azemati 2
1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Architecture, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ias.2021.228503.1235
Abstract
Architecture is an art form deeply intertwined with the lifestyle, temperament, culture, religion, and customs of a nation. Thus, all the cognitive and epistemic dimensions of a people are manifested in their architecture—or at least in certain historical periods. In response to the research questions, this study employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Following a comprehensive literature review and document analysis using content analysis methods, key components of semantic identity in architectural form and identity orientation were identified. The findings reveal that the component of "geometry and unity," through the alignment of identity-forming physical elements, has the highest weighted averages of 0.370955 and 0.266496, respectively. Accordingly, the relationship between geometry and unity is defined by the integration of context and background, unity and oneness, and creativity and innovation. The results indicate that the two components of "unity and geometry," derived from the principles of Islamic architecture, establish a significant relationship in the built environment through the characteristics of "creativity and adaptation to context and background." Based on this, architecture, much like the human being, must be regarded as possessing distinct levels of existence. Therefore, to achieve the highest level of architecture—namely, enduring and timeless architecture—the existential knowledge of the architect must also be connected to their work.
Research Objectives:

To examine the relationship between identity semantics and motifs influenced by the Islamic worldview.
To analyze identity semantics from the perspective of Islamic architecture.

Research Questions:

What is the relationship between identity semantics and motifs influenced by the Islamic worldview in architecture?
What constitutes identity semantics from the perspective of Islamic architecture?
Keywords
Identity semantics
Islamic worldview
principles of Iranian architecture
unity and geometry
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