Investigation into ornamental patterns of muqarnas in architecture of Tabriz historic bazaar

Muqarnas is one of the original and iconic patterns in Iranian architecture, which has been identified and developed over various periods and constructed in a variety of forms by Iranian architects. Different patterns of muqarnas are observed in various typologies of Iranian architecture, such as tombs, mosques and bazaars. This study aims to answer the question: what are the similarities and differences between muqarnas patterns in Tabriz historic bazaar? To find the differences and similarities, the geometry of muqarnas applied in various parts of Tabriz historic bazaar is analyzed. Despite apparent similarities, muqarnas ornaments seem to have different patterns in accordance with different spaces; resulting in a variety of designs. This study seeks an applied objective and employs a descriptive-analytical method. The information necessary for the study is collected through library research, field surveys (observations) and geometric drawings of muqarnas patterns prepared by AutoCAD and 3Ds Max. Since Tabriz was destroyed by the earthquake in 1779 and most of its buildings, e.g. Tabriz historic bazaar, were constructed during the Qajar dynasty, the study may illustrate the geometric patterns of muqarnas in the Qajar era in Tabriz. The muqarnas ornaments of buildings such as Saheb-al-Amr Mosque, Hojat-al-Islam Mosque, Kacheh CHilar Saray, Haj Safar Ali Mosque-School and the Small Mosque (the Bala mosque) all located in the bazaar are analyzed in terms of formal, static, design and implementation criteria. The findings of this study indicate that the muqarnas ornaments of Tabriz historic bazaar have different types, shapes and positions depending on the land-use of buildings. In religious buildings, muqarnas ornaments were applied in the barrel vaults on altars and the pendentives of domes; but in public spaces, such decorations were constructed in the places overlooking the courtyard and the small iwans (porches) on upper floors. However, the patterns applied in religious buildings were more complex than those of non-religious buildings.