Theoretical Review of the Concept of “Shiite art” Emphasizing the Study of Shiite Approaches In the Timurid Era Architecture

Tolerance policy of Timurid statesmen, Shi’it bond with Sufism flow and the effosrt of Shi’ites, especially after the fall of the Abbasid caliphate provided a ground for the Shi’ite religion to grow in the Timurid era (913-771 AH) in various dimensions. This point affects other components of Iranian identity, including art and architecture, and the causes gradual development of Shi’it approaches in Iranian art and architecture from this time omward (Some use the term "Shiite art"). Increasing the use of Shiite ornaments in buildings such as Imam Zadegan, the shrine of the Eighth Imam (Pbuh), important Iranian mosques and other monuments in the 9th century, confirms this point. In this regard, the definition and formation of this art in general, and the relationship of architecture and the Shi’ite religion in the Timurid era in particular is the main question of the present article. The research is done by the use of descriptive-analytical method, field study, and referring to library resources.