In search of the principles of architectural space construction of Timurid mosques in Mashhad and Herat by analyzing the content of Herat painting schools

The experience of the predecessors in creating the architectural space and recognizing it requires the language of art. The connection between architecture and art creates a space with decorations and combinations with different patterns. Painting and architecture share the element of space. In modern architecture with different cultures, there is a concern over the relationship between past and present architecture, practically and theoretically. With the disappearance of some architectural works in the past, no information is available about them. By examining and recognizing the miniature works' socio-cultural layers, the elements and principles used in them can be identified, and these works can be introduced as evidence in the history of architecture. Herat School, an influential school in miniature, in which architectural components were used extensively, climaxed in the Timurid period. The cities of Mashhad and Herat were important cities of Greater Khorasan during the Timurid period. The people and rulers have considered the special status of mosques in Muslim culture and religion. This research aims to find principles for creating space in architecture and miniature. Using library resources, an interpretive-historical applied research methodology, and analyzing the construction of mosques in architectural works and miniatures; we recognize the principles of Iranian architecture. Miniatures and landmarks in Mashhad and Herat can be used as historical evidence to advance the result of this research and identify the principles of space creation and the effects they have exerted on architecture and miniature. These principles can be applied to identify other architectural constructions.