The Historical Significance of the Geometric Designs in the Northeast Dome Chamber of the Friday Mosque at Isfahan

Abstract

Surviving architectural monuments provide the primary source for understanding the historical development of Islamic geometric design. The early Islamic architecture of Khurasan and eastern Persia establishes the Samanids, Qarakhanids, Ghaznavids, Ghurids and Seljuks as principle contributors in the maturation of the geometric ornamental tradition. The collective architectural legacy of these cultures reveals the significance of their contribution to our knowledge of Islamic geometric design. However, no individual monument surpasses the historical importance of the northeast dome chamber of the Friday Mosque at Isfahan. New research indicates that many of the geometric designs employed within this chamber are the earliest examples of their ornamental variety. What is more, these patterns represent a methodological breakthrough in the application of the polygonal technique of pattern generation, thereby facilitating ever-greater stylistic and geometric innovation.