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The Development of Bricks Ornamentation from the early Islamic Centuries to

the End of Kharazmshahian Period in the Architecture of Mosques in Iran

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 International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development E-ISSN 2345-2331 © 2019 IAU

International Journal Of Architecture and Urban Development

Vol. 9, No.2. P 61-72. Spring 2019

The Development of Bricks Ornamentation

from the early Islamic Centuries to the End of
Kharazmshahian Period in the Architecture of
Mosques in Iran
1
Habib Shahbazi Shiran, 2Mehran Montesheri, 3*Seyyed Mehdi Hosseni Nia,4Zahra Mohammadian
Farsani

1
Assistant Professor of Archeological Education, Faculty of Humanities, University of MohagheghArdebili, Ardebi
2
Master's Degree in Archeology, University of MohagheghArdebili, Ardebil
3
Ph.D.of Archeology, Faculty of Humanities, University of MohagheghArdebili, Ardebil
4
Master's Degree in Archeology, University of MohagheghArdebili, Ardebil
Recieved 15.05.2017 ; Accepted 26.11.2018

ABSTRACT: The brick ornamentation in Islamic architecture represents the unique skill of the architectural
artists and we have seen the perfection of this kind of art during the Seljuk period. There is little information about
the process of developing brick art in the architecture of Islamic mosque in Iran, and it has not yet been dealt with
as it is worthy of this precious art. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out further research in this regard due to
its importance in Iranian architecture. In this research, through library studies and with a descriptive-analytical
approach, the trend of development of bricks ornament in the architecture of the Islamic mosques of Iran from the
beginning to the end of the Ilkhan era, as well as the causes of importance and development to the bricks of the
Seljuk period were studied. The brickwork decoration in the Islamic architecture of Iran gradually begins from
the third century A.H. Generally speaking, the early Islamic centuries can be considered as the formation and
development of brickwork ornamentation, which reaches its peak in the Seljuk era, thus the richest brick-making
projects develops in this era, because during this period, artists managed to create numerous works and structures
with the element due to the calm and stability of the Seljuk territory. After this period, bricklaying works continued
during the Kharazmshahi era in the Khorasan area, and in the course of the Ilkhani period, its development was
reduced and other techniques such as acrography and tiling were popularized.
Keywords: Islamic Architecture of Iran, Brickwork Decorations, Tile-work, Mosques.

INTRODUCTION One of the important aspects of the use of this element in the
Decorative arrays have a privileged place in Islamic architecture Islamic architecture of Iran is the combination of its structural
and are an integral part of the monuments, every culture and and decorative role in the building. Bricks, as a structure with
land, and this art, both in the interior of the spaces and at the many visual abilities, in terms of shape, color, size, and form
levels of the buildings, has established the background of a vast have created solid and durable buildings in the long periods
link between the arts and architecture, and the time and the of the history of Islamic architecture in Iran. The existence of
arena of history has shown that all these inventions originate bricks ornamentation in the architecture of the Islamic era of
from the association of human beings, the confluence of Iran such as the Al Boya period, especially the Seljuk period,
cultures, the growth of thoughts and beliefs (Kiani, 2013, 16). as well as somewhat during the Kharizmshahian and Ilkhan
It should be acknowledged that the use of many bricks makes times, is evidence of this claim. Brickwork ornamentation in
the appearance and beauty of God, especially on "mosques," a Islamic architecture of Iran has been sparse in various sources,
thousand times. Certainly, various designs in brickwork have but less attention has been paid to the development of bricks art
not only captured the hearts of Muslims but also captured the in the Islamic mosques of Iran during the period. The purpose
hearts of artists and great architects of the world and non- of this study was to study the development trend of bricks
Muslims. decoration in the architecture of Islamic mosques of Iran from

