A study on the construction technology of the Seljuk minarets in Isfahan with focus on their geometric brick pattern

Abstract

Using decorative elements is an inseparable aspect of Iranian architecture. Architectural ornaments in many buildings, including the minarets, represent the architect’s craftsmanship. As such, the minarets in Isfahan have different types of brickwork ornamentations, such as 90-degree herringbone (Khofteh-Rasteh), basket weave bond (Hasiri), and other complex types. Additionally, the highest minarets are usually constructed in a truncated conical shape to reduce their overall weight and ameliorate their stability against the wind, and lateral forces. Therefore, while the geometric integrity of brickwork patterns should be maintained, all the ornamentations are applied on a shrinking surface area. However, the practical solutions for the construction processes in these structures haven’t been sufficiently investigated. Hence, this study aims to explore the methods of brickwork projection on the minarets and analyse the changes in girih patterns at different height levels. Accordingly, after surveying the selected single minarets in Isfahan, they were modeled using drafting software applications and then analysed.

Keywords

• minarets of isfahan
• use of brick tile (girih) on curved façade
• geometry in architecture
• brickwork
• geometric pattern