The Great Maydan, Isfahan

The great maydan (square) at Isfahan called Naqsh-i-Jahan (world image) contains a galaxy of excellent architectural works of Iran.

The mosque of Shaykh Lutf Allah (1601-28), one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of Iran, is situated on the east side of the Naqsh-i-Jahan square with fountains playing in front. Designs and colors used in the dome mosaics are among the most elegant designs and colors existing in Iranian architecture

The architecture of  Persia(Iran) has a continuous history from at least 5000 BCE to the present, with characteristic examples distributed over a vast area from Syria to North India and the borders of China, from the Caucasus to Zanzibar. Persian architecture is characterised by a marked feeling for form and scale; structural inventiveness, especially in vault and dome construction. As in several  cultures the dome has cosmic symbolism by which man is brought into communication with the heavens. Irano-lslamic buildings, huge halls and massive domes are the first elements which immediately attract one’s attention. The art of tile work used to decorate all sorts of ivans, domes, and portals, is so interesting that each part of it seems, to be a magnificent piece of painting.

Persians showed their extraordinary skill in making massive domes with semi circular or oval shaped vaults. Domes can be seen mainly in the structure of bazaars and mosques, and particularly in the historic buildings of Isfahan.

Iranian domes are distinguished for their height, proportion of elements, beauty of form, and roundness of the dome stem. The outer surfaces of the domes are mostly mosaic faced, and create a magical view.