Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Analysis of Religious Discourse Influencing the Tile Decorations of Allahverdi Khan Dome Portico in the Holy Shrine of Razavi

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ehsan Arman 1
Davoud Ranjbaran 2
Amirhossein Salehi 3
1 Student of Comparative and Analytical History of Islamic Art, Faculty of Theoretical Sciences and Advanced Studies of Art, Iran University of Art. Tehran. Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Comparative and Analytical History of Islamic Art, Faculty of Theoretical Sciences and Advanced Studies of Art, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran.
3 Faculty member, Tehran University of Art, Faculty of Theoretical Sciences and Advanced Studies in Art. Tehran. Iran
10.22034/ias.2024.434483.2336
Abstract
The animal motifs on the tile decorations of Allahverdi Khan Dome portico in the Holy Shrine of Razavi can be considered one of the most valuable works remaining from the Safavid era. Given the jurisprudential and theological prohibitions on depicting living creatures, the primary concern of this research is to investigate why nearly five hundred animal images were used on the tiles of this building, which serves as Allahverdi Khan's mausoleum and a pathway to the sacred shrine of Imam Reza. Explaining the interaction between these representational motifs and the interplay between governing bodies and religious institutions is crucial, especially considering the importance of visual arts in contemporary Islamic civilization. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach based on library resources and field observations. After introducing and examining the diverse animal motifs on the tiles, such as various birds, pheasants, ducks, parrots, peacocks, and mythological creatures like Simorgh and dragons, the research delves into the major religious discourses of the Safavid era. This includes the religious beliefs of the patron (Allahverdi Khan) and the folk beliefs and jurisprudential views documented in the works of prominent figures like Mohaghegh Karki and Sheikh Baha'i. Additionally, by studying the relationships between scholars and Safavid monarchs, the study aims to elucidate the significance and role of religious beliefs in fostering tolerance. The narrative and educational characteristics of the motifs and inscriptions on the tiles suggest a possible alignment and reconciliation of diverse Shi’ah and Christian religious discourses in the construction and decoration of this complex.
Research Aims:

To redefine the extent and manner of interaction between art, architecture, and religion in the design and construction of Allahverdi Khan Dome portico.
To identify the diverse beliefs influencing the construction and decoration of this building.

Research Questions:

How do art and architecture interact in the design and construction of Allahverdi Khan Dome?
What impact have religious beliefs had on the representation of living creatures in the decorations of Allahverdi Khan Dome portico?
Keywords
Islamic art
architectural decorations
representation of living creatures
Allahverdi Khan
Holy Shrine of Razavi

