Geometric analysis of patterns and techniques of Girih Tiles of historical monuments of Khansar and Golpayegan from Safavid to Pahlavi period

The diversity of Girih tiles has led to their wide usage in architecture. Khansar and Golpayegan are located on the margin of Dasht-e Kavir with religious, residential, and service buildings. Girih tiles play a crucial role in architecture of above-mentioned cities. The purpose of this study is to recognize and understand the typology of the technical and artistic characteristics of Girih tiles in the buildings of Khansar and Golpayegan. The present study seeks to discover the different Girih tile techniques used in the religious and non-religious building of Khansar and Golpayegan. This research also deals with the different typology patterns and form of Girih tiles in aforementioned buildings. The research method is descriptive-analytical and the sampling method is targeted convenience. The data collection was in the library and field study forms. The results show that Girih tiles were used in sash windows, normal windows, main doors, openings, tombstones, Minbars, and Zarihs in religious buildings of Khansar and Golpayegan, while they were utilized the windows, openings, and sash windows in non-religious buildings. The Girih tiles of religious buildings have a wider application. "Hollow Linework" was the most common technique. The linework and glass were mostly used for creating sash windows and slating, while the linework and different textured Girihs were used more in religious buildings than non-religious ones for creating entrances. Different geometric Girihs can be observed in religious and non-religious buildings of these cities, but the religious buildings have more diversity. Four, six, eight, ten, and twelve Girihs are regarded as the most common and the four based Girihs have the widest application.