A Traditional Method of Projecting and Drafting Girihs on Domes

Girih is a well-known type of decoration in Iranian Architecture which is also known as “Geometric Arabesque” or “Islamic Geometric Pattern.” many studies discussed Girih in different ways. This paper mainly discusses traditional drafting techniques and construction methods of Girih on domes. The topic has been poorly discussed in the available studies. The publications are by scholar researchers who worked on this topic during the 19thcentury and the early years of 20th century or the last generation of traditional architects (Ustads) and their followers. The former ignored the traditional methods of drafting and construction, and the latter didn’t discuss the subject of Girihs on domes. Finally, as a case study, the paper analyzes a hisrtoric case from Topkāpi scroll which has been designed for a segement (Tark) of a dome in more details and clarifies the flexibility of Girih designs to be altered (Dastgardān) and projected on dome by minor changes using the traditional methods.