Inscriptions overthe Historical Doors of Abyāneh

Village of Abyāneh is one of the marvelous Iranian historical villages that contains considerable art-works from different historical periods, including a number of engraved doors on some of the historical buildings and houses which beautiful inscriptions are carved over them. Religious buildings of Abyāneh contain five engraved doors, three of which belong to Porzaleh mosque; one dates back to Ilkhanid era, while the other two is a work of Safavid period. One other door made in safavid period is placed in Hosseinieh near the village holy shrine and the last one is a beautiful door from Qājār period at the entrance of Jameh (congregational) mosque made by Safar Ali Bidgoli. There are also about twenty single doors from safavid period standing on Abyāneh houses which are masterpieces of art and architecture. The inscriptions over the doors of houses include monotheistic statements, Persian poems, name of the owner and craftsman, and the date of manufacturing. Persian poems and Arabic phrases are typically composed of worship to God, ask for abundance and blessing, emphasis on monotheism, and seeking help from God. After the names of God, Allah in particular, the name of Ali is mostly seen on the doors that illustrate the cultural and religious impact of safavid period. The inscriptions were incised on the doors inside arabesque shaped frames on the top and a beautiful Shamseh (sun-like) in the middle. Abyāneh’s doors are key elements which represent a great part of cultural, historical and artistic identity of this peerless village.