A Comparative Analysis of the Entrance of the Safavid Mosques in Tabriz

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2020, Volume 8, Issue 3, Pages: 1247-1257

J. Environ. Treat. Tech.

ISSN: 2309-1185

Journal web link: http://www.jett.dormaj.com

https://doi.org/10.47277/JETT/8(4)1257

A Comparative Analysis of the Entrance of the

Safavid Mosques in Tabriz

Nazila Edrisi Khosroshahi and Jafar Giyasi

Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, Baku, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Baku, Azerbaijan

Received: 12/04/2020

Accepted: 22/08/2020

Published: 20/09/2020

Abstract

In fact, the entrances are part of the mosques that cut people off from the outside space and join them to the spiritual atmosphere.

Besides, throughout the indirect entrance, an individual can prepare its thoughts and soul to connect to special spiritual environment.

This essential traits of entrance reveals its conceptual connection. The present study develops a descriptive-analytical and comparative

interpretation and tries to provide an answer to the question of similarities and differences of facade of Saheb Ol-Amr, Zahiriyeh,

Maghsoudiyeh Square and Haj Safar Ali mosques in the Safavid period in Tabriz. To provide an optimal structure for facade design,

the three factors of entrance shape, the elements of entrance and the components of the entrance were employed in this comparison.

The results show the similarities and reveal major differences among these mosques. Additionally, pairwise analysis performed with

Expert choice software draws the importance of each factors considered in facade design. The shape of entrance has the ratio of 36%,

the following proportions are occupied by components of entrance (35%) and elements of the facades with the coefficient of 31%.

Each parameter provides various suggestions. The shape and elements of entrance, draw Saheb Al Amr Mosque in the first place. On

the other hand, Haj Safar Ali assesses the first location from the components’ suggestions. While, Saheb Al Amr Mosque has been

achieved the third place from this point of view. Both numerical and statistical analysis recommends that Saheb-Ol Amr mosque is the

most well-known mosque among the other mosques in the study.

Keywords: Mosques, Islamic Architectures, Safavid Period, Entrance, Façade

Introduction¹

[

17]. Arguably, the entrance plays an essential role in the

attempt to make the visual creation as perfect as possible in

the urban and built –on environment.

Mosques have undertaken a design of Islamic buildings.

Actually, Islamic art is still discernible from mosques. Also,

this structure has been explored as the most important place

for engagement of Islamic art and architecture simultaneously

At the first glance, there is no true variations in mosque

entrance figures before the Safavid period. In this period, such

massive changes were occurred in entrance architecture.

Analyzing and detailed investigation of entrance designing in

some of famous buildings in the Safavid period, can suggest

and provide an aesthetic dimension of inherent innovation and

understanding of architects in this period. In other words,

emphasizing the entrance designs as a manifest of this period,

the means and far-fetched imagination and designing can be

extracted and evoked. Both simple and complex design of

entrance in this period follows some architectural rules and

are concerned with the combination of the various elements.

What is intriguing is that these characteristics can build a

comparative and analytical resolution in fields of visual and

spatial quality, the interaction of inside and outside and the

dimensioning of the Qibla and etc.

[8]. Muslims were first pioneered in mosque designs and had

extended and developed the shape and perspectives. In fact,

mosques can be determined as an Islamic structure. Also, they

focus on visual perception to emphasize the dynamic interplay

of whole Islamic architecture [4]. Since, it is better to have a

closer look to the analysis of this architectural beauty and

remind the ascetic simplicity of worships defined by Prophet

Muhammad (PBUH). Mosques are usually being transformed

as form or organized structures not only the symbol of a

balance of art diversity and religion, but also have tendencies

to perceive visual data in configurational terms and see some

elements like tiling, brickwork, Mogharnas, cornices,

calligraphy, landscaping and some others in such a way that

appear to continue each other. The appearance of symbols

which is determined by art elements in mosque designs leads

us to examine the intrinsic idea of the employed elements.

