The art of tiling

History of Tiles in Iran

Tiles in Iran date back to ancient times. During the Achaemenid period, architectural decorations included the use of glazed bricks with colorful designs, examples of which can be seen in Persepolis and Susa.

With the advent of Islam, tilework flourished as part of the decorations of mosques and religious places. During this period, the use of Islamic lines, geometric and plant motifs in tile designs became very common.

The peak period:

• During the Seljuk period, glazed single-color tiles became popular. Examples of these tiles can be seen in buildings in Isfahan and Rey.

• During the Ilkhanid period, mosaic tiles with a combination of various colors reached their peak. This technique allowed artists to create more complex and detailed designs.

• During the Timurid period, tilework reached the peak of artistic flourishing. The use of azure, turquoise, and gold, and intricate geometric designs were particularly striking in Khorasan and Samarkand.

• During the Safavid period, seven-color tiles became very popular. This technique helped create colorful and diverse designs, and many mosques and buildings in Isfahan were decorated with this method.

Characteristics of Iranian Tile Work

Colors: Turquoise, azure, green, and white are the main colors of Iranian tiles. The combination of these colors helps create a relaxing and spiritual atmosphere in architecture.

Motifs: Tile designs include geometric, plant (Islamic and Khatai) designs, and calligraphic inscriptions. These designs sometimes depict philosophical or religious concepts.

Styles: There are two main styles in Iranian tile work:

• Mosaic: Tiles are cut into small pieces and arranged together to create the desired design.

• Haftrang: Painted and glazed tile pieces are used as a single piece in buildings.

Applications

Tile work in Iran is used in various architectural areas, including:

• Decoration of mosques (mihrab, dome, minarets and walls)

• Tombs and tombs

• Palaces and royal mansions

• Baths and bazaars

Outstanding examples of tile work

Isfahan Grand Mosque: A unique example of mosaic and haftrang tiles.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque: With a dome and walls decorated with turquoise and azure tiles.

Imam Reza Shrine (AS): Includes mosaic tiling with Islamic designs and Quranic inscriptions.

Nasir al-Molk Mosque in Shiraz: With a combination of colored glass and beautiful tiling.

Contemporary Developments

Although traditional tiling is less used in contemporary times due to the industrialization of construction, this art still has a special place in the restoration of historical monuments and the construction of religious or cultural buildings. There have also been efforts to revive this art in the form of modern decorative tiles.

Iranian tiling, as a precious heritage, is a symbol of the harmony of art and architecture that showcases Iran’s cultural and historical identity.