Journal of Fine Arts: Visual Arts

Journal of Fine Arts: Visual Arts

A Study of Tile Parapets in Timurid and Turkmen Period Buildings of Yazd Province based on Geometric Pattern and Motif

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Zahra Rashednia
PhD in Archaeology (Islamic Era), Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Conservation & Restoration, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
10.22059/jfava.2025.393341.667455
Abstract
During the Timurid and Turkmen periods, Yazd province witnessed unique examples of tile decorations called Parapets. So that these Parapets have common characteristics in terms of the patterns and motifs used in their center/background and borders,which emphasizes the uniqueness of the named decoration in this region of the country during the mentioned periods. For this reason, it is possible to identify and classify this category of decorations and also to understand the local style in the Yazd region during the period under study.Therefore, the purpose of this article is to introduce and classify the tile Parapets used in the buildings of the mentioned period in Yazd province based on their geometric Pattern and Motif in order to achieve a local/regional style.During the review of the motifs found in tilework,the execution technique, colors, etc. are also briefly mentioned. Therefore, the main research question can be posed as follows: What are the most common geometric Patterns and Motifs of the tile Parapets of buildings from the Timurid and Turkmen periods in Yazd province? The present study is based on a method of interpretive-historical research and a qualitative data analysis and interpretation method.The research methodology of gathering information and data is documentary and based on extensive field observations,including visiting buildings, taking pictures of tile Parapets, and drawing some samples with various software such as CorelDraw, Photoshop, etc.The statistical population of this study includes all tile Parapets from the Timurid and Turkmen periods in Yazd province, which include ten buildings. Therefore, first the findings are presented and then the introduction and classification of the tile Parapets of the buildings of this time period in Yazd province are discussed.Sometimes a local style is implemented in a specific and specific region, and sometimes it encompasses a wider geographical area. For example, the existence of tile Parapets during a specific period, as well as some geometric Motifs that have been repeated many times, all belong to the same region. This indicates that the mentioned region had a local style and probably created works with special characteristics at the request of local founders and artists. The most prominent of these features is the extensive use of geometric motifs, including the »regular hexagonal« knot in the center/background and the »Six and Triangle« on the edges of the tile's Parapets.Based on the available evidence mentioned in the text of the article, the tile Parapets of the Timurid and Turkmen periods in Yazd province are unique to this region, and no similar examples have been found in other parts of the country.Although there are unique tile decorations in the eastern part of Iran and other regions of the country during the aforementioned periods, none of them have tile Parapets, and if they do exist, they do not have tile decorations.This type of decoration is seen in buildings in the Yazd region and has been a common pattern in some of the decorations of buildings in this region. Its absence in other parts of the Timurid and Turkmen territories in Iran could be evidence of the local style of this type of decoration, which is located in the same time period and region. In addition, the limitation of this category of decorations to a specific region (Yazd province) can indicate common decorative patterns and methods that have usually been of interest and attention to creators, founders, and commissioners of works of art in each historical period and in a specific area. The results of this research indicate that examining the existing examples of tile Parapets from the Timurid and Turkmen periods in Yazd province, it was determined that only geometric motifs were used in their center/background and borders.The tile Parapets of the mentioned eras of Yazd province can be classified into two major groups, »regular hexagonal« and »Six and roundel Jointed Toranj« in terms of the geometric motifs of the center/background.The borders are designed with geometric patterns and motifs, such as simple border without motif, »quatrefoil and ellipse« and »Six and Triangle« knot.The »regular hexagonal« knot is the most common geometric motif used in the center/background of the Parapets. The aforementioned knot is worked with turquoise cut tiles in the center/background of the Parapets of 10 buildings in the province. The borders in most of the Parapets are made with the »Six and Triangle« knot. In a limited number of cases, the borders of some Parapets consist of geometric designs consisting of the repetition of two simple geometric motifs, such as »quatrefoil and ellipse« or a simple, narrow border without motifs.Therefore,the buildings of Yazd province can be indicative of a local style, from one side, in terms of having Parapets and on the other hand, due to the use of common geometric motifs in them.A style whose works and evidence can only be traced in this province during the period under study.