The geometric technique of construction seems to simplify the

spiritual environments. The infinite rotation of arcs and

columns appears repeatedly in some part of the building,

divides this continuous space to identical pieces and lets

individuals to “ensemble effect of beauty” and investidoors its

roots. This relationship is explored through the application of

some of the fundamental structural principles inside this style

2 Literature Review

To foster a better understanding of the evaluation of

entrance designs in these mosques, we undertook an analysis

of earlier researches. Maryam Khazayi in 2015 in her doctoral

thesis named as “The influence of Timurid architecture on

Mongol and Safavid mosques in India” intended into great

detail how Timurid art and designs effect on Mongol and

Safavid mosques in India”[5]. Analyzing the courtyard

proportion of the Safavid period mosques in Isfahan were

elaborated by Attarian et.al (1393). The study showed that in

the identification of yard’s dimensions (length and width) the

section 1.118 was defined. Furthermore, the dimensions

Corresponding author: Nazila Edrisi Khosroshahi,

Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, Baku,

Azerbaijan. E-mail: naziedrisi7@gmail.com

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2020, Volume 8, Issue 3, Pages: 1247-1257

preserved Iranian module. It is disputable that the yard’s

dimensions do not exactly match the to 1.118. Evidence

emonstrated that with a tiny error of maximum (one meter)

the dimensions can catch this ratio. The source of this error

may refer to the amount of mortar between materials or the

reformation of the construction [2]. Vaezzadeh Asadi et.al

final expression in Iranian Islamic architecture [9], [16]. It

should be recognized that the architecture features especially

public buildings were guided with a global power in this era.

However, that is not the first time the features lie behind a

political power in Iran. Actually, the public structures

observed political schemes in the first years of establishment.

The most particular aspect of the Safavid era is the existence

of political elements accompanied with identity and

personality [12].

(1393) reviewed the essential factors can assist and simplify

the formation of spiritual sense in mosques. The authors

concluded that there are many items impresses the creation of

this sense. The factors are listed as color, form, decorations

and materials. Also some human characteristics like age, level

of education can impact the invention of this spiritual sense.

Pourmand et.al (1393) argued about the facades of mosques in

Isfahan. The sample mosques are Sheikh-Lotf –O-Allah,

Abbasi Grand mosque, Hakim and Chahar Bagh. Their study

was titled and published as “The comparative study of

proportions of facades in sample mosques in Isfahan”. The

authors explained that the employed proportions of facades

not only appear as an intriguing tools but also instance such

innovative and master structures. The importance of facades

as an urban element in Safavid period, leads to employing

specified proportions. Apart from function and importance of

facades, there exist some differences in proportions. With

reference to results, Abbasi Grand mosque consists of distinct

proportion in its design, since the three mentioned mosques

show similarities to the proportions employed in their facades.

The reason for this challenge is related to its architecture. The

rectangular Attitude in Abbasi Grand mosque is derived from

the proportion of a Pentagon. On the other hand, the rest of

mosques carries out the proportion of the Hexagon [11].

Ramazan Jamaat and Neyestani(1389) has explore the

entrance of residential houses in Tehran. The rapid review of

entrance researches addresses valuable information. Also, the

present study has been greatly echoed the finding. With the

aim of principle and axioms of architecture, this paper details

and analyses the entrance configuration and design in Safavid

period’s mosques in Tabriz [13].

4.2 Functional properties of the Safavid period



Throughout urban planning, the cities were growing and

developing sharply.

The mosques and main palace were surrounded with

large square shapes.

Modern complex buildings such as Sacral and open

structures.

Simple designs in most of buildings with more square or

rectangular shapes.



Employing simple geometry, linear and piecewise forms

Applying the same material and measures for

construction a feature [8]

.3 Structural properties of the Safavid period



Lack of the time along with the reduction of experienced

skilled architecture leaded to low quality and inconstancy

in designed buildings.



Employing various types of domes, for example Al-

Sheikh and Chahar Bagh Mosques [5]

.4 Decorative properties of the Safavid period

In this period, architectures preferred to utilize

polychrome tile (Haftar) and mosaic for decoration. For

instance, Mina tile has been widely used all over in Iran [8].

.5 The Process of mosque entrance formation

The general scheme of entrance in early mosques were simple

and consisted of one of more doorways. Also, some features

were without door [3]. Throughout the second half of first

lunar century (Hijri- lunar calendar), the design and

decoration of facades has been a significant concept in

architectural design. Gradually the entrance position was

taken place in a closer location in front of qibla. “In early

mosques, entrance was often positioned at the corner of the

mosque. Likewise, assessing the court is taken on one of the

angles. In what follows, this space was located along the

symmetry axes of the courtyard and in front of qibla [15].

