Comparative research on the impact of political trends on religious architecture Case study three significant Tomb Tower in Mazandaran

Burial towers are among the notable architectural structures in Mazandaran and they initially appeared in the fifth Hegira century with the support of Al Bavand rulers. The second phase of its development started after the invasion of Timur with the support of the Marashi royal family. These structures are carefully classified and categorized in various styles and have remained till today based on the materials applied and methods of construction. Despite natural and human causes for the demolishment of these unique towers, historical documentation such as inscriptions on the ornamentations of the towers reveal that political views were substantial in their existence. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the orientation of political and religious support of local sovereignties of Mazandaran on the construction and preservation of the towers. Hence, this paper follows a descriptive and comparative methodology rooted in quality research that analyzes three case studies including: Imamzadeh Abbas in Sari, Darvish Fakhr-al Din in Babol and Shahbaloye Zahed in Chamestan, Nur. The mentioned cases are studies based on their geographical situation and their distance for the capital; moreover, they were selected on a non-random basis from the statistical population of Mazandaran’s towers. Data is collected via direct observation through photography and measuring devices. The results show that the sovereignties supported the construction of such religious towers initially for religious publicity and political geographical situations of the towers were also evident in their choice and support.