Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Interpretation of the Revelatory Texts of the Inscriptions through the Narration of the Mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Kerman

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Seyed Majid Hashemi 1
Mahdi Moafi Gever 2
Amir Hossein Shirdel 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.
2 M.Sc. in Architecture Student, Department of Architecture, Saba Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
3 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning , Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/ias.2026.562669.2441
Abstract
The inscriptions of mosques, especially within the space of the mihrab, are not merely decorative elements or visual ornaments, but possess a semantic and symbolic structure that acquires meaning in deep connection with spatial organization, ritual function, and the perceptual experience of the audience. These inscriptions, through the selection of Quranic verses, their placement, textual sequence, and their relationship with other physical elements, function as a spatial text and enable multi-layered interpretative and narrative readings. The present research aims to examine the interpretative and narrative capacities of the inscriptions of the mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Kerman, and seeks to explain the role of these inscriptions in shaping meaning and guiding the sacred experience of the audience. The research method is qualitative, based on an interpretive and historical approach. Data have been collected through documentary studies, field observations of the mihrab space, and interpretive analysis of Quranic verses. The findings indicate that the purposeful arrangement of verses, the meaningful sequence of texts, and the spatial positioning of the inscriptions in the mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Kerman provide the context for the formation of a continuous semantic narrative that represents fundamental concepts such as prophethood, Imamate, and divine guidance within a coherent framework. Accordingly, the mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Kerman can be considered as a platform for spatial narration and sacred signification in Islamic architecture.
Research Objectives:


Moving beyond a merely formal perspective and addressing the semantic and narrative layers of religious architecture.


Analyzing the manner of conveying sacred concepts within the physical structure of the Jameh Mosque of Kerman.


Research Questions:


What is the narrative and interpretive function of the inscriptions in the spatial structure of the Jameh Mosque of Kerman?


What narrative and concept do the inscriptions of this mihrab convey?
Keywords
Interpretation of Texts
Spatial Narration
Quranic Inscription
Architectural Codes
Mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Kerman
Subjects
The Holy Qur'an.
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