logo

Search published articles


Showing 4 results for Seljuk

Nasrin Beyk Mohammadi, Seyd Hashem Hosseyni, Sepideh Moradi Mohtasham,
year 2, Issue 3 (5-2018)
Abstract

Abstract
In the 5th and 7th centuries A.H., was created great transformation in all arts, industry, and sciences (including pottery art). Seljuk potteries, were restored the glaze technique, so can be attributed lusterware style to them. Kashan at the beginning of the seventh century A.H. was one of the major centers of pottery and for several decades produced wares that they had fine technique. Almost contemporary with Iran, Raqqa in Syria under rule of Ayyubid, was became one of the major centers for the production of pottery and artwork. The traces of Raqqa and Kashan are so similar, so that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them. The purpose of this article, identify similarities and differences is between two styles of pottery of Kashan and Raqqa, and eventually, identify of interaction is between these two styles. In this regard, in this study, we have tried to answer the following questions: What are the similarities and differences between these two styles of pottery? Which of these two styles of pottery is older? The research method in this article is based on method of descriptive – analytical, and from library resources has been used to explain the subject. By reviewing the traces of lusterware style of Kashan and Raqqa can achieve some kind of fusion style that is influenced by the art of pottery of Iran. So, pottery style of Kashan has been older and potters of Kashan have been able to many of techniques and decorative art themselves transferred to Raqqa.
Keywords: Seljuk, Ayyubid, Lusterware, style of Kashan, style of Raqqa.

Introduction
In Seljuk period (fifth and sixth century A.H.) significant progress in all arts, especially pottery art was happened. In this period, all known pottery techniques were used: engraving, relief-work, latticework, gilding, and enameling. The traces with decoration of luster glaze are one of the innovations of this era. The attractiveness this type of glaze, was creation of golden and metallic polished in potteries without use of the gold. The Ayyubid period in Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean, not only in the field of conquest and war, but also from the point of culturally was effective. They created new styles in the arts, but their rule was short. The Ayyubid pottery is known more with Raqqa pottery. By studying the traces of pottery this period, we could be identified combination style that has been under the influence of pottery art of Iran and Egypt. Almost contemporary with Iran, Raqqa in Syria under rule of Ayyubid, was became one of the major centers for the production of pottery and artwork. The traces of Raqqa and Kashan are so similar, so that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them. In this study, we have tried to answer the following questions: What are the similarities and differences between these two styles of pottery? Which of these two styles of pottery is older? The research method in this article is based on method of descriptive – analytical, and from library resources has been used to explain the subject.

Research findings
Kashan at the beginning of thirteenth century A.D. was one of the major centers of pottery. This city for several decades has produced crocks of very delicate. In Kashan was produced group of slip-painted ware that including are types of bowls, trays, and decanters. Second group from Kashan pottery is lusterware that including: bowls, trays, decanters, vases, jars, and wall tiles. On the tiles of Iran in Seljuk period has been used different decorations such as human and animal and foliage, and effect of painting art and book designing can be seen in all of them. In lusterware style of Kashan less than blue color has been used in glaze. All portions of pottery are decorated with painting of women’s pictures, girls, arabesque motifs, and Farsi and Arabic inscriptions. Generally, the pottery of Kashan in Seljuk period can be classified in the following types: bowl, dish, drinking bowls such as jar, decanter, ewer, and also types of dishes with human and animal forms, and Star-shaped tiles.
Raqqa in Seljuk period was only center outside of Iran that created significant amount from pottery and art tiles that in terms of technique were distinctive. In Raqqa has been made pottery with relief decoration (Barbotin), unglazed, muddy relief decoration, and with green and blue glazes. relief decoration, with green and blue glazes. Another technique, painting with Azure and Cyan colors on glazed liners. These crockeries were decorated with lusterware technique. The decorations of Raqqa pottery are divided into two main groups: first group, main designs that are usually human or animal; and second group, decorative motifs that have done in the background. Raqqa pottery is classified into the following types: bowl, dish, jar, and decanter. 