*Corresponding Author Email: mehdihosseyni5518@gmail.com

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International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development
Vol.9, No.2 Spring 2019

the early Islamic centuries to the end of the Ilkhani period from (Maherolnaqsh, 2002). Mousavi-Haji and MaziarNikbir, in
a more intimate perspective, from different angles and with the the book of the Applied Art of Islamic period, have devoted
knowledge of new findings and researches, and is in such a way a chapter to the s‌ tudy of bricks ornamentation in Islamic
that is true in the scene of Iran's pas‌t his‌tory. architecture of Iran, including the s‌tudy of general features and
characteris‌tics of brick, as well as brick types and decorative
Review of Literature bricks. (MousaviḤaji & Nikbir, 2014). Among other recent
In the field of bricks ornamentation in Iranian Islamic s‌tudies, an article on the theme of the brickwork of the Seljuks
architecture, researches have been carried out by researchers in and its continuation in the decorations of the Kharazmshahi and
the field of Islamic art and architecture, but the process of the Ilkhani era, in which firs‌tly s‌tudied the designs and layout of the
development of bricks ornamentation in mosques of Islamic brickwork decoration of the Seljuk period, then the discusses
times no source has been fully published and, except for the the continuity of the bricks of this period in the decorations of
limited available works, less information is available. However, the Kharazmshahi and Ilkhani periods (Shekoftehet al., 2015).
it should be said that, on the whole, the manifes‌tations of Although, on the subject of the above discussion, we have not
the above discussion, which somehow include topics such yet reached the s‌tage of his‌torical s‌tudies and hypotheses, and
as the continuation of the Seljuk brick ornamentation in the with today's data and knowledge it is hardly possible to make
decorations of the Kharizmshahi and Ilkhani period, the a definitive judgment about it and achieve definitive and final
types of decorative bricks, types of brickwork, Seljuk period results. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to
brickwork, brick ornamentation and geometric roles in Iranian s‌tudy and analyze the trend of bricks decoration development
architecture, etc., have been written. One of the researches in Islamic mosques from a more in-depth perspective and from
in this field is Sepanta's article dealing with the issue of different angles based on new needs and with the knowledge of
brickworking in Islamic architecture of Iran. In this s‌tudy, he new findings and researches in a way that the pas‌t scene of Iran
has s‌tudied the bricks decoration in Iran. In his sketch firs‌tly, has come true in the pas‌t scene of Iran.
Maherolnaqsh refers to a variety of bricklaying techniques in
the book of Bricks and Roles. Then, he wrote a short research MATERIALS AND METHODS
on the topic of bricklaying in Iran, in which he s‌tudied the The research method was descriptive-analytic and data
his‌
tory and cons‌ truction of bricks, and also examined the collection was as library and field in a formof visiting some
general features of it. Another of his works in this area is buildings. In this s‌tudy, the brickwork decorations are the mos‌t
the valuable book of the “Iranian Brickworking Heritage”, important buildings of the Islamic era (mosques and minarets)
which explores how to make furnaces and bricks, bricks in the were described and analyzed by the end of the Kharizmshahian.
pas‌t, masonry and brick designs in various geometric fields, Due to the fact that there were many monuments of this period,
as well as the knot problem. Anthropology has been s‌tudied and it was impossible to explain the entire decoration of the

Table 1:The scope of the s‌tudy of bricks ornamentation in Islamic mosques of Iran from the beginning to the end of the Kharazmshahian period.

Row bulding province

1 Mosque of Susa Khuzes‌tan

2 Fahraj Mosque Yazd
3 Damghan His‌torical Mosque Semnan
4 Jameh Nairiz Mosque Fars
5 Jorjir mosque Esfahan
6 Jame Mosque of Isfahan Esfahan
7 Ardebil mosque Ardebil
8 Sajas mosque Zanjan
9 Jame Mosque of Isfahan Esfahan
10 Mosque of Golpayegan Esfahan
11 Heydarieh Qazvin mosque Qazvin
12 Damghan His‌torical Mosque Semnan
13 Damghan Jumeirah Mosque Semnan
14 Saveh Mosque Central
15 Malek Zozin’s mosque Khorasan
16 Freemod’s Grand Mosque Khorasan
17 Gonabad mosque Khorasan

