Contemplating the Inscriptions and Motifs of Zavareh Jame Mosque

Authors

Abstract

All the remaining works of decorative art of Islamic monuments, especially in religious places, like mosques have their particular emotions and deep visualization. In fact, mosques have been changed into unique treasury of Islamic art manifestation. In the history of Iranian architecture, the Seljuks architecture has the utmost importance. The importance of this critical period can be found in spectacular decorations of remaining inscriptions. Most of the Seljuks monuments are decorated with bricks, but in some parts of the monuments such as the inscriptions of the domes and porch(iwan), stucco had been used because of its more flexible form. In this case, Zavareh Jame Mosque is one of the spectacular monuments from Seljuks period. In this article, it’s tried to understand its historical and conceptual dimensions, in order to focus on its graphic capacities of  inscriptions and Noqush(=patterns).
We also contemplate and probe the historical monument of Zavareh Jame mosque. And the conclusion is that the date of making Zavareh Jame mosque, in contrast to what Andre Godard said, is back to the year 564 A.H., but not 530 A.H. This important fact is reached through the graphic analysis and deep consideration of the historical inscription of the monument, which shows the importance of documentary evidence in maintaining the real values of a monument. Referring to the point that the authors have used the graphic form to reach the shape and concept of the inscriptions and motifs, the decorative qualities of the monument can be apparently seen and compared with the decorations of their own periods of time. On the other hand, restoring the lost parts of inscriptions has made the general collection of Kufi alphabet of Zavareh Jame mosque, which is very useful in restoring those parts.
Besides, Iranian modern graphics can create works of art with the national-traditional values, by considering this precious heritage in the form of modern idea.

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