Conclusion
In the Seljuk period beautiful products of Kashan pottery have been exported to throughout the Islamic world and this has led to the expansion of Kashan pottery. On the other hand, pottery of Raqqa style (that as an inseparable art of the Ayyubid period that was formed in the city of Raqqa and on the Euphrates coast) was similar with pottery style of Seljuk period. The traces of Raqqa and Kashan are so similar, so that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them. However, the construction of lusterware before the Iran in Egypt and Iraq has been common and arrived in Iran through Iraq, but peak of the production of this pottery has been in Seljuk period and in Iran. According to this, the possibility of the migration of Kashan artists to the Raqqa or neighboring countries could be true.

Karim Haji Zadeh Bastani, Esmaeel Maroufi Aghdam, Said Satar Nezhad, Fariborz Tahmasebi,
year 2, Issue 3 (5-2018)
Abstract

Abstract
The tombs or funerary monuments are one of the most important elements of Iranian-Islamic architecture that in different fields require careful investigation. This group of buildings is important among Iranians; for this reason, in each period of the Islamic era of Iran the most important and most used arts related to that period have been used in their construction. Generally, the decoration in buildings has a more effective role, because, if it is understandable in terms of form and structure for archaeologists and designers, it’s possible this isn’t understandable for the general public. So, decorations in the buildings at first sight are attracts the viewer. In this article epigraphy art as one of the most important decorative elements of Islamic buildings have been reviewed in the four Seljuk tombs of Northwest of Iran: Gonbad Sorkh, Borj Modavar in Maragheh, Seh Gonbad, and Gonbad Kabood. The research method in this study is interpretive – historical. In this study with analytical method have been studied decorations of these four tombs (especially in terms of architecture, motifs, inscriptions and their position on the buildings). Also, in addition to reviewing the articles, books, and evidences, with field survey from these tombs, plan and decorations, and then a comparison table of inscriptions has been provided. In this regard, the following questions are raised:
- How is architecture, motifs and decorations of the Seljuk tombs in northwest Iran? And, their inscriptions are divided into several categories in terms of content?
- What are the effects of concepts of the inscriptions on position them on the buildings?
Reviews show that inscriptions of Seljuk tombs in the Northwest are divided into four groups: The Quranic verses, inscription with the theme of the date of construction, inscription with the topic of prayer, and inscription with the theme of the architect and the builder. On the other hand, position these inscriptions in the buildings have been differed proportional in their content. Inscriptions of the Quranic verses in the highest section of building, inscription with topic of prayer in the lower, inscription with the theme of date of construction and architect and builder are placed on the lower levels and on the body of building.
Keywords: Islamic architecture, Seljuk tombs, Northwest of Iran, decorations, inscription.

Introduction
Generally, one way of cognition more about periods of Islamic architecture besides of decorative elements and motifs, is study of inscriptions and their texts. In the Seljuk period, one of their architectural features, are create inscriptions and decorative lines from shaved bricks, that in most of buildings this period (especially tombs) is seen. Furthermore, due to the difficulty of shaving the bricks and the formation of letters and words with it, during this period, the Naskh script was replaced by the Kofi script and inscription with style of stucco was used (Hatam, 1999: 162).
In this article, in addition to reviewing the historical background and the process of build tombs in the Seljuk period to study and compare four tombs in the Seljuk period in Northwest of Iran, first have been introduce architectural features and decorative motifs them. Then, in comparative tables have been specified types of inscriptions and their position on the tombs. In this regard, following questions are raised: How are architecture, motifs and decorations of the Seljuk tombs in northwest Iran? And, their inscriptions are divided into several categories in terms of content? And, what are the effects of concepts of the inscriptions on position them on the buildings?
This study shows, inscriptions of Seljuk tombs in the Northwest are divided into four groups: The Quranic verses, inscription with the theme of the date of construction, inscription with the topic of prayer, and inscription with the theme of the architect and the builder. On the other hand, position these inscriptions in the buildings have been differed proportional in their content. Inscriptions of the Quranic verses in the highest section of building, inscription with topic of prayer in the lower, inscription with the theme of date of construction and architect and builder are placed on the lower levels and on the body of building.