The principles and hypothesis utilized in large and grand

mosques’ entrance design can be listed as follows: 1) Coming

into courtyard or nave across the qibla. 2) Firstly, joining to

the courtyard next opening to nave and dome (Introverted

mosque). 3) Opening to the courtyard either across the

symmetry axes or in directions parallel to it (Introverted

mosques). 4) Inserting in mosques’ internal space with a quiet

and calm manner not suddenly and sharply. 5) Addressing the

direction divergence between qibla axes and crossing axes or

the square linking to the mosque portal in internal space. 6)

Assigning or identifying the mosque entrance location for

those who are far away [15].

Methodology

The research procedure of this paper is descriptive and

analytical. Also it matches comparative approaches. The

method of collecting data is of library- type. The field study

has been implemented by observing four mosques from

Safavid period in Tabriz. The research initiated by combined

methodology suggest the greatest convergence between two

approaches or more. In this model, researchers apply the

various aspects of two different strategies in terms of

comparative sections. Besides, the importance of sections can

be considered approximately equal.

The Description of Mosque Entrance

Construction

.1 Safavid Architecture

The Safavid period has been met many ups and downs

based on the grounds of different reasons. The first one traced

back to King’s attention, attraction and interest in art and

architecture. The next one involves the prince competence in

governing [10]. The Safavid architecture commenced to

develop in King Abbas period (1589-1627). He established

an alternative trend in Islamic architecture in Iran. His fashion

and transformation could link his ancestors’ rich, precise,

sensitive, ambitious and imaginary details to an infinite and

meaningful groups of scale and glory. Obviously, this

transition not only emerged such an innovation but also

reformed and rebuilt the unique and fabulous era in Iranian

architecture. This era draws the peak point and examines the

4.6 The Components of Mosque Entrance

At the beginning the mosque’s internal space was

composed of one part: the doorway. However, many features,

elements and parts were added up about the gradual

chronological dating of different historical levels. Besides,

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2020, Volume 8, Issue 3, Pages: 1247-1257

design techniques and its connection to adjacent surface,

decoration and etc. were developed simultaneously.

designed with no columns. In the measurement of this

structure, its dimension is 20×8 meter with a great dome. It

has been shown that the decoration and inscription on the

ceiling is of (Mazhab) type. The mosque has been founded by

Zahir-Al-Din, the son of Sadr-Al-Din, Azerbaijan minister in

1087 (Hijri). The Tomb and the school of Seyyed Hamzeh

was reconstructed by him. This mosque has an endowment

letter and it was reconstructed for the last time in 1297 (Hijri)

in Naser-Al –Din Shah reign.

) Frontage (Jelokhan)

) The basin in the middle of courtyard

) Portal

) Doorway

) Vestibule

) Passageway

) Iwan (Veranda) [14], [15].

Maghsoudiyeh Square Mosque: The main structure of this

mosque is constructed in the Safavid era and composed of

three parts. The first section is found in brick vault folded

with ten-part arches type. The overlay of dome of this mosque

is of trefoil (Galo dar ham) arches scheme. The last part is

related to its dressed stone columns and capitals. Throughout

history, this mosque was frequently destroyed and suffered

from natural disasters like as earthquake and landslide.

Fortunately, by the efforts of Tabriz Cultural Heritage, this

mosque was reconstructed and rebuilt for three times in 1376,

1384 and 1388.

