The Role of Color in the Decoration of Tiling in Islamic Buildings of Seljuk Era

Chiman Hosseini

doi:10.7596/taksad.v6i1.697

Abstract

Islamic art has specific importance in different sections especially in the area of architecture and the related decorations. Generally, decoration has an important role in the history of Iran’s architecture and it has been continuing from far past to today and has preserved its continuity. In Seljuk era, Iranian artists decorated exterior parts of building with fine parts of turquoise glazed brick. In this way, we observe color in exterior decoration of buildings in this era. This method of decoration is used from old times and new techniques and diversities have been utilized by passing time and the architectures have constructed the most beautiful and enduring buildings.

Highlights

Iran has been the heritage of many valuable artworks from the beginning until now; the artworks that represent the interest, thought and skill of creators
By the establishment of Seljuk government, Iran entered to a new stage; especially in the area of architecture and the related decoration, the artists of this period by the protection and encouragement of central government succeeded to invent new designs
The samples of buildings in Seljuk era which were made by tile decorations are: the minaret of Damghan Mosque, the tomb of Khajeh Atabak in Kerman, and the Red Dome in Maragheh

Summary

Introduction

Iran has been the heritage of many valuable artworks from the beginning until now; the artworks that represent the interest, thought and skill of creators. By the establishment of Seljuk government, Iran entered to a new stage; especially in the area of architecture and the related decoration, the artists of this period by the protection and encouragement of central government succeeded to invent new designs. They created a beauty and coordinated combination by making glazed bricks and its application in the decoration of building surface. Minaret of Damghan Mosque Damghan Mosque is located in northeast of Damghan that belongs to Seljuk era This mosque includes a vast ambit, bedchamber, three porches and one old minaret. Turquoise tiles are located among the parts of brick in minaret view and these turquoise glazed bricks as quadrilateral parts have surrounded all over the minaret

Tomb of Khajeh Atabak in Kerman

The Red Dome of Maragheh

The Blue Dome of Maragheh