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 International Journal Of Architecture and Urban Development
Table 2:Development of brick ornamentation in architecture in centuries 1 and 2

sample Brick development Brick place bulding NO

Building has been Pre-Islamic continuity

destroyed of architecture
Base of columns Susa 1

Pre-Islamic building
Fahraj Grand
method and ornamen- Minaret with abode 2
Mosque
tation continuity

Tarikhaneh
Pre-Islamic architec-
Columns of Harem Mosque in 3
ture continuity
Damghan

buildings in this text, the most significant ones were mentioned. the most important building component in the architecture,
In order to achieve the research objectives, the details of which after the recognition of the brick and its properties, has
the decorations of the buildings were noted in the sections gradually replaced the bricks, and to this day its importance has
where the decorations of brickwork appeared. These sections not been diminished. During the Sassanid era, brick-making
included columns, harems, arches and minarets.In the table 1 has made significant progress. Many buildings, including the
list of index mosques Which are studied in this research and as Caisson Palace, Ivan Karkheh and Kasra, have been built with
having the decorative brickwork belong to the early centuries this element.
of Islam until the end of the Kharazmshahian period, is shown
along with the city and province. Brickwork Decorations in the Architecture of Islamic
Mosques in Iran from the Beginning to beforeIlkhan Period
The background of bricks decoration before Islam Early Islamic Period (1st and 2nd A.H)
For the first time, the peoples of the Mesopotamian land began In the early Islamic centuries most of the buildings were
to bake bricks. The word “brick” is Babylonian and the name known with bricks like columns. Like the Mosque of Susa, the
of the clay-writings which at that time the orders and charms foundation of its columnsare brick, as well as the Tarikhaneh
were carved on. According to experts, the largest brick building mosqueof Damghan, whose pillars are of brick. In the
ever built by mankind was the Babylon Tower (3000 BC), in bricklaying that is in the columns of the Tarikhaneh mosque,
which 85 million bricks were used (Naima, 1997, 17). The use it is evident in the form of horizontal rows and vertical rows
of bricks in Susa and the Kaşan Silk Hill also indicates the use following the Parthian and Sasanian periods. The bricks used in
of this element in its time. The background of the decorative this mosque are square shaped. In the early centuries, Sassanid
element of brick should be searched in the pre-Islamic era. bricks were common. The large dimensions of adobe bricks
Especially in the era of Ilami architecture in the Choghazanbil in the Fahraj mosque reflect the continuity of the construction
Ziggurat building complex, which in this building we encounter and decorating techniques of Sassanid architecture in the early
bricks with inscriptions mounted on the wall. In the building, Islamic centuries. The use of adobe bricks in large dimensions
the raw clay was applied by red brick and the glazed bricks can similar to the Fahraj Mosque has been commonplace in the
be seen in blue and green. The dimensions of the Ilami ziggurat early Islamic centuries (Bozorgmehri & Khodadadi, 2013)
bricks are 37 × 37 cm in thickness of 7 cm and dimensions 40 × It can be said that during this period, due to the simplicity,
40 cm in thickness of 10 cm (Golabchi & Javani Dizaji, 2013, simple-living and introversion influenced by the teachings and
341). Through the ziggurat, mortar layers were used between thoughts of Islam, as well as the high cost, the preparation and
the brick rows, and in one part, the trunk of bituminous trees difficult processing of bricks in the post-Islamic buildings of
was used instead of a rivet was used to attach a brick layer to Iran such as the mosque of Fahraj and Tarikhaneh in Damghan
the brain from a clay dried in the sun (Patts, 2012, 346). Also where no special brickworkingis seen. It seems that the
in Achaemenid architecture, glazed bricks were used to make element of brick in the first and second centuries was used as
up various buildings, including palaces. Among the Apadana materials in buildings, especially mosques, thus playing a more
building and in some parts of the Shosh Palace is adorned with structural role in the buildings and no attention was given to it
glazed bricks. Before the invention of the brick, the adobe was as a decorative element in the buildings.

