The Study of Architectural Decorations of Ghaznavid Period

The Monuments of Ghaznavids period in Ghazni, Lashkaribazar and Balkh that some of them, were partly demolished or whose names are just in literary sources, all represent the greatness of this civilization, especially during the years of the reign of Sultan Mahmud (378 to 421 AH / 988 to 1030 AD). These are a unique collection of motifs and different inscriptions that are made with different materials and techniques (for example: Marble, Brick work, tile work, stucco, etc.). In this article, the researcher tries to introduce different architectural decorations used in some monuments of Ghaznavid period and seeks to answer the question that which motifs and compositions used in the decorations? Data collection was done through historical- descriptive method based on written references and preparing pictures of reputable sites, museums, private galleries and etc. The results obtained from architectural decorations of Ghaznavid period shows that the role of Kufic inscriptions, plant motifs, geometric patterns (Knots) and animals (real and Imaginary) in these architectural decorations is very important. The content of them is based on attach, the banquet scene, moving animals, etc. that repeated in Mihrabi framing, knots in margins and backgrounds.