The Symbolic Role of Tulip and Pomegranate Flowers in the Tiling Art of Iran and Ottoman Turkey

Among different ethnic groups and nations and different cultures, significant elements have become symbols and signs, which are representative of the religion and beliefs of the nation or region and country. Some plants or animals in their borders and ecosystems for reasons such as usefulness, abundance, or other things have received so much attention that they have become a symbol and are of special importance in the culture and art of the people. Pomegranate flowers and fruits have a very important place in Iran, which in addition to beauty and prosperity goes back to the ancient Iranian beliefs of worshiping Mehr and Anahita. The purpose of this study is to investigate the evolution of pomegranate flowers in Iranian tiling and tulips in Ottoman Turkey. The present research is historical-analytical. Data including text and images were collected through a library research method. In this regard, historical and documentary studies were conducted on Iranian pomegranate and Ottoman tulip motifs. In this study, after introducing and examining these motifs, the types of flowers that adorn gardens are discussed and their special place in the decorative arts of the region are reviewed. The analysis shows that the role of the tulip is defined in relation to nature and the environment. However, its abundance and variety with the taste of artists have made the tulip a popular flower of the Ottoman sultans. Some other flowers have also been introduced in the review process. Also, some of the existing opinions about flowers have been criticized and new and analytical points have been discussed.