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International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development
Vol.9, No.2 Spring 2019

Fig.1: brickworking in body of minaret of Grand Mosque of Nayriz (Zakeri & Memariyan, 2005, 69-70)

3rd to 5th century AH considered throughout the vast region of Iran. Undoubtedly,
By the beginning of the third century AH, brick decoration one of the most spectacular examples of bricklaying during
is prevalent in buildings, one of its primary examples and its the Al Bouyeh era is the decoration of the mosque of Jorjir
index can be found in the minaret of the Grand Mosque of of Isfahan, in which has used beautifully designed geometrical
Neyriz (Fig.1). bricks, especially the Eighth brickwork.The use of bricks to
decorate the octoploidbegan from the second century AH and
During the Samani period, the brick ornamentations have its prototype can be found at the gate of the Raqeh in Iraq
been linked to its overall shape, which somehow resulted (Olyan, 2012, 5). This technique is then used very elaborately
in a real unity between the materials and the design of the in the tomb of Amir Ismail Samani, but its prevalence can
building, as examples of the unique, finely constructed and be attributed to the period of the Deeliman. Among the most
valuable monuments of this period, including the tomb of prominent examples of it are decorations of the bricks of the
Amir Ismail Samani, GonbadQabooshave been remained. But, Grand Mosque of Isfahan and Nayin, which is very beautiful in
during the Al Bouyeh era, brick ornamentation enters a new the mosque of Nayin. Brickwork in the buildings of Deylami
stage, and bricklaying art is of great importance. Therefore, is part of the structure and foundation of the building, as with
it seems that the beginning of the art of decorative brickwork the erection of the pillar of the building, brick-ornamentation
should be taken into account in the monument, especially is also formed. The first samples of brickwork decorations with
the mosques, because during this time due to problems and geometric designs are prevalent in the Jorjir mosque during the
limitations such as the lack of use of wood in some parts of Al Bouyeh period, in which the brick marble motifs such as
Iran and also, the problem of stone application, as well as the motifs of wickerworking and of candlesticks of seven brick
cost and efficiency, the high performance and application of branches are observed in this mosque. In the Al Bouyeh period,
bricks in all parts of the building, in particular its abundant the bricklaying process, the repetition of the motif of the
performance in the construction of large and long covers, in crossesare seen in two Grand Mosques of Isfahan and the Jorjir
the construction and architecture of art Al-Bouyeh era was Mosque of Isfahan (Shekofteh et al., 2015, 88) (Fig. 2 & 3).

Fig. 2: brick ornamentation design with wickerwork Fig.3: Brick-laying cross in Jorjir mosque of
motifs of Jorjir of Isfahan (Pakdaman, 2013) Isfahan mosque (rastegari et al., 2015)

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 International Journal Of Architecture and Urban Development
Table 3: Brick ornamentation development in architecture from century 3 to 5 AH

sample Brick development Brick place building NO

Prevalence ofGeometric
Azareh harem Jorjir mosque 1
motif of wickerwork

West arch
Geometric motif of seven-
Jorjir mosque 2
branch brick candlesticks

Grand mosque of
Usage of cross motifa Column of harem 3
Isfahan

Usage of cross motif Interior column Jorjir mosque 4

Seljuk period so that until the later centuries, the masonry techniques of the
One of the most important decorations of the Seljuk era Seljuk period were imitated (Ramezani, 2005, 31).
is the brick-working that art history scholars attribute the Without doubt, the magnificence and glory of the brickwork
perfection of these decorations to the Seljuk period. The rich of the Seljuk era is evident in one of the largest, most beautiful
brickworking and the supply of various motifs and designs and most magnificent mosques in the world in which brick
can be considered as features and architectural styles in the decoration is also manifested both structurally and decoratively,
Seljuk period decorations. By recognizing the potentials of and that is theGrand Mosque of Isfahan. The important parts
this element, the Seljukis created a highly developed structural of this mosque are beautiful brick decoration, the dome of the
and decorative use of the element, resulting in the surviving Taj al-molk (dome of Khagi). In this dome, various techniques
effects of the "magic of Iranian brick" in the construction and of brick-working have been used such as lay, rowed, dormant,
decorating of different parts of the architecture.During this forward-driven bricks, mosaic brickwork on inscriptions, as
period, the art of bricklaying progressed to the highest level, well as jointed gypsum plasterboard decoration (Fig. 4).