Buildings under study
Gonbad Sorkh: The Gonbad Sorkh is oldest tomb in the Maragheh that is located in the southern part of the city and west side of Hashtrod road. Generally, in the Gonbad Sorkhon and in different parts and also on all sides this tomb is inscription.
Borj Modavar: The Borj Modavar is second tomb built after the Gonbad Sorkh and inside the city of Maragheh. This tomb now is located in Khaje Nasir Street and behind the building of Bank Melli. The Borj Modavar has two inscriptions that both of them are located in the main direction of the building and facing the North. 
Seh Gonbad: The Seh Gonbad is third tomb that was built in the Seljuk period in Azerbaijan. This tomb is located in the southeastern of Urmia city. The three inscriptions with Kofi script and geometric motifs at the facades of this tomb have created beautiful view.
Gonbad Kabood: The Gonbad Kabood after the Gonbad Sorkh and the Borj Modavar is third of building that has been made in the Maragheh city. In this building 5 inscriptions are visible.

Conclusion
It’s certain, in Seljuk period and in the method architects and artists of this period, concepts of inscriptions have played an important role in location of inscriptions. According to this, inscriptions of Quranic verses and inscriptions of mystical concepts and prayers have usually been located at higher levels. Other inscriptions (such as inscriptions with historical or political themes) have usually been located in lower levels. The location of inscriptions in buildings from the down to up in four sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the table below is shown.

Mohammad Afrough,
year 2, Issue 6 (3-2019)
Abstract

Abstract
Sassanian metalwork is one of the most influential ancient arts in Islamic art, especially metal working. in the art of this period, aesthetic dimensions including all kinds of mythical and symbolic concepts in the art of metallurgy were revealed. with the advent of Islam and the development of the art of metallurgy, in addition to the aesthetic dimensions, the technological aspects including methods and techniques of making and decorating in the art of the metalwork of the Islamic era and especially the metalwork of Mosul reflected and continued. in the metalwork school as one of the most prominent centers for the production of metal works in the Islamic world, various types of metallurgical works were produced and presented for various purposes. in these works, there are well-known traces of various types of motifs and concepts commonly found in the Sassanid Empire. therefore, the important question of this article is: what are the motifs and concepts used in the works of Mosul metal that is influenced by the art of Sassanian metallurgy? concepts such as hunting (riding or walking along with arrows or arrows or sword), two beasts on either side of the sacred tree or life, the sultan (motif) sitting on the bed with legs stretched out and servants in Two sides and a hand on a sword or in a quadrangle (And the crescent of the moon or cup of wine in hand), Bahram and Azadeh, bass, dance and music, plant motifs including the tree (cypress, pine), tangled and interconnected ivy (slavic), various flowers (lilies , Leafy leaves, multicolored flowers), animals and birds (lion, hog, bear, elephant, camel, ram and gooseberry), gazelle, deer, ram behind me, hawk (eagle), birds in front. Pearl strings (rows of round shapes). is the result of this research? This research is of fundamental type and research method is descriptive-analytical. the method of data collection is in the form of a library and search in museums.
Keywords: Sassanid, Seljuk, Metal Working, Khorasan, Mosul.

Introduction
During the observation of Iranian art and its civilization, it is possible to find a lesser period that was as impressive as the Sassanid art of the art of the contemporary civilizations and, more importantly, beyond itself. metalworking is one of the most prominent Sassanian arts that has made itself in the manufacture of all types of metal works, especially silverware. Artists of this age, using the techniques of making, decorating and reflecting many old Iranian beliefs and traditions in metal works, have preserved the identity, artistic values and experiences of the past, and transmitted and continued it to the Islamic era. the artistic work of the Islamic era and the geography of Iranian civilization, especially during the rule of the Seljuk Empire, expanded rapidly in the light of security and tranquility, and outstanding metallurgical schools appeared in the production of metal works such as Khorasan and Mosul. artists active in these two schools, while paying attention to and modeling the Sassanian art of art in technical and artistic dimensions, were able to with their innate innovations, ingenuity and creativity, as well as the attention to common religious beliefs in some sciences such as astronomy and astrology, the nature They created a new artistic dimension for this art. the mentioned schools, especially Khorasan, were very dynamic and thriving during the Seljuk period. In addition to the influence of Sassanid art, there were significant effects, especially in decorative styles, on visual effects and roles on the metal works of Mosul. in fact, Mosul was directly (neighboring the Sassanid-Madan capital - and included in the Sassanid civilization) and indirect (the modeling and influence of the metal art of Khorasan through the interactions and the migration of artists from Khorasan, especially the artists of Herat to Mosul in the direction Mongol invasion) has benefited from Sasanian art and this is evident in Mosul’s works. The purpose of this research is to identify the dimensions of the influence of the Sassanian metalwork art on Mosul’s metalwork, its introduction and documentation in order to protect and protect an important part of Iranian art and civilization. what are the motifs and concepts used in the Mosul metal works affected by the Sassanian metalwork art? the topics discussed in this article are as follows: The influence of the Sassanian metalwork art on the art of metalworking of the Islamic period, the impact of the Mosul metal school on the metalwork of Khorasan [Herat], and the impact on other metalworking schools, the general coordinates of the Sassanid metal works of Khorasan and Mosul, decorative practices and content (Patterns and roles mapped from Sassanid art and specific themes and roles of Mosul) Mosul metal works.

