The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Analysis of the Architectural Features of the Shisheh-Riz Tombs of Jalq in Baluchestan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2026.550530.5903
Volume 23, Issue 157
July 2026
Pages 19-30
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Faramarz Hassan Pour
Kamran Shahnavazi

Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art & Architecture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

Abstract
Problem statement: Tomb architecture is one of the prominent domains of Iranian architecture. In the Islamic period, the Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods were turning points in Iranian tomb architecture development; a trend that continued in later periods. This research is dedicated to examining the architectural features of tomb buildings in the village of Shisheh-Riz in Golshan County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province. These buildings have not been studied systematically and with an architectural analysis approach. Therefore, analyzing the architecture of these tombs can pave the way for a better understanding of another part of Iranian architectural heritage.
Research objective: The main objective of this research is to identify and analyze the structural and physical features of Shisheh-Riz tombs, along with examining their visual, conceptual, and formal similarities with other tomb buildings in Iran, especially those belonging to the same historical periods.
Research method: This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, with observations and field visits, and the study and review of archives such as travelogues and historical documents. The selected cases were the eight historical tombs in the village of Shisheh-Riz. The reason for selecting this number was based on access roads, the possibility of its documents, and field research. Therefore, the sampling method was purposeful, and finally, the data were analyzed qualitatively.
Conclusion: Unique architectural features of the Shisheh-Riz tombs include banded hole decorations in walls, the use of patkin arches in the interior space, and particularly the method of making domed corners with pendentive, which is distinct from the tradition of making domed corners with squinch in previous periods of Iranian architecture and largely determines the age of the building, since pendentive was common in tomb buildings during the Ilkhanid period in Iran. Also, some decorative motifs inside the buildings were partially identified by examining historical texts.