Fig.4. a sample of brick ornamentation in Grand Mosque of Isfahan (source: Maherolnaqsh, 2002, 255)

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International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development
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In the Seljuk period, most of the bricks are commonly used in most buildings for light port. There are examples of Fakhr and
various designs of the anthology, which are commonly used in Medin in the Grand Mosque of Isfahan and the ArdestanGrand
bricks ornaments used in most buildings, especially in Seljuk Mosque. Knitting is also another very elaborate and bricklaying
mosques. Unique examples of this technique can be found style decorated with different pieces of bricks cut out and adzed
in the Seljuk period under the dome of the Grand Mosque of in various sizes. Brick-knittedmasonry has been performed
Isfahan, the dome of the Grand ArdestanMosque, the dome as brick-plaster composition and brick-tile compound. In
of the Grand Mosque of Barsian, and the dome of the Grand the Seljuk period, this decorative style is promoted and
Mosque of Zavareh. Another bricklaying method in this period thereby beautiful and complex geometric designs are created
is Fakhr and Medin. This lattice technique has been used in (Shekofteh et al., 2015, 92-95). (Table 4 & Fig. 5).

Table 4: brick layers in Seljuki period

Layering tpe ornamentation NO.

A:Golandaz
B:Ganaghi
C:Badbezani Rag-layering 1
D:Ragchin 2raj
E: Inscription Ragchin and Banayi
(Patgin (octagon Dormant rowed 2
- (Fakhr and Medin (lattice 3

- knitting 4

A: Dormant and erect Klukbandi

B: Geometric With Stucco Nest Bee molded
brick Brick and plaster combination 5
C: Inscription and brick forward-driven and
plant plastering
- Tile and brick combination 6

Fig. 5. brick ornamentation designs in Seljuki period (Hatam, 2000, 242-243)

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 International Journal Of Architecture and Urban Development
Brick designs in the Grand Mosques of Golpayegan, Qazvin, Seljuk period at a very broad level, and it was also of particular
Boroujerd and Zavareh, as well as mosques of the Kharazmshahi importance. In the Seljuk period, the minarets of the beautiful
period, created a magnificent mosaic and creative mosques of and engraved bricks of mosques from the combination of brick
bricks in the most beautiful form of Islamic architecture in Iran. designs and inscriptions of the brick line from the Kofi line and
In these mosques, the art of brick motifs with and all kinds of knitting patterns actually created the immortal values of this
shelter sets and a defending knot was used. There are some exquisite art in Iranian
decorative edges in Seljuk brickwork that are seen in most architecture. Among these minarets are the minarets of the
buildings of this period. These margins are usually made of Grand Mosque of Ardebil, the Gran Mosque of Saveh and
moulded bricks and circles next to each other, or moulded the Tarikhanehmosque of Damghan. During this period, the
bricks or S-shaped bricks. The samples of these margins are minarets, to a great extent, lost their initial simplicity and were
seen in the ornamental decoration of the Grand Mosque of decorated with the richest designs and decorative bricks (Fig.
Isfahan, the corridors of the Grand Mosque of Barsian and the 7-9).
dome of the Grand Mosque of Golpayegan (Fig. 6). Brickwork decorations are common with the Kofi script in
It has been customary to decorate and paint the minarets the Seljuk period. One of the evident examples of this kind
since the half of the third century AH, but the construction of decorating has been manifested in the Grand Mosque of
and decorating of the minaret developed and evolved in the Isfahan as well as in the minaret of Grand Mosque of Saveh

Fig. 6. brick edges common in brick of Seljuki period Fig. 7:Omenaret of Grand Mosque in Ardabil and its
(Shekofteh et al., 2015, 96) layering

Fig. 8:knitting motifs of Grand Mosque in Saveh (Shekofteh Fig. 9:brick motifs in minaret of Tarikhaneh mosque, (Karimi,
et al., 2015, 96) 2010, 99)