Haj Safar Ali Mosque: Haj Safar Ali Mosque is placed in the

northern side of Hai Safar Ali School. Explain with more

detail, this mosque is settled in Yemen Doozan Bazar, in the

southwest side of Chay-Kenar Boulevard in Darayi street

intersection in Tabriz. The mosque was constructed by Haj

Safar Ali Khoyi, the famous merchant, in Abbas Mirza regent

period, in the same place as that of the initial one. This

beautiful and magnificent building with a high dome, is

containing minarets which engraved on blue tiles. The cap and

some top part of minaret were collapsed in the past. Both

eastern and western side of this mosque, has linked the two

opposite column-based halls. Each hall can be observed as a

distinct mosque. The central mosque ties up these two halls

with some wooden windows. When leaving the windows

open, all three courts drew a unified mosque. The data carries

on the arguments of existing a wall in front of Iwan(Veranda)

and dome and positioning mihrab inside this wall. The

evidence demonstrates that these elements were added up in

the latter era. In other sides of the yard, there exist some

rooms for religious science students. This building was

assessed the highest extent of symmetry and stability. The

reason of this claim is related to the famous flood in 1288

Lunar Hijri. However, more than half space of the mosque

was filled by water, fortunately, the mosque was not damaged.

Table 1 illustrates the visual forms of these mosques [7].

.7 The Entrance Elements of Mosques

The entrance space not only has identified as an element

of a unified architectural design (mosque) but also it is

composed of various components and elements. The entrance

elements of mosques can put forward as follows:

) Over door

) Door (entrance door)

) Door Knocker

) Threshold

) Platform

) Minaret

) Mazaneh

) Font

) The watch [1] [14], [15].

The Numerical and Statistical Analysis of the

Safavid Mosques in Tabriz

In this section we prepare analytical and descriptive

techniques as a tool to compare the Safavid mosques in

Tabriz. Furthermore, this analysis is carried on in terms of

mosque entrance comparison. With reference to previous

sections, we aim to provide a sense of analogy in the entrance

structure from two numerical and statistical aspects. Four

mosques from the Safavid period in Tabriz has been selected

for this study. The mosques are called as Saheb Ol-Amr,

Zahiriyeh, Maghsoudiyeh Square and Haj Safar Ali. As a first

step a brief explanation of each structure is represented. The

following step begins by numerical and geometrical

comparison of their entrance features. The last step is related

to statistical analysis.

Saheb Ol-Amr Mosque: This mosque is one of the ancient

and glorious mosques in Tabriz. This mosque was located in

the central part of Tabriz. This mosque was built by King

Tahmaseb the first (I) but destructed completely by Osman

soldiers. Katib Chalabi the author of “Jahan-Nama” described

that:” In the eastern side of Saheb Ol-Amr square which was

linked to Grand Soltan Hasan mosque, there was an adorned

mosque. Since this building was belonging to King Tahmaseb

the first (I), Osman soldiers destroyed the whole mosque.”

After retreating of Osman, the mosque was reconstructed by

Azerbaijan minister “Mirza Mohammad Ibrahim “in the same

place in Soltan Hossein period. In 1193 (The date is

demonstrated in Hijri calendar) Tabriz earthquake, the

mosque were strongly damaged, then the mosque was

reconstructed again by “Mirza Ali Akbar Khan”(the

interpreter of Russian Consulate in Tabriz) and then

.1 Numerical Analyzing of the entrance in the Sample

Mosques

In this section, we restrict our analysis to specific part of

these mosques. Now, we proceed with the numerical analysis

of major dimension employed in mosques’ entrance.

Saheb Ol-Amr Mosque: The plan proportion and the entrance

area for this mosque is measured as follows: 1) the plan area

measures about 430.4658 m ; 2) the entrance area measures

about 71.2287 m ; and 3) the ratio of entrance area to plan

area measures about 0.1655 m . Figure 2 illustrates this

proportions. The components of mosque entrance in terms of

shape is average and in terms of scale is categorized as human

scale type. This numerical analysis shows that the ratio of

depth to width is about 0.59, the ratio of height to width is

“Akbariyeh School” was built in one corner of the mosque

courtyard. During its reconstruction, the mosque was

composed of a dome and two minarets. The data showed that

the shape of dome and minaret were different from the other

three mentioned mosques. From King Tahmaseb the first (I)

reign, only two marble rooms were preserved which is

historically important [6].

.87. Also, the depth, height and width are measured as 3.3,

0.32 and5.5 meter respectively. Table depicts the

measures. The elements of mosque entrance are observed as

over door, platform, door knocker and door.