Type and method of research
This research is of fundamental type and research method is descriptive-analytical. What is the way to collect data in a museum-like book-house?

Conclusion
The most important result of this research is the introduction and reflection of the concepts and motifs of Sassanid metal works in the metal works of the Mosul metalwork school. Hence, the metalworkers have been instrumental in aesthetic and technological aspects of the methods of making, decorating and paying the art of Sassanid metalworkers through the metalwork school of Khorasan during the Seljuk period. In the aesthetic aspect, we can refer to a variety of themes and motifs commonly used in Sassanian Iranian art that also reflected Seljuk art. The themes of hunting, the two beasts on the two sides of the tree of life, the Sultan (ruler) sitting on the throne with legs, Mars and Azadeh on horseback, which, of course, has been used in camel works in place of horses, music, Dance, plant motifs including the tree (cypress, pine), various flowers such as flowering flowers, palm trees, etc.

Mehdi Razani, Rahim Velayati, Parastoo Haghi,
year 8, Issue 30 (1-2025)
Abstract

Abstract
This article discusses the structural analysis of ancient mortars used in Ojai’s Castle, which belongs to the Ilkhanid period in Bostanabad County, East Azerbaijan Province. Various methods, including field studies for documentation, sampling, and laboratory analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), were utilized to investigate the structural and physicochemical properties of the ancient mortars. For this purpose, ten mortar samples were collected from different sections of the outer walls of the castle, which were excavated in the past five years, and their dominant phases and compositions were identified using XRD and XRF. The results show that the composition of the mortars used in the castle is significantly similar. Contrary to existing assumptions based on the use of lime-based mortars in cold regions and stone structures, the mortars in Ojan Castle are composed of gypsum and quartz-based high-purity gypsum mortars. These mortars were used for structural reinforcement and, especially, for enhancing their compressive strength. Based on these findings, this study can serve as a reference for future research on the structural analysis of ancient mortars to restore the castle.
Keywords: Characterization, Seljuks-Ilkhanid, Ojan Castle, Mortar, XRD, XRF.