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International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development
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Fig. 10:Kofi inscription of brick minaret in Grand Mosque of Saveh (source: Azad, 2014)

Fig.11:floral rowed dormant brick ornamentations in Golpayegan Mosque (Rastegari et al., 2015)

Fig.12:chain rowed dormant motifs in minaret of Tarikhaneh mosque in Damghan (Azad, 2014, 51)

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 International Journal Of Architecture and Urban Development
(Fig. 10). a decorative element in mosques. The combination of tiles and
Other commonly used bricklaying techniques in this period bricks that began in the middle of the Seljuk period to decorate
are decoration with dormant techniques that are seen in the the exterior of the buildings (Kiyani, 1997: 15), was used at
Grand Mosques of Isfahan and Golpayegan and the Tarikhaneh that time on a wider scale, with the exception that during the
minaret of Damghan (Fig. 11 & 12). Seljuk period only one tile color is used in combination with
Among other developments in the brickwork decoration of brick, while in the late Kharazmshahi, with the use of three
the Seljuk era is the popularity of a motif called "end-brick colors of the tile, we encounter turquoise and white which is an
gypseus taps", which is included in the main buildings of this important step in the development of the art of tiling, which in
period, including the Grand Mosques of Isfahan, Ardestan, the Timuridperiod reached to its peak.
Golpayegan, Zavareh, Barsian, Qazvin, Ghorveh, Sajas and The techniques that are common in the brickwork ornaments
Heidariyeh Qazvin and also in the following periods (Fig.13 of the Kharazmshahi era are the technique of molded bricks
& 14). that have been prevalent in the Seljuk era in a simple and
primitive manner. At the end of the Seljuk period, the use of
Kharazhshahi period motif masonry bricks, known as motif pottery was used. This
Since the rule of Kharazmshahian, there are architectural style is very elegant in Kharazmshahi period with geometric
monuments in Khorasan land that share common and plant designs, and often combined with glazed tiles and
characteristics. Three valuable buildings of this period are bricks. Very beautiful examples of this style are in the mosques
Gonabadof Grand Mosque, MalekZoosenGrand Mosque of this era, including the Grand Mosque of Malik Zozen and
and Freedom Grand Mosque, which are only two historic the Freemod Grand Mosque, and even later in the Ilkhani era
buildings. The FreimudGrand Mosque was built on the building, including the Soltanieh Dome and BayazidBastami
basis of many similarities with these two buildings in the Collection.
architectural works of this period. Among the features of these The most famous designs in this period are: the motif of the
mosques are two-porch plan, the first examples of bricks and hevagonal, which has been shifted to the axis of its symmetry.
tiles combination, various knitting patterns and the use of The design is called "Six in Six ground" - the use of glazed
inscriptions in architectural decoration. Artists and architects of bricks placed in the middle of a star bricklayer design - the
the Kharizmshahi period like Seljuk era artists, used bricks as glazed brick design, the decorative design of which is called
the "Eight and the Drum of the Wave" (Table 5).

Fig.13: end-brick plaster taps of Grand Mosque in Sajas(Hamidi & Khazaee, 2011, 110)

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International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development
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Fig. 14: geometric plaster motif taps and brick-layering in Heydariyeh Mosque of Qazvin (Bakhtiari, 2012, 101)

Table5:brick ornamentation development in architecture of Seljuki period

sample Brickworking development NO.

Prevalence of a variety of designs and brick layers 1

Usage of rotary and s-shaped ornamental edges 2

3
Knitting design usage

First sample of brick arch 4

Prevalence of rowed dormant ornamentation 5

6
Kofi-lined brick ornamentation

7
Prevalence of plaster end-brick tap ornamentations

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 International Journal Of Architecture and Urban Development
Table6:brick ornamentation development in architecture of Kharazhshahi period

sample Brick development building NO.