Zahiriyeh Mosque: In fact, this mosque is located in the

western side of Seyyed Hamzeh Tomb. The mosque has been

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Table1: Name and the figure of the sample mosques in the Safavid Period in Tabriz (References: the authors)

Row

Name of Mosque

Shape of Mosque

Saheb Ol-Amr Mosque

Zahiriyeh Mosque

Maghsoudiyeh Square Mosque

Haj Safar Ali Mosque

Figure (2): the proportions of plan and Saheb Ol-Amr mosque entrance (References: the authors)

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Table 2: The components of Saheb-Ol Amr mosque entrance (References: the authors)

The proportions of plan and Saheb Ol-Amr mosque entrance

Width b

Height h

10.32

Depth d

3.3

h/b

1.87

d/b

0.59

Scale

human scale

Form

average

Table 3: the elements of Saheb-Ol Amr mosque entrance (References: the authors)

The elements of Saheb-Ol Amr mosque entrance

door

knocker

platform

Over door



Table 4: The Characteristics of Saheb-Ol Amr façade (References: the authors)

The Characteristics of Saheb-Ol Amr facade

Frontage

Doorway

Vestibule

Passageway

Iwan



Refer to Table 3 the characteristics of facade is listed as

pre-vault, doorway and vestibule and shown in Table 4.

Zahiriyeh Mosque: The plan proportion and the entrance area

for this mosque is measured as follows: 1) the plan area

Maghsoudiyeh Square Mosque: The plan proportion and the

entrance area for this mosque is measured as follows: 1) the

plan area measures about 910.3950 m ; 2) the entrance area

;

measures about 166.1398 m and 3) the ratio of entrance area

measures about 1000.9410 m ; 2) the entrance area measures

to plan area measures about 0.1824 m . Figure 4 affirms this

about 64.0035 m ; and 3) the ratio of entrance area to plan

proportions.

area measures about 0.1638 m . Figure 3 declares this

The components of mosque entrance in terms of shape is

elongated (wide) and in terms of scale is categorized as

human scale type. This numerical analysis shows that the ratio

of depth to width is about 0.14, the ratio of height to width is

1.26. Also, the depth, height and width are measured as 0.75,

6.59 and 5.21 meter respectively. Table 8 portrays the

analysis. The element of this mosque entrance is composed of

a door. Table 9 expresses this element. The characteristics of

facade is listed pre-vault and doorway and recognized in

Table 10.

proportions. The components of mosque entrance in terms of

shape is average and in terms of scale is classified as human

scale type. This numerical analysis shows that the ratio of

depth to width is about 0.53, the ratio of height to width is

.78. Also, the depth, height and width are measured as 2.34,

.75 and4.35 meter respectively. Table 5 summarizes the

measures. The elements of mosque entrance are observed as

over door, platform, door knocker and door. Table 6 states

the data. The characteristics of facade is listed as atrium,

passageway, pre-vault, doorway and vestibule and shown in

Table 7.

Figure 3: The proportions of plan and Zahiriyeh mosque entrance (References: the authors)

Table 5: The components of Zahiriyeh mosque entrance (References: the authors)

The components of Zahiriyeh mosque entrance

Width b

.35

Height h

7.75

Depth d

2.34

h/b

1.78

d/b

0.53

scale

Human scale

form

medium

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Table 6: The elements of Zahiriyeh Mosque (References: the authors)

The elements of Zahiriyeh Mosque

Door

Knocker

Platform

Over door



Table 7: The Characteristics of Zhriyeh Mosque façade (References: the authors)

The Characteristics of Zhriyeh Mosque facade

frontage

doorway

vestibule

passageway

iwan



Figure 4: the proportions of plan and Maghsoudiyeh Square mosque entrance (References: the authors)

Table 8: The components of Maghsoudiyeh Square mosque entrance (References: the authors)

The components of Maghsoudiyeh Square mosque entrance

Width b

Height h

Depth d

h/b

d/b

Scale

Form

.21

6.59

0.75

1.26

0.14

Human scale

Wide

Table 9: The entrance elements of Maghsoudiyeh Square Mosque (References: the authors)

The entrance elements of Maghsoudiyeh Square Mosque

Door

Knocker

Platform

Over door



Table 10: The Characteristics of Maghsoudiyeh Square Mosque façade (References: the authors)