Introduction
Historical architecture exemplifies the dynamic progression and development of knowledge, structure, recognition, and production of diverse materials. Mortars, as significant architectural elements, play a crucial role in this evolution. Remarkably, numerous mortars have retained their structural attributes for centuries. These historical mortars represent cultural accomplishments, exhibiting distinct properties influenced by raw materials, technological methods, and their manufacturing and utilization processes. The analysis of historical mortar’s composition serves as a valuable tool in understanding the construction techniques and technological advancements employed in the past. By studying the structure, composition, and processing methods of traditional mortars, we can make informed decisions regarding their conservation, restoration, reproduction, and identification of potentially damaging factors in historical buildings. Furthermore, mineralogical and chemical analysis of mortars provides essential insights into their setting characteristics, mineral grading, and compound quantities, offering a comprehensive understanding of their properties. Concerning the specific topic of this research, which is related to the historical and cultural mortars of the Seljuk-Ilkhanid era we can say undoubtedly, the Ilkhanid era can be considered one of the brilliant periods in the history of urban planning in Iran and another beginning in the emergence of a new style in creating and developing urban spaces. This style, which is known as the “Azeri style”, hastened the creation of royal cities such as Ghazaniyeh and Soltanieh and the strategic mother city of Tabriz, which is the manifestation of the ideals and urban planning ideas of the Mughal Ilkhanid. It has remained unstudied until today. In this research, the structural analysis and identification of the mortar composition of the historical castle of Ojan (figure1-3), related to the Seljuk-Ilkhanate period, will be examined and studied. Until now, five seasons of scientific archeological excavations have been carried out in the historical castle of Ojan from 2018 to 2022, and the results show remarkable stone architecture and architectural decoration such as Muqarnas made by gypsum, tiles, shaped stones, and various objects. Belongings include copper coins, pieces of pottery from the Seljuk-Ilkhanate period, glass, metal nails, etc. (figure4-7 & table 1) 
The most important research questions regarding the mortars used in Ojan Castle are: 1. What types of mortars are present in Ojan Ilkhanate castle? 2. What are the fundamental characteristics of the mortar used in Ojan Castle? The research methodology for this study consists of three main components:  1. Gathering documentary information through library studies. 2. Conducted field studies, including sampling from the historic Ojan Castle and documenting the current condition of the site to understand the nature of the building under investigation. 3. Performed laboratory studies, specifically analyzing samples taken from the outer wall of the castle. This analysis includes structural analysis and qualitative examination of mortar materials.

Materials and Methods
In this study, after examining the explored sections of the Ojan castle, mapping of the structure was carried out. Based on the current condition of the walls and the materials used in the construction (Fig. 8), 10 random representative samples were taken from different sections of the castle, including the outer parts of the main walls and the areas between the main materials. The samples were selected from different parts of the walls to ensure sufficient dispersion. The sampling method involved separating layers from both intact and deteriorated sections. Fig. 9 and indicates the locations where the samples were taken. Based on field observations, the mortar layers, especially in shallower and more exposed areas, had weak and powdery structural conditions. However, at depths greater than 20mm from the wall surface, the mortar exhibited better strength compared to the surface layers. The color of the mortar was mostly white, with some areas having a slight grayish tint, and no traces of plant remains or other components were observed. In the next stage, images and visual information related to each sample were recorded on-site. Descriptions of the visual characteristics of the samples, along with images and sampling locations, were collected and documented in Table 2. All samples were powdered and passed through a 200-mesh sieve. They were then barcoded and sent to the laboratory for XRF (table 3, 4, figure10) and XRD (table 5, Fig. 11) analysis. The samples were barcoded using the following format: “Ojan Castle, 2020 (OC20), Tranche number (T), Sample code (S)”. For example, a sample would be labeled OC20-T16S01.

Discussion 
With the aim of structural analysis of the mortar used in the stone walls of Ojan Castle belonging to the Seljuk-Ilkhanate historical period in Bostanabad city, 10 samples of mortar were selected from different parts of the outer walls. Based on the results of the experiments (XRD, XRF), the use of mortar with the leading and dominant phase of gypsum is used in all samples, and also all types of phases with silicate structure and phases in the soil can be seen in all samples. To construct this mortar, high-purity gypsum and sand were used. Approximately %8 of the mortar composition consisted of other components, mainly soil elements such as Muscovite, Albite, Salts, etc. The presence of these materials and phases is natural due to the inherent porosity of gypsum mortar and the fact that this architectural structure has been buried in the soil for several centuries.

Conclusion 
The use of semi-fired, semi-pounded gypsum, with the addition of sand as an intermediate mortar between stones, as well as for pointing in various sections of the outer walls of Ojan Castle, indicates the use of processed gypsum mortar in cold regions such as Bostanabad in the northwest of the country. As we know, in the field of conservation and restoration of historical architecture, the use of authentic materials that correspond to the original substance is crucial for preserving the authenticity, historical value, and cultural significance of ancient artifacts.
Based on this principle, the use of traditionally processed gypsum for constructing traditional mortar in the conservation of this ancient site can be considered significant in terms of maintaining authenticity. Considering recent seasons of excavation and access inside the castle, conducting similar tests on samples of interior plaster can reveal the differences between the mortars used on the outer and inner surfaces. This information can provide insights for proposing restoration and conservation procedures for the site.


Page 1 from 1