Among the countries in the Middle East, Iran and Iraq are considered the most culturally rich countries. The architecture in Iran oozes aestheticism and this is evident from the many historical buildings, palaces and mosques that dot the country. Iran is former Persia and Persian architecture has contributed much to the development of many a beautiful structures all over the world. The chief features of Iranian architecture include domes, minarets, arched chambers, porches and platforms. Gardens too are significant features of traditional residential houses. The gardens provide for a gathering place of friends and family during leisure time.
History of Architecture in Iran
The magnificence of the Iranian architectural works has not developed overnight but is the endeavor of centuries of labor and dedication. The different periods of rule show significant development and contribution. The earliest signs of beautification and emancipation of houses appeared some three thousand years ago. At this point of time, colored bricks were used. Wood was used for huge buildings and towers were introduced. After the period of initial development, the evolution of Persian architecture can be segregated into different periods. The table below traces these periods in order of succession and also gives the significance of these periods in terms of the contribution to architecture:
Achaemenian Period (550 to 322 B.C)
Specialty of Architecture: Stairways, Pillars, Rock Tombs, Inscriptions, Stone Pedestals, Ziggurats, Terrace, Stone Towers
External Influence: Egyptian, Assyrian, Median, Elamite, Urartian and Ionian influence
Seleucid Period (323 B.C. To 64 B.C.)
Specialty of Architecture: Typical Greek geometrical shapes, The Greek temples wee typified in Iranian structures.
External Influence: Greek Influence
Parthian & Sassanian Period (224 to 641 B.C.)
Specialty of Architecture: use of stucco for beautification of ceilings, murals and engravings for decoration, use of colored mosaics for floor and walls.
External Influence: None
Post-Islam era in Iran (Post 7thh century invasion by the Arab-Muslims)
Specialty of Architecture: Mosques built in Persian style
Persian Influence on Islamic architecture: The Arabs adapted from the Persians rather than the reverse way. The Persian tactics were utilized to strengthen and beautify the mosques. The use of domes and pillars became extensive during this period.
Seljuk Period (11th to 13th century AD)
of Architecture: Double shelled domes, monochrome mosaic work, mosques with domed chamber introduced.
External Influence:
Ilkhanid Period (1256 to 1353 AD)
Specialty of Architecture: Spectacular tile and mosaic work, more of mausoleums and worshiping places were built.
External Influence: None
Timurid Period (1370-1507 AD)
Specialty of Architecture: Use of single colored, glazed tiles, Better development and more experiments with the size and looks of domes. Their sizes increased and were made into glyphic forms. They domes also showed designs and tile work.
External Influence: Traces of Chinese Influence.
Safavid Period (1501 to 1722 AD)
Specialty of Architecture: Inclusion of radial symmetry, more stress on color combination and beautification. Market places, dams, water reservoirs, pigeon towers, dams and caravansaries were extensively constructed.
Influence:
Zand Period (1751 to 1779 AD)
Specialty of Architecture: Use of designed tiles, stone vases and Zand tile; Significant borrowing of architectural styles from all over the world
Influence: Indian and European influence. Also revival of pre-Islamic style of architecture in Iran
Qajar Period (1785 to 1925)
Specialty of Architecture: Onion shaped domes, deep courtyards. Different styles were introduced for the mosques, palaces, pavilions, mansions and resorts.
Influence: Western World and partial revival of Sassasian art.
Modern Iranian Architecture
Modernism in Architecture of Iran was introduced roughly around the mid 20th century. The modernization means that the influence of global architecture has influenced the Iranian style and created a unique fusion. Due to the establishment of the many nuclear power plants in Iran, the maintenance of many of these structures have become endangered. The site at Ifahsan has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Other architectural works in Iran, which require special care include Ifahsan, Parsepolis and Tomb of Cyrus the Great.
Famous Architectural Sites in Iran
Meidan-e-Emam
Takht-e-Soleyman
Bisotun
Persepolis
Pasargadae
Bam
Ifahsan
Soltaniyeh
Tchogha Zabnil
Architects of Iran
Some of the most famous architects of Iran, who have to their credit some of the most attractive architectural works include names such as George Darash, Imam Raeisi, Sayed Barimani, Yahya Fiuzi, Houshang Seyhoum, Sayed Hadi Mirmiran and Tara Toolami Moghaddam.