The Characteristics of Maghsoudiyeh Square Mosque facade

Frontage

Doorway

Vestibule

Passageway

Iwan



Haj Safar Ali Mosque: The plan proportion and the entrance

characteristics of facade is listed as atrium, passageway, pre-

vault, doorway and vestibule. Table 13 recognizes these data.

area for this mosque is measured as follows: 1) the plan area

measures about 966.2616 m ; 2) the entrance area measures

about 107.9702 m ; and 3) the ratio of entrance area to plan

5.2 Statistical Analyzing of the entrance in the Sample

Mosques

area measures about 0.1114 m . Figure 5 depicts these

proportions. The components of mosque entrance in terms of

shape is tall (elevated) and in terms of scale is classified as

human scale type. This numerical analysis shows that the ratio

of depth to width is about 0.13, the ratio of height to width is

Throughout the Safavid era, Iranian old architecture style

was completely developed. Top of all, the shape and materials

were taken into account in building designs. The Safavid

structures like as mosques, schools, inn and caravanserai are

occasionally founded in terms of four-vestibules. Another

prosper of this period, is employing polychrome tiles and

Mosaic for decoration. As further elaboration on this feature,

all parts of religious building, like domes, Iwan (Veranda),

arches, over doors and especially minarets were gently

.66. Also, the depth, height and width are measured as 0.25,

.79 and1.80 meter respectively. Table 11 portrays the

analysis. The elements of mosque entrance are observed as

door knocker and door. Table 12 states the data. The

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dressed by tiles. Calligraphy and inscription has been a

significant concept in religious buildings decoration.

However, this drawing and decoration was enriched by Sols,

Naskh and Nastaliq. Likewise, tiling under the domes and

mosque’s facades carries out the main characteristic of this

architecture. The delicate combination of colors, elegance and

beauty in these structures engender a natural affinity in the

observer. In order to stress on this architecture in addition to

numerical analysis, the statistical analysis has been performed

too. To address this issue, the shape, entrance elements and

characteristic of mosques facades in the Safavid period were

more analyzed. Expert choice (version 11) software was

employed to determine the importance of these factors

separately. From the importance attitude, as the data and

analyses detect, the shape achieves the coefficient of 0.36 in

mosques’ entrance designs. Figure 6 draws the assessed

coefficient respectively. From the aspect of shape analysis,

Saheb-Ol Amr is located in first place. The second place is

assigned to Zahiriyeh Mosque and the rest places belongs to

Haj Safar Ali and Maghsoudiyeh Square mosques.

Investigation of entrance elements present the ratio of 0.31 in

this survey. Again Saheb-Ol Amr has been ranked as the first

one. The rest rows are assigned to Zahiriyeh, Haj Safar Ali

and Maghsoudiyeh Square mosques, respectively. The ratio of

0.35 shows the importance of characteristics of facade. This

illustration draws Haj Safar Ali mosque in the first place and

replaces Zahiriyeh, Saheb Al- Amr and Maghsoudiyeh Square

mosques in next rows. Figure 7 demonstrates these ranking. In

order to analyze the differences among the sample mosques’

facade from the larger scale point view,

a pair-wise

comparison is performed too. This pair-wise comparison is

classified into three groups. Saheb-Ol Amr and Zahiriyeh,

Saheb-Ol Amr and Maghsoudiyeh and Saheb-Ol Amr and Haj

Safar Ali. Through Figure 8 we know that Saheb-Ol Amr is

dominated Zahiriyeh in terms of the elements, while the

characteristics of Zahiriyeh can prevail the other mosque.

Overall, Zahiriyeh employs high potential compared with its

pair, Saheb –Ol Amr. From Figure 9, we can also see that

Saheb-Ol Amr mosque is higher that the Maghsoudiyeh

mosque in all factors employed in this study. This indicates

that Saheb-Ol Amr mosque has made great rank from the

facade perspective.

Looking at the Figure 10, we find that Haj Safar Ali

mosque has the higher situation only in terms of facade

characteristics. Also, it can be seen that in two other factors,

Saheb-Ol Amr were nearly in a high level which indicated

that the work on this facade had made great design.

