Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Investigating the Influence of Illuminationist Philosophy (Hikmat al-Ishraq) on the Manifestation of Aesthetic Elements in Safavid Mosque Architecture Using Panofsky's Method

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Leyla Etminan 1
Seyed Behshid Hosseini 2
Siyamak Panahi 3
1 Department of Architecture, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
2 Department of Architecture, Tehran University of Art, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Architecture, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran
10.22034/ias.2021.292814.1645
Abstract
Exploring and identifying the factors contributing to the visual timelessness of mosques not only leads to a deeper understanding of the structures and the intellectual orientation of their creators but also unveils the metaphors and symbols employed in them. This can be instrumental in creating qualitatively different spaces and places in contemporary architecture. As a space intended to facilitate the spiritual elevation of humans and their closeness to God, a mosque must align with religious wisdom and foster individual and social belonging within a community. This study employs Panofsky's layered semiotic method to illustrate the connection between philosophy, human spiritual elevation, and the architectural works of the Safavid era, particularly mosques. The architectural elements of the Imam and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques are analyzed and compared with the principles of Illuminationist philosophy using Panofsky's method. It is concluded that the foundational principles of Safavid mosque architecture in Isfahan, rooted in mysticism, wisdom, and the cultural context of the era—most notably Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi's Illuminationist philosophy—are indirectly reflected with artistic subtlety.
Research Objectives:


Enhancing the efficacy of meaning and the sense of place in the design of contemporary mosques.


Adopting a conceptual approach to architecture as a response to contemporary architectural challenges through Panofsky's aesthetic method.


Research Questions:


What connection can be found between Illuminationist philosophy and the spiritual elevation of Safavid mosques in Isfahan?


How can philosophical and wisdom-based perspectives address contemporary architectural challenges?
Keywords
Illuminationist philosophy (Hikmat al-Ishraq)
mosque architecture
architecture and spiritual elevation
Suhrawardi
Panofsky's method
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