Stucco Mihrabs of the Qajar Period in the Region of Kashan (1780-1859)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original

Authors

1 PhD candidate in Islamic Arts, faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Kashan

2 Associate Professor, Religions and Philosophy, Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages, University of Kashan

Abstract

Kashan was one of the most important centers for the production of exquisite ceramic mihrabs during the medieval periods; consequently, less attention has been paid to other types of mihrabs in this city. Among these are stucco mihrabs, of which only a few examples from the Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods have survived in the region. After a long hiatus, numerous stucco mihrabs from the Qajar era reappear in Kashan, notable both for their abundance and for their decorative features and inscriptions. Thirteen dated examples have been identified, constructed between 1780 and 1859. Ten of these are located within the city of Kashan, and three in surrounding areas. A significant observation is that all the mosques examined in Kashan feature a deviated qibla angle. This article, based on field research, examines various aspects including the analysis of inscriptional content and the formal structure of the mihrabs. The inscriptions contain the names of God, Quranic verses, hadith, poetry, salāwāt-i kabira (blessings upon the fourteent infallibles), and shahādat-i thālitha (Third Testimony). Formal characteristics include the use of Shirazi muqarnas, simple layered stucco carving (found in only four examples), polychrome tile dados, and mineral-pigment painting on plaster surfaces. To resolve the issue of the oblique qibla direction, Kashan’s architects designed the mihrab walls in a pentagonal form. The second side wall, either from the right or left, bears the inscription of the shahādat-i thālitha, indicating the direction of the qibla.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics