Assessing the Role of the Worship Axis in the Formation of Mosques in Yazd

The way of organizing mosques, which can be expressed in the form of a general shape, organizing a building plan, locating and decorating space, reflects the thoughts of its builders. For a long time, paying attention to the direction of the qibla and the formation of mosques on the map of settlements has been one of the most important issues in shaping the structures of mosques.

The purpose of this study is to offer the methods by which the qibla is shown not only based on the position of the mihrab, but also in terms of the system of movement and the ratio of mass and space in the volumetric form of the mosques. In fact, it can be said that the purpose of the research is to know how to combine the religious and customary axes in the mosques of Yazd.

This research examines the plans of mosques in Yazd by descriptive-analytical and case study methods based on explaining their relationship with the hierarchy and rituals of worship. The information required for this research was obtained through library documents and archives of the cultural heritage, handicrafts, and tourism organization (CHO) of Yazd, books, and articles related to the subject of research, as well as field studies and visits.

It is concluded that the geometrical patterns of the plans of the mosques in Yazd are influenced by the Qibla axis. In terms of their geometrical axes, there are three categories: single axis, double axis, and multi-axis. In terms of geometric shapes, plans include right-angled geometric shapes, a combination of right-angled, and non-right-angled geometric shapes. In each of these mosques, depending on the regularity of the geometry of the site plan, the architect has contemplated measures such as adding extensions and sidings to the mosque or rotating the plan. Finally, a pure, ordered geometric space is obtained as a result of purposeful design. As a result, despite solving the plan in the exterior structure around the mosques, the axis of worship has been preserved as the most important direction in organizing the plans of mosques in Yazd.