Subjects

Aashna, F., Obeydiniya, M. A., & Nezhat, B. (2019). "Comparative Study of the Spiritual Characteristics of the Holy Spirit and Simorgh," Ma'arif-e Adyan, 11(41), 45-62 [In Persian].
Afari, A. (2011). Sculpture and Painting. Edited by A. Abedinzadeh. Qom: Eshragh and Erfan Publications [In Persian].
Asaf, M. (1938). Alam Ara-ye Abbasi. Vol. 2. Tehran: Ashna Publications [In Persian].
Beheshti, M. R. (2010). Iranian Mosques, the Place of Ascension for Believers. Tehran: Rozaneh Publications [In Persian].
Bigdeli, M. (2021). Roots of the Decline of the Safavid State. Tehran: Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies [In Persian].
Bilkhari Qahi, H. (2005). Spiritual Foundations of Islamic Art and Architecture. Tehran: Soroush Publications [In Persian].
Delavalle, P. (1991). Travelogue of P. Delavalle. Translated by Sh. Shafa. Tehran: Scientific and Cultural Publications [In Persian].
Eliade, M. (1999). The Myth of the Eternal Return. Translated by B. Sarkarati. Tehran: Ghatreh Publications [In Persian].
Irwin, R. (2010). Islamic Art. Translated by R. Azadfar. Tehran: Soroush Publications [In Persian].
Jafariyan, R. (2010). Safavids in the Realm of Religion, Culture, and Politics. Vols. 1-3. Qom: Research Institute of Hawzah and University [In Persian].
Kamandlou, H. (2019). Hidden Role: Introduction and Identification of Human and Animal Motifs in the Tilework of the Holy Shrine of Razavi (Safavid to Contemporary Period). First edition. Mashhad: To Be Published [In Persian].
Kavianiyan, M. A. (1976). Shams al-Shomous. Mashhad: Astan Quds Razavi Publications [In Persian].
Kedivar, J. (1999). Evolution of Shia Political Discourse in Iran. Tehran: Tarh-e No Publications [In Persian].
Khan-Hosseynabadi, A., & Eshraghi, M. (2018). "Symbolic Concepts of Animal Motifs in the Tilework of Allahverdi Khan Dome from the Safavid Era in the Holy Shrine of Razavi," Islamic Art Studies, 14(31), 1-35 [In Persian].
Khorsandi, H. (2015). "Typology and Study of Tilework in the Holy Shrine of Razavi in the Contemporary Era," Astan-e Honar, 11 & 12, 67-58 [In Persian].
Majlesi, M. B. (2021). Translation and Commentary on the Book of Tawhid Mufaddal. Introduction by M. T. Shoushtari. Qom: Imam Hamaam Publications [In Persian].
Molla Sadra Shirazi, S. M. (2001). Mafatih al-Ghayb. Edited by N. Q. Habibi. Tehran: Sadra Foundation Publications [In Persian].
Molla Sadra Shirazi, S. M. (2001). Al-Mabda' wa al-Ma'ad. Edited by S. J. Ashtiyani. Qom: Bustan-e Ketab [In Persian].
Mouliani, S. (2001). The Position of Georgians in Iranian History, Culture, and Civilization. Isfahan: Yekta Publications [In Persian].
Nasr, S. H. (2010). Islamic Art and Spirituality. Translated by R. Ghasemian. First edition. Tehran: Hekmat Publications [In Persian].
Natif, M. (2011). The Painter’s Breath and Concepts of Idol Anxiety in Islamic Art. In Idol Anxiety, edited by J. Ellenbogen and A. Tugendhaft, 41-55. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.
Qomi, Q. A. (2004). Khulasat al-Tawarikh. Edited by E. Eshraghi. Second edition. Tehran: University of Tehran Publications [In Persian].
Ranjbaran, D., Arman, E., & Salehi, A. H. (2024). "Rethinking Form and Concept in Representational Motifs of Living Creatures on the Tiles of Imam Reza Shrine in the Safavid Era, with Emphasis on Allahverdi Khan Dome," Iranian Industrial Arts, 6(2), 167-184 [In Persian].
Sarloo, J. E. (2013). Dictionary of Symbols. Translated by M. Owhadi. Tehran: Dastan Publications [In Persian].
Sayyed Karimi-Hosseini, S. A. (2014). Sculpture and Image in Shia Jurisprudence. Qom: Islamic Art School Publications [In Persian].
Sharden, J. (1966). Travelogue of Sharden. Translated by M. Abbasi. Tehran: Amir Kabir Publications [In Persian].
Shayestehfar, M. (2005). Shia Art (Shia Art Elements in Timurid and Safavid Miniatures and Epigraphy). Tehran: Institute for Islamic Art Studies Publications [In Persian].
Sheikh Baha'i, M. b. H. (No date). Jame' al-Abbasi. Digital edition based on lithographic print. No place [In Persian].
Taheri, S. S., & Faridi-Khorsandi, M. (2020). "Angels from Mulla Sadra's Perspective," Ma'arif, 21(178), 89-108 [In Persian].
Taheri, A. (2009). "Evolution and Classification of Dragons in Iranian Miniatures," Islamic Art Studies, 5(10), 7-21 [In Persian].
Watson, O. (2004). Iranian Lusterware. Translated by S. Zakari. First edition. Tehran: Soroush Publications [In Persian].
Yahaghi, M. J. (2019). Dictionary of Myths and Fables in Persian Literature. Tehran: Farhang-e Mo'aser Publications [In Persian].
Zamani, M., Akbari, A., & Motavali Haghighi, M. (2022). "Comparative Study of the Formation of Allahverdi Khan Portico in the Holy Shrine of Razavi Based on the Existential Philosophy of Mulla Sadra," Khurasan Great Research Journal, 48, 112-89 [In Persian].
Zarei, H., Shahabinejad, A., & Manjazi, N. M. (2017). "A Study on Historical Developments of an Urban Space," Architecture of Hot and Dry Climate, 5(6), 37-54 [In Persian].