A Study on the ‘Philosophy of Decoration’ in the Seljuk Period (5th to 6th Centuries CE) Emphasizing the Dome of ‘Taj Al- Molk’ of the Isfahan Grand Mosque

Abstract

The Seljuk period (5th–6th Centuries CE) is one of the most important historical periods of Islamic Iran in various arts formed and developed in accordance with Islamic beliefs. Bricklaying decoration is one of the most valuable types of Persian Architectural decorations, and The Seljuk period is the era of extraordinary development and progress of this art and the ‘Taj Al-Molk’ Dome of the Isfahan Grand Mosque is known as its masterpiece. In fact, the flourishing of bricklaying decoration and its relationship to Seljuk’s cultural and religious beliefs in the sphere of aesthetics is the subject of this article. Historical, descriptive-analytical methods have been used to investigate historical documents and field observation. The result shows the cultural aspects that affect the artists’ extraordinary use of decorating elements in Seljuk architecture. A confirmation of a ‘Philosophy of Decoration’ based on a common language in the aesthetic perception of pure Islamic-Iranian art as could see in ‘Taj Al-Molk’ Dome with the usage of highly evolved decorative elements such as Bricklaying tiles, Geometric patterns, and Kufic scripts. Muslim artists used decoration as a decisive role in connecting the material world (physical world) to the world of ideas in order to express their thoughts and mystical and religious ideals. With the help of elements such as rhythm, coordination, harmony, balance, etc., they realize their philosophical principles in action and create a new philosophy that transforms the material into a visualization of unity in multiplicity, as a major ideal of the “Philosophy of decoration”. A manifestation of the attributes of the Only God, who shaped the world being, as the Source of beauty.

Keywords:

Philosophy of Decoration, bricklaying decoration, Seljuk art, ‘Taj Al-Molk’ Dome, unity in multiplicity