Keywords

Tombs
Mausoleum Architecture
Shisheh-Riz
Jalq
Baluchestan.
Subjects
Abbasnejad Seresti, R., & Sattari Galoogahi, R. (2022). Beveled rim bowls of the eastern half of the Iranian plateau: Examination and analysis. Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies, 2(2), 25–34.
Amirhajloo, S., & Riahiyan Gohorti, R. (2022). Study of the process and reasons for destruction Gobbeh Sabz in Kerman, based on results archaeological soundings. Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies, 2(1), 51–61.
Belali Oskui, A., & Jamali, Y. (2021). Evaluation of Spatial Physical Changes in Isfahan’s Mongol patriarchy and Safavid Tombs is a Step in Recognizing the Model of Islamic-Iranian Architectural Progress. Iranian Pattern of Progress, 8(2),  218-266. https://www.ipoba.ir/article_128084.html?lang=en
Belali Oskuyi, A., & Jamali, Y. (2019). Physical - Spatial typology of Safavid Religious tombs in Isfahan. Architecture in hot and dry climate, 7(10), 31-52. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.26453711.1398.7.10.2.3
Blair, S. S. (1986). The Ilkhanid shrine complex at Natanz, Iran. Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University.
Breton, J. P. (1998). Sacred space (M. Mohammadi, Trans.). Nameh Farhang, 1, 128–145.
Costa, J., & Eccles, G. (1996). Perspective on tourism development. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 8(7), 44–51.
Davtalab, J., Heidari, A., & Narooei, V. (2022). Identification and analysis of the architectural spaces and features of the historic Seb castle in Saravan county, Iran. Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies, 2(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.22034/jsbs.2022.338703.1023
Davtalab, J., Heidari, A., & Naseri, N. (2023). Analysis and recognition of the decorative features of historical building in the Hozdar Safavid city. Athar, 44(1), 18–39. https://doi.org/10.22034/44.1.18
Desset, F., Shahsavari, M., & Vidale, M. (2021). The Marḫašean two faced god: New insights into iconographic and religious landscapes of Halil Rud Valley civilization third millennium BCE, south eastern Iran. Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies, 1(1), 49–85.
Ettinghausen, R., & Grabar, O. (1999). The art and architecture of Islam: 650–1250 (Y. Ajand, Trans.). Samt. (Original work published 1987)
Faraji, A. (1987). Complete geography of Iran (Vol. 2). Ministry of Education Publications.
Fathi, M., Heidari, A., & Davtalab, J. (2024). Introducing British colonial architectural buildings in Sistan. Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies, 4(2), 11–23. https://doi.org/10.22034/jsbs.2024.494113.1057
General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism of Sistan and Baluchestan. (1999). Work registration file.
Gharavi, M. (1997). Tombs in the scope of Iranian culture. Association of Cultural Works and Honors.
Godard, A. (1998). The art of Iran (B. Habibi, Trans.). Shahid Beheshti University Printing and Publishing Center. (Original work published 1965)
Haj Ghasemi, K. (2010). Ganjnameh. Shahid Beheshti University Press.
Hatefi, A., Shahsavari, M., & Alidadi Soleymani, N. (2025). Study and classification of figurines of Qale Rostam, Esfandagheh, Jiroft. Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies, 5(2), 87–105.
Hattstein, M., & Delius, P. (2004). Islam: Art and architecture. Könemann.
Heidari, A., & Davtalab, J. (2022). A study of the wind’s role in shaping the man-made landscape of Sistan and the methods of utilizing and dealing with it based on historical sources. The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar, 19(106), 33–44. https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2021.283839.4870
Hillenbrand, R. (1998). Islamic architecture: Form, function, and meaning (I. Etesam, Trans.). Urban Processing and Planning Company. (Original work published 1994)
Hillenbrand, R. (2008). Islamic art and architecture (B. A, Ayatollahzadeh Shirazi, Trans.). Rozbe Publications. (Published work original 1999)
Hoseyny, S. H. (2009). A survey in the process of construction of tomb complexes in the Islamic architecture of Iran according Abusaeed Abilkheir ideas. Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning, 1(38), 15–23.
Hosseini, H. (2010). Introducing the style of Azerbaijani theosophists’ tomb construction. Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning, 2(43), 57–68.
Kalanouri, M. (2019). Architecture of domed tombs in the Baluchistan region of Iran. Marandiz Publications.
Keyhanpoor, M., & Torkzaban, S. (2015). A study of understanding the architectural landscape and construction technology in a complex of historical tombs from the thirteenth century [Paper presentation]. Against Gravity Conference, Peen University.
Kiani, M. Y. (2000). History of Iranian architectural art in the Islamic period. Samt.
Lohari, S., Mehrafarin, R., & Fathi, H. (2024). Studying the architecture of Kerman’s Zoroastrian crypts with a look at burial ritual. Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies, 4(2), 25–40.
Masoudi Asl, B., Javadi, S., Barati, N., & Farzin, A. (2018). Architectural basics of Imams descendants’ holy shrines in Iran. The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar, 15(64), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2018.69476
Mehrizi, M., Masodi, A., & Hasanpur, F. (2023). Geometrical and numerical analysis of architectural ornaments in Astaneh of Mahan from mystical point of view. Epistemological Studies in Islamic University, 27(94), 165–194. https://doi.org/10.22034/ksiu.2023.94.165
Moghdisi, A. A. M. A. (1983). Ahsan al-Taqasim in knowing the climates (A. Manzavi, Trans.). Authors and Translators’ Company Publications.
Pirnia, M. K., & Memarian, G. H. (2001). Stylistics of Iranian architecture. Pajouhandeh Publications.
Pirnia, M. K., & Memarian, G. H. (2018). Islamic architecture of Iran. Goljam Publications.
Pottinger, H. (1816). Travels in Beloochistan and Sistan: In a series of letters to Sir John Malcolm. Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown.
Rastegar Jhaleh, S., & Kalanouri, M. (2017). Tombs of the city of Jalaq, Saravan. Quarterly Scientific Journal of Athar, 38(78), 33–46.
Sobuti, H. (1991). Survey of historical monuments of Soltaniyeh. Setareh Zanjan.
Soltanzadeh, H. (1983). The process of formation of cities and religious centers in Iran. Agah Publications.
Sykes, S. P. (1902). Ten thousand miles in Persia; Or, eight years in Irán. J. Murray.
Sykes, S. P. (1957). Travelogue of General Sir Percy Sykes or ten thousand miles in Iran (H. Saadat Nouri, Trans.). Ibn Sina Library Publications.
Wilson, J. C. (1987). The history of industry in Iran (A. Faryar, Trans.). Yassavoli Cultural Center. (Original work published 1891)

Home

Submit Manuscript

Contact Us