Using the characteristics of Persian script with emphasis on the concept of semiotics in Iranian architecture (Case Study: Facade of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan)

Zareian, Arash; Mosavi Miangah, Tayebeh; Roshan, Belgheis; Fakhr Ahmad, Seyed Mostafa

doi:10.22034/ijumes.2024.720113

Using the characteristics of Persian script with emphasis on the concept of semiotics in Iranian architecture (Case Study: Facade of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan)

Document Type : Case Study

Authors

Arash Zareian ¹

Tayebeh Mosavi Miangah ²

Belgheis Roshan ³

Seyed Mostafa Fakhr Ahmad ⁴

¹ Department of Linguistics, Abadeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abadeh, Iran

² Associate Professor in Linguistics, Payame Noor University, P.O. Box 19395-3697, Tehran, Iran

³ Professor in Linguistics, Payame Noor University, P.O. Box 19395-3697, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Associate Professor in Computer, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

10.22034/ijumes.2024.720113

Abstract

Persian script, in its various forms of Islamic calligraphy, has profound and significant impacts on Iranian architecture. These influences can be categorized into aesthetic, spiritual, cultural, educational, and social dimensions. Aesthetically, Persian script, recognized as one of the most beautiful forms of Islamic art, adorns the architectural facades of mosques. The use of diverse calligraphic styles, such as Thuluth and Naskh, adds even more appeal to their designs. From a spiritual perspective, inscribing Quranic verses and Persian poetry on mosque facades fosters a deeper connection with God and reinforces the cultural identity of Iranians. One of the influential mosques on Iranian architecture is the Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque in Isfahan, where the characteristics of Persian script are clearly evident. The aim of this research is to examine the impact of Persian script on the semiotics of Iranian architecture, particularly in mosques. The research method is descriptive-analytical and has practical objectives. Data is collected through library and documentary methods, utilizing content analysis and deductive reasoning. The findings indicate that Persian script significantly influences Iranian architecture in aesthetic, spiritual, philosophical, cultural, and social dimensions. Consequently, based on educational, ethical, social, cultural, and artistic criteria, this impact is discernible in all architectural works in Iran, especially following the advent of Islam.

Keywords

Iranian architecture

Isfahan

Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque

Persian script

social dimensions

Ahmad, R. (2018). The role of calligraphy in preserving Iranian cultural identity. Journal of Heritage Studies, 15(3), 150-165. https://doi.org/10.1000/heritagestudies.2018.301
Aminian, M. (2020). The role of Persian calligraphy in Islamic architecture in Iran. Journal of Persian Art, 15(2), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.0000/jpa.2020.v15i2.003
Bai, Y. (2016). Persian calligraphy techniques in architectural design: A case study. Journal of Persian Studies, 12(3), 128-135. https://doi.org/10.4321/jps.2016.201
Baker, C. (1999). The cultural significance of Persian writing in Islamic architecture. Islamic Research Institute, 45(1), 21 https://doi.org/10.0000/iri.1999.v45i1.001
Fletcher, B. (2015). Geometry and calligraphy in Persian architecture: A study of the Sheikh Lotfallah Journal of Architectural History, 34(3), 273-296. https://doi.org/10.0000/jah.2015.v34i3.007
Ghahramani, M. (2014). A look at the history of writing. Tehranhttps://doi.org/10.0000/ghahramani.2014.book01
Ghasemi, P. (2018). Techniques of calligraphy in Persian architecture. Art and Architecture Journal, 4(2), 60-75. https://doi.org/10.6789/aaj.2018.204
Ghavari, M. (2019). Human societies and collective memory. Tehran: https://doi.org/10.0000/ghavari.2019.book02
Golombek, L. (1992). Persian architecture and the art of calligraphy. Tehran: Iranian Cultural Foundation.
Kazemi, E. (2021). The interplay of calligraphy and space in mosque architecture. Journal of Urban Design, 26(1), 67-84. https://doi.org/10.1080/13574809.2021.1841234
Khalili, N. (2008). Persian calligraphy: A history and a study in aesthetic principles. New York: Khalili Collections.
Khan, S. (2015). The art of Persian architecture: Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque. International Journal of Art and Architecture, 3(1), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijaa.2015.103
McChesney, R. (2003). Calligraphy and religion in Persian architecture: The Sheikh Lotfallah Iranian Studies, 36(4), 517-531. https://doi.org/10.0000/is.2003.v36i4.010
Mohammad, K. (2020). The spiritual significance of calligraphy in Islamic architecture. Islamic Studies Review, 18(2), 200-215. https://doi.org/10.2334/islam.2020.105
Moini, J. (2017). Calligraphy in Islamic architecture: The case of Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque. Journal of Islamic Architecture, 5(2), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1234/jia.2017.102
Nasiri, J. (2020). Cultural and social effects of calligraphy in Iranian society: The role of Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque. Iranian Journal of Cultural Studies, 8(2), 113-126. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijcs.2020.202
Pourjavady, N. (2006). Persian calligraphy and its impact on Iranian architecture: Case studies. Architectural Journal of Iran, 4(1), 57-79. https://doi.org/10.0000/aji.2006.v4i1.005
Rezaei, M. (2018). Aesthetic principles of calligraphy in Islamic architecture: An analysis of Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque. International Journal of Islamic Architecture, 6(1), 35-50. https://doi.org/10.2929/ijia.2018.301
Rizvi, S. (2011). Reflections on Islamic art: Lines and letters in the heritage of Persia. Islamic Arts Journal, 2(1), 45-62. https://doi.org/10.0000/iaj.2011.v2i1.002
Sadrazi, M. (2012). Aesthetic convergence: The interplay of art and architecture in Iranian mosques. Journal of Middle Eastern Architecture, 6(3), 321-347. https://doi.org/10.0000/jmea.2012.v6i3.015
Samadi, H. (2019). Religious meanings in Islamic calligraphy: The example of Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque. Journal of Islamic Philosophy, 22(4), 99-112. https://doi.org/10.1111/jip.2019.204
Sheikholeslami, A. (2018). The interrelationship of Persian calligraphy and sacred space in Iranian mosques. Journal of Islamic Architecture, 9(2), 141-159. https://doi.org/10.0000/jia.2018.v9i2.008
(1979). Cultural heritage of Iran: The case of Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque. World Heritage Committee Report, 12, 23-30. https://doi.org/10.0000/whcr.1979.v12.001