Iranian-Islamic Architecture from Past to Present

Iranian-Islamic Architecture from Past to Present

Iranian-Islamic architecture is a blend of art, culture, and religion that has evolved over centuries. This architectural style, with its unique characteristics, has profoundly influenced the architecture of the Islamic world.

  1. Pre-Islamic Era:

  • Achaemenid Architecture: Known for monumental structures like Persepolis. Characterized by tall columns, vast porticos, and intricate relief carvings.

  • Sassanid Architecture: Distinguished by large arches and massive domes. The Palace of Ctesiphon is a prominent example from this period.

  1. Early Islamic Period (7th to 11th century AD):

  • Integration of Iranian architectural elements with Islamic principles

  • Emergence of mosques with central courtyards and columned prayer halls

  • Use of Kufic script in decorations

  1. Seljuk Period (11th to 13th century AD):

  • Development of four-iwan mosques

  • Extensive use of decorative brickwork

  • Emergence of twin minarets

  1. Ilkhanid and Timurid Period (13th to 15th century AD):

  • Construction of double-shell domes

  • Use of mosaic tile work

  • Development of mausoleum architecture

  1. Safavid Period (16th to 18th century AD):

  • Peak of Iranian-Islamic architectural flourishing

  • Construction of large urban squares like Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan

  • Extensive use of seven-color tile work

  1. Qajar Period (18th to 20th century AD):

  • Fusion of Western architectural elements with Iranian traditions

  • Construction of numerous palaces with lavish decorations

  1. Pahlavi and Contemporary Era:

  • Inclination towards Western modern architecture

  • Efforts to preserve Iranian architectural identity in new designs

Masterpieces of Iranian Architecture in the Last 100-150 Years:

  1. Azadi Tower (1970):

  • Architect: Hossein Amanat

  • Contractor: Mohammad Taghi Masoudioh Construction Company

  • A combination of Achaemenid, Sassanid, and Islamic architecture

  1. Milad Tower (2006):

  • Designer: Mohammad Reza Hafezi

  • Contractor: Boeing Company

  • At 435 meters, the tallest tower in Iran

  1. Tabiat Bridge (2014):

  • Architect: Leila Araghian

  • Contractor: Tehran Engineering and Civil Organization

  • Multi-level pedestrian bridge with modern design

  1. Expansion of Imam Reza Shrine (Ongoing):

  • Multiple architects throughout history

  • A combination of various Islamic architectural styles

  1. Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (1977):

  • Architect: Kamran Diba

  • A blend of modern architecture and traditional Iranian elements

  1. City Theater of Tehran (1972):

  • Architect: Ali Sardar Afkhami

  • Inspired by Sassanid architecture

  1. Islamic Consultative Assembly Building (1955):

  • Architect: Mohsen Foroughi

  • A fusion of neoclassical architecture and Iranian elements

  1. Niavaran Palace (1967):

  • Architect: Mohsen Foroughi

  • A combination of modern and traditional Iranian architecture

These structures demonstrate Iranian architects' efforts to preserve Iranian architectural identity while embracing modern architectural innovations.