THE ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SELJUK DOMES IN ISFAHAN’S MOSQUES

The Seljuq period in Iran was a decisive turning point in the evolution of domes structure, whether erected inside or attached to mosques, as well as those above the shrines. The importance of the domed chamber became more important and common in the Seljuq period. The Iranian Seljuqs developed architectural techniques that reduced the mass of their domes, with geometrically defined schemes and interesting proportions; using mathematical and engineering principles, these builders were able to achieve their goals. Seljuq Iranian domes are among the most prominent structures in their heritage; this study is an attempt to examine and explore the underlying construction techniques, structural features, and concepts of the surviving examples of the Seljuq domes of the mosques in Isfahan. The construction techniques which have used for these domes have been based on precise information in terms of science and engineering. The aim of this research is also to track the architectural, structural and decorative development of Iranian domes and the possible factors affecting them, as well as technical methods that clearly contributed to the formation of rules and foundations for Seljuq domes. On the other hand, among the many factors that affected Seljuq architecture was the scientific renaissance that Iran witnessed during the Seljuq era, as it was an important factor in the remarkable architectural development of domes compared to the previous eras. Iran was not the only one that reaped the results of this architectural renaissance, but the influence of the Seljuq School of domed chambers extended to other Islamic countries such as Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Turkey.