The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

A Comparative Study of Common Cultural Elements in the Decorative Patterns of Blue Mosques in Iran, Armenia, Afghanistan, and Turkey

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2024.431560.5519
Volume 21, Issue 133
July 2024
Pages 33-42
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Saeedeh Joshaghani 1
Mohammad Kazem Hasanvand 2
Mohammad Aref 3

1 Department of Analytical History and Comparative Studies of Islamic Art, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor of Creative Arts (in Painting), Department of Painting, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor of Art anthropology, Theatre Department of Faculty Member of Art, Tehran Branch, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Decoration is an inseparable element of Islamic architecture. The use of vegetal motifs in the form of simple geometric or realistic patterns on tiles has always been a focal point for architects. Tilework with vegetal motifs in mosques has played a significant role as a tool for conveying religious and spiritual concepts in the Islamic world, establishing a human connection with the divine, and creating a spiritual atmosphere.
Research objective: This study aims to conduct a comparative examination of the common cultural elements in the decorative patterns of blue mosques in Iran, Armenia, Afghanistan, and Turkey. The present study seeks to answer the question of how the examination of common cultural elements in the decorative patterns of blue mosques in Iran, Armenia, Afghanistan, and Turkey can be articulated through a comparative method.
Research method: This study is done using a comparative approach and relies on library and field sources, as well as a method of analysis based on a comparative study of decorative patterns.
Conclusion: The results indicate that there are significant similarities in the vegetal motifs of tiled decorations in blue mosques, which serve as signs and symbols of the cultural heritage of the four regions. These vegetal motifs are inspired by nature and are simplified and stylized in a geometric-vegetal form of decoration. The decorative vegetal motifs in the mosques of Yerevan and Iran exhibit more similarities, while the Blue Mosque in Turkey shows the influence of Ottoman-Byzantine art and culture. The Blue Mosque of Mazari Sharif incorporates vegetal motifs ranging from simple to intricate, drawing inspiration from the Blue Mosques of Tabriz and Turkey. The surrounding nature serves as a source of symbols that evoke meanings in the human mind, such as the tulip flower symbolizing resurrection, the clove representing power, the multi-petal flowers signifying abundance, the thistle leaf symbolizing vitality, and the pomegranate flower which is the symbol of immortality and fertility. Considering that mosque decorations are influenced by governmental tastes, religious beliefs, personal experiences, and climatic conditions, as well as the beliefs and traditions of the local people, the Blue Mosque of Tabriz has played a significant role as the primary and influential model for the other three blue mosques over time.

Keywords

Cultural elements
Common motifs
Vegetal
Geometrical
Blue mosques
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