Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

The Relationship Between the Spatial Structure of Imam Reza Shrine's Architecture and Pilgrimage Rituals

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammad Aliabadi 1
Morteza Afshari 2
Raza Afhami 3
1 Department of Islamic Art, Faculty of Arts, Shahid Damashgah, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Islamic Art, Faculty of Arts, Shahid University, Tehran, Iran
3 Art Research Department, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ias.2023.380630.2146
Abstract
Visiting the Imams and divine saints can provide a foundation for personal growth and the acquisition of moral virtues, playing a constructive role in enhancing spirituality within society. Observing the rituals of pilgrimage paves the way for individuals to embark on this path of growth and perfection. The rituals of pilgrimage have been mentioned by the infallible Imams in various narrations. The shrine of Imam Reza (AS), as an important pilgrimage site, has always attracted the attention of Muslim architects and artists. The Islamic architecture of this complex, by creating a spiritual atmosphere, can play a significant role in the development and enhancement of pilgrims’ moral virtues. The design of the Razavi Shrine has always progressed in accordance with the rituals of pilgrimage throughout history. The present study examines the Islamic architecture of the Razavi Shrine in both past and contemporary periods, based on the rituals of pilgrimage and with the aim of identifying and enhancing the existing components in the development of the shrine complex. It is necessary to determine whether the design of the Razavi Shrine’s development in the contemporary period has succeeded in providing an appropriate space for the rituals of pilgrimage. Initially, by referring to the narrations of the Imams and the words of religious leaders, the principles and rituals of pilgrimage are extracted and categorized into two sections: ritual propriety and purposeful pilgrimage. On the other hand, the Islamic architecture of the Razavi Shrine is introduced in two dimensions: God-centered and human-centered. Ultimately, as the result of the research, it was determined that in the development plan of the shrine in the contemporary period, less attention has been paid to Islamic architecture in accordance with the rituals of pilgrimage, and it has not been the primary priority of the designers.
Research Objectives:


To examine the importance of pilgrimage in the design of the Razavi Shrine.


To investigate the extent of attention paid to the rituals of pilgrimage in the development plan of the Razavi Shrine in the contemporary period.


Research Questions:


What is the status of the rituals of pilgrimage in the Razavi Shrine and its design?


To what extent has the issue of pilgrimage rituals been considered in the development plan of the Razavi Shrine in the contemporary period?
Keywords
Islamic architecture
pilgrimage
Razavi Shrine
contemporary architecture
Holy Razavi Shrine

Subjects

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