A Case study on the architectural characteristics of Se Gonbad Monument, Urmia

Manouchehr Eskandarzadeh¹ Ph.D. Student in Archeology, Ataturk University, Turkey²

1) Babak Vandnorouz
2) B.Sc Student, in Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Miandoab, Iran

Publication : 3rd International Conference On Modern Researches in Civil Engineering, Architecture And Urban Development(3cauconf.com)
Abstract :
Abstract In Islamic architecture, shrines and religious monuments possess a privileged position after mosques. Iranians have long been familiar with the principals of constructing tombs and respected their nobles and dignified people at all times; thus, they constructed tombs and mausoleums in order to immortalize names of their nobles and dignified people. Tombs represent some aspects of civilization and even the culture of ancient country of Iran as well. The architectural peak of monuments in Iran, began from the Seljuk period. Since, in this era architects created tombs, in various ways and in various designs mostly based on their past experiences which was influenced by various architectural styles and methods. The current study investigates, history and architecture of the tombs of Segonbad , located in the center of West Azerbaijan province, i.e. Urmia. At the entrance of the structure, there exist three embedded Kufic inscriptions carved from stone. At the ending lines of the inscription, a carved date as “Muharram of 580 AH” explicitly represents that the brick tower or the tombs date back to the sixth century. According to the inscription, the building is constructed by the order of, “Shishqat Almozafari” an emir (ruler) of the Seljuk and its architect had been a man named “Mansour bin Moussa”. From the architectural points of view, the present structure has a very keen similarity with the tombs of the 6th century - especially tombs in Maragheh and other tombs belonging the Seljuk period. The most important characteristic of this structure is that, there are two decorative form in the northern side, contains Muqarnas , Girih Tiling and Kufi cornices representing the name of sponsor and constructor. The results of the study suggest that foundation of the tomb was made with stones, mortar, sand, and lime; besides, the material used in the construction of the building includes bricks and stones. The next important case about the current construction is, its interior plan and the grave room made in square shape which epitomizes the ability and skill of its architect in embedding a square room inside a cylindrical tower. Keywords: Azerbaijan, vault, shrines, altar, arch, Karband, Muqarnas, Girih
Keywords : Keywords: Azerbaijan vault shrines altar arch Karband Muqarnas Girih