Figure 5: The plan proportions and entrance area in Haj Safar Ali Mosques (References: the authors)

Table 11: The components of Haj Safar Ali mosque entrance (References: the authors)

The components of Haj Safar Ali mosque entrance

Width b

.80

Height h

4.79

Depth d

0.25

h/b

2.66

d/b

0.13

Scale

Human scale

Form

Tall

Table 12: The entrance elements Haj Safar Ali Mosque (References: the authors)

The entrance elements Haj Safar Ali Mosque

Door

Knocker

Platform

Over door



Table 13: The Characteristics of Haj Safar Ali Mosque façade (References: the authors)

The Characteristics of Haj Safar Ali Mosque facade

Frontage

Doorway

Vestibule

Passageway

Iwan



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Figure 6: Dynamic Sensitivity of the Safavid period Mosques (References: the authors)

Figure 7: Performance Sensitivity in the Safavid Mosques (References: the authors)

To sum up, as the statistical analysis presents there exist

various aspect for ranking the sampled mosques. Although

they all are glorious and eye-catching, but Saheb-Ol Amr is

superior to other alternatives in advance.

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Figure (8): weighted head to head between Saheb-Ol Amr and Zahiriyeh-References:the authors

Figure 9: Weighted head to head between Saheb-Ol Amr and Maghsoudiyeh (References: the authors)

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Figure 10: Weighted head to head between Saheb-Ol Amr and Haj Safar Ali (References: the authors)

analysis displayed that Saheb-Ol Amr mosque is superior than

those of the other mosques in the sample.

Conclusion

This study explained that the Safavid architecture was so

experienced and skillful in mosque’s facade design. The glory

and the greatness of these structures is the dominating feature

in the Safavid composition. Among the selected mosques in

the Safavid period in Tabriz, Saheb Ol-Amr mosque was

acknowledged as the most important one in the Safavid era.

The findings showed that the largest entrance in terms of

mosque plan are related to Maghsoudiyeh mosque and the

smallest is occupied by Haj Safar Ali. It appears from

observation that the Safavid mosques in Tabriz has no

element as pre-court or “Frontage (Jelokhan)”. Quite the

opposite, in all four mosques the scale has been classified in

terms of human scale. In terms of shape, Saheb Al -Amr and

Zahiriyeh has been sorted as average, Maghsodiyeh Square

mosque is tabulated as tall(elevated) and Haj Safar Ali is

arranged as a long(elongated) one. Taking a closer look to

mosque’s entrance components, the study revealed that

Maghsoudiyeh mosque has the greatest ratio of entrance area

to plan area, and Haj Safar Ali mosque is the smallest among

the sample mosques. It should be recognized that in elements

of mosque entrance, Saheb Ol-Amr and Zahiriyeh mosques

accommodate the four elements: over door, platform,

doorknocker and door. Haj Safar Ali mosque contains

doorknocker and door. Maghsodiyeh Square mosque has been

reviewed by an element: a door. The numerical results of

facade characteristics noticed that Haj Safar Ali and Zahiriyeh

mosques include pre-vault, doorway, vestibule, passageway,

and atrium. Saheb Ol-Amr is formed by pre-vault, doorway

and vestibule. Finally, Maghsodiyeh Square mosque is

confirmed by pre-vault and doorway. The statistical analysis

demonstrates the importance of each factors considered in

facade design. The shape of entrance is located in the first

place with the ratio of 36%, the following place are occupied

by characteristics of entrance (35%) and elements of the

facades with the coefficient of 31%. Each aspect gives various

results. Saheb Al Amr Mosque is in the first place from the

point of the shape and elements. On the other hand, Haj Safar

Ali assessed the first location from the characteristics point of

view. While, Saheb Al Amr Mosque has been achieved the

third place from this view. Both numerical and statistical

Acknowledgment

This paper is derived from PhD thesis entitled as” Təbriz

şəhərinin orta əsr məscidlərinin memarlığı” under supervision

of Professor Jafar Giyasi.

Ethical issue

Authors are aware of, and comply with, best practice in

publication ethics specifically with regard to authorship

(avoidance of guest authorship), dual submission,

manipulation of figures, competing interests and compliance

with policies on research ethics. Authors adhere to publication

requirements that submitted work is original and has not been

published elsewhere in any language.

Competing interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that

would prejudice the impartiality of this scientific work.

Authors’ contribution

All authors of this study have a complete contribution for

data collection, data analyses and manuscript writing.

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