Masjed-e-Jomeh - Inside The Southern Eivan

Decagonal Panel Faience Panel Square Panel

The tilework on the sides is of a particularly high order, both in terms of invention and execution. The decagonal panel on the left appears to be made up of at least two different primitve forms forcing the eye to examine every detail of it. Of especial interest is the raised faience mosaic panel, in the centre, made up of geometric shapes set against a complex lattice background. This parallels those on the Darb-e- Imam. They were both probably set in place by Ouzun Aq-Quiunlu. The panel on the right shows the full treatment given to a symbol made up of four straight lines so arranged that they form a square in the centre. Close examination of the centre square shows in turn that the decoration there is made up of the names of Allah, Mohammad and Ali, the Son-in-Law of Muhammad. This motif can be found all over the religious architecture of the period and in the author's belief is based on the kufic characters forming the name of God. Here every embellishment is applied to the underlying pattern.

The panels are of immense importance in showing the great level of skill which had been attained under the Aq-Quiunlu period, not only in terms of the complexity of the tile cutting, but also in terms of the use and skillful handling of plane geometry to act as a potent expression of Sufic numerical symbolism.

Design Button Examine the structure of the panel on the left

Way In Enter the Chamber of Nizam Al Mulk

Left Arrow North to the Entrance to the Mosque

Up Arrow Look up into the vault

Down Arrow Back to the interior of the Eivan

Masjed-e-Jomeh Back to the Entrance of the Mosque

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25-April-95