Tile-molded technique prevalence ZozenMalek 1

Prevalence of tile-molded brick technique Freyomed 2

3
Usage of geometric motifs in brick-working Gonabad

Usage of glace brick with geometric motifs Gonabad 4

Forward-driven tile Forward-driven brick Mosques inKhorasan region 5

The emergence of Sufism in post-Islamic Iran, which at the

CONCLUSION same time, intertwines with Qur'an teachings and Prophetic
The art of Iranian architecture has long been characterized by hadiths can be effective in the non-utilization of tiling and
several principles, which are well represented in the samples. other techniques of Islamic art in decorating the facades of
These principles are: simplicity, simple living, introversion, buildings. In the construction of mosques of the 1st and 2nd
etc. These principles are always the dynamic and permanent centuries AH, the element of clay and wooden columns like
principles of Iranian architecture from the beginning to the palm tree trunk was more used and the coatings were mostly
present, especially during the Islamic era, as well as in the flat and using wooden beams. In this century, the architectural
construction and structural issueshas been considered and in the practices of the Parthian and Sasanian periods continued. The
decorative additions of the building it has also been considered. large dimensions of adobe bricks in the Fahraj mosque reflect
The existence of a simple and simple living in this era is another the continuity of the construction and decorating techniques of
feature of Iranian architecture, which considering this simple Sassanid architecture in the early Islamic centuries. Even the
nature that the architects were prohibited from paying attention dimensions of the bricks used during the Sassanid period were
to other techniques such as tiling from the early centuries to common in the 1st and 2nd centuries. From the third century
the Timurid period. This simplicity in the buildings was rooted AH, gradually brick decoration is becoming commonplace in
in the early times of Islam. The Prophet's Mosque in Medina Iranian buildings, one of the brightest periods of this period
during the lifetime of the Prophet was simple and free from being the Sunnis. The main feature of the brickwork decoration
architectural decoration. This simplicity made it possible to see of this period is that brickwork of a facade is associated with its
mosques with a simple pattern similar to the Prophet's mosque general form, which in some way leads to a real unity between
in Iran and other Islamic lands in the early Islamic centuries. Of materials and designs. After the 3rd century AH, bricklaying
course, this tradition is not long lasting, and we are witnessing works are of great importance during the Al Bouyeh era, and
the emergence of diverse mosque designs in Iran. However, many buildings are decorated with this element; therefore, it
there is a kind of respect for the traditions. Until the end of seems that the beginning of the art of decorative brickwork
the Ilkhani period, despite the magnificent mosques such as the should be on the facades of buildings, especially the mosques
Grand Mosque of Isfahan, a kind of simplicity and introversion of Al Boyah time, because at this time because of the existing
is seen in the decorating of buildings in the external view. From difficulties and limitations, and on the other hand, the high
other religious and mystical events prevalent in the Ilkhanites, performance and application of bricks in all parts of the
one can mention the development of Sufism. Looking at the building has been considered in the work of decorating and the
history of Islamic art indicates that Sufism and mysticism art of the architecture of the Al Bouyeh period was considered
have been one of the most influential and intellectual and throughout Iran. The use of bricks to decorate the octoploid
spiritual influences affecting Iranian art and architecture. and stucco begins in the second century AH, a prime example

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International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development
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of which can be found at the building of the Raq gate in Iraq. period, bricklaying art came to the ideal of perfection, and in
This brickwork has been used in the Al-Boya period in the every way it grew abundantly, and the art of craftsmanship and
Jorjir mosque. Also, the firs‌t examples of brickwork decoration bricklaying was created from a variety of "geometric knots and
with geometric designs in the Jorjir mosque are found that Kofi lines". Also, decorative bricks are made up of geometric
beautiful designs of bricks are visible in this building, such designs, plants and beautiful inscriptions including Qur'anic
as motifs of wickerwork, Cross designs andmotifss of seven verses and his‌torical phrases in the bricks of the Kharazmshahi
brick chains of candles‌ticks. In the 3rd to 5th centuries, each period, especially in the mosques of the Khorasan region,
of the dynas‌ties of Samanids, Ghaznavids and Al-Bouyeh have including the designs of the hevagonal, six in six fields, six
been using bricks ornaments, of which few of them have been drums and waves, and six and six up and down.
remained, but the cons‌truction of brick with its early s‌tages of
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