Persian Architecture

edited by Dr. arch. Sima Sohrab manesh

With Persian architecture or Iranian architecture refers to the architecture of the area of ​​the so-called Greater Iran, characterized by historical and cultural events common since an era dating back to at least 5000 BC up to the present day. Typical elements of Persian architecture can be traced over a very large area that extends roughly from Syria to northern India to the borders with China and from the Caucasus to Zanzibar. There are numerous types of buildings within this vast container: from the hut for farmers to the tea rooms, to the wonderful pavilions present in the gardens and to "some of the most majestic structures that the world has ever seen".
Persian architecture shows great variety, both structurally and aesthetically, developing gradually and consistently over the centuries, drawing inspiration from previous traditions and experiences. Without sudden innovations, and despite the continuous traumas due to the various invasions suffered, it has maintained "a distinct individuality compared to other Muslim countries". Various are the fundamental characteristics traceable: "a marked aptitude for forms and proportions; structural inventiveness, especially in the construction of vaults and domes (gonbad); a brilliant taste in decoration, with an expressive freedom and a success not comparable with any other architecture".
Traditionally, the guiding and characterizing element of Iranian architecture has been its cosmic symbolism “by which man is put in communication and participation with the powers of heaven”. This theme, shared with virtually all other Asian cultures and still persisting in modern times, has not only given unity and continuity to the architecture of Persia, but has also been one of the main sources in the choice of its expressive characters.

Fundamental principles
Traditional Persian architecture has maintained such continuity that it is – although often shunned by Western culture or temporarily diverted by internal political conflicts or external interference – difficult to confuse with other architectural traditions. In this architecture “there are no banal buildings; even the pavilions in gardens denote nobility and dignity, and even the humblest caravanserai exudes charm. In their expressiveness and ability to communicate, most Persian buildings prove clear, even eloquent. The combination of intensity and simplicity of form provides immediacy, while ornamentation and – often – subtle regard for proportion invite observation”.

Geometry
Persian architecture has always made significant use of symbolic geometry, using pure forms such as the square and the circle. The floor plans are also distributed in a symmetrical arrangement for the most part.

Architectural elements
Some characteristic elements of Persian architecture have remained almost unchanged throughout the long history of Iran. The most notable ones for their persistence over the centuries are a strong preference for the execution of scaled elements and for the use of simple and monumental forms. Also worth mentioning are some prominent decorative features, the insertion of pointed arch portals positioned inside niches, the use of columns with corbel capitals and the choice of some recurring choices in the design both in plan and elevation. Over the centuries, at the behest of the endless succession of rulers, these elements have recurred within the most disparate typologies of buildings, intended for the most varied uses.
The colonnaded portico, or talar, seen in the rock-cut tombs near Persepolis, reappears in Sassanid temples and later in the late Islamic period characterizes numerous palaces and mosques, and even adapts to the architecture of teahouses. Similarly, the four-arched gonbad, so characteristic of the Sassanid period, is later found in numerous cemeteries and Imamzadehs of modern Iran. The symbolism of the earthly tower rejoining the divine towers of heaven through the sky persisted into the 19th century, while the use of the internal courtyard or pool, the corner entrance, and the extensive decoration are elements of ancient origin yet still present in contemporary Iranian architecture.

Source: Wikipedia – for more information see the page  https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architettura_persiana