Keywords
geometric pattern and motif
local style
tile parapet
Timurid and Turkmen period
Yazd Province
Subjects
Afshar, I. (1995). Monuments of Yazd [Yādgār-hāye Yazd.[ (Vols. 1-2). Society for the Appreciation of Cultural Works and Dignitaries. (in Persian)
Amid, H. (1990). Amid Dictionary: Including Persian Words, Arabic and European Words Used in Persian Language, and Scientific and Literary Terms [Farhang-e Amid: Shabamel-e Vazhe-haye Farsi va Loghat-haye Arabi va Orupayei-ye Moshtalah dar Zaban-e Farsi va Estelahat-e Elmi va Adabi]. (22 nd edition, Vols 1 & 2). Amir Kabir. (in Persian)
Clark, M. (2010). Oxford Concise Dictionary of Art Terms [Farhang-e Feshorde-ye Estelahat-e Honar-e Oxford]. (A. Rezaei, trans; 1nd edition). Barghnegar. (Original work published 2001) (in Persian)
Dehkhoda, A. A. (1998). Dehkhoda Dictionary [Loghatname-ye Dehkhoda]. (Vols. 5, 10). University of Tehran. (in Persian)
Delacroix, H. & Tennessee, R. J. (1379). Foreword in: Art through Time [Honar dar Gozar-e Zaman, H Gardner]. (M. T. Faramarzi, trans; 5th edition). Agah, 11-12. (Original work published 1926) (in Persian)
Fereshtehnejad, M. (2010). Architectural Culture and Architectural Restoration [Farhang-e Me'mari va Marammat-e Me'mari]. (1 nd edition). Arkan Danesh. (in Persian)
Flamki, M. (1997). Formulation of the form and difficulties of contemporary Iranian architecture [Tadvin-e Shekl va Doshvari-haye Me'mari-ye Moaser-e Iran]. Fine Arts, (2), 52-58. https://journals.ut.ac.ir/article_17146.html (in Persian)
Fotuhi, M. (2012). Stylistics, theories, approaches and methods [Sabk-shenasi: Nazariye-ha, Roo-kard-ha va Ravesh-ha]. (1nd edition). sokhan. (in Persian)
Ghobadian, V. (2013). Stylistics and Theoretical Foundations in Contemporary Iranian Architecture [Sabk-shenasi va Mabani-ye Nazari dar Me'mari-ye Moaser-e Iran]. (1nd edition). Royal Institute of Architectural Scienc. (in Persian)
Jafari, J. (1964). History of Yazd [Tarikh-e Yazd]. (A. Afshar, Edit; 1nd edition). Scientific and cultural. (in Persian)
Jensen, Ch. (2008). Analysis of Visual Arts Works [Tajzihe va Tahlil-e Asar-e Honar-haye Tajasomi]. (B. Avakian, trans; 2nd edition). Samt. (Original work published 1996) (in Persian)
Khademzadeh, M. H. (2008). Architecture of the Al-e Mozaffar period of Yazd (Ilkhanid and Timurid) with a look at the buildings of the Atabakan era [Me’māri-ye doure-ye Āl-e Mozaffar-e Yazd]. In collaboration with M. Oloumi and E. Khakbaz Alvandian (1nd edition). Hampa, Yazd Province Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization. (in Persian)
Khakbaz Alvandian, E. (2014). The restoration process of the tiled pulpit of the Sultan Bondarabad collection in Yazd [Ravand-e Marammat-e Menbar-e Kashi-kari-ye majmou’e-ye Soltan Bondarabad-e Yazd]. Athar Journal, 35 (67), 15-32. https://journal.richt.ir/athar/article-1-82-fa.html (in Persian)
Marzban, P. & Marouf, H. (1992). Illustrated Dictionary of Visual Arts [Farhang-e Mosavvar-e Honar-haye Tajasomi]. (2 nd edition). Soroush. (in Persian)
Masaheb, G. H. (1381). Persian Encyclopedia [Dayere-ol-Maaref-e Farsi]. (3 nd edition, vol. 1). Amirkabir (in Persian)
Mazidi Sharafabadi, M. (2018). Study the decorations of the Sultan Complex of Bondar Abad in Yazd and its application in contemporary graphic design [Barresi-ye taz’ināt-e majmou’e-ye soltan bundrậbạd-e yazd va karbord an dar Graphic-e moaser] [Master's thesis, Tarbiat Modares University]. Electronic Dissertations and Theses Tarbiat Modares University (ETDS). (in Persian)
Miner, W. H. (2008). History of the History of Art (A Journey through the History of the Development of Art Theory) [Tarikh-e Tarikh-e Honar (Siri dar Tarikh-e Takvin-e Nazariye-ye Honar)]. (M. Ghasemian, trans; 1nd edition). Academy of Art of the Islamic Republic of Iran; samt. (Original work published 1994) (in Persian)
Moein, M. (2006). Persian Dictionary [Farhang-e Farsi]. (23 nd edition, vols. 1 and 2). Amirkabir. (in Persian)
Pakbaz, R. (2004). Encyclopedia of Art (Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Art) [Dayerat-ol-Maaref-e Honar (Naghash-e, Peykar-e-sazi va Honar-e Graphic(]. (4 nd edition). Contemporary Culture. (in Persian)
Sahragard, M. (2005). Explanation for the Local Principles of Classification of Iranian Calligraphy`s History [Tabiyn-e Mabani-ye Boomi baraye Tabghe-bandi-ye Tarikh-e Khoshnevisi-ye Iran][PhD Thesis, Shahed University]. Electronic Dissertations and Theses Shahed University (ETDS). (in Persian)
Rashednia, Z. & Salehi Kakhki, A. (2023). Comparing the Geometric Motifs of the Tile Dadoes of the Timurid Period of Iran with the Dadoes in the illustrated Manuscripts of the Period [Moghayese-ye Noghoush-e Hendesi-ye Ezare-haye Kashi-ye Abniye-ye Dowre-ye Timuri-e Iran ba Ezare-haye Mojoud dar Negare-haye Noskhe-khathi-ye Mosavvar-e Ham-zaman]. Journal of Fine Arts: Visual Arts, 28 (2), 85-96. https://jfava.ut.ac.ir/article_91469.html (in Persian).
Rashednia, Z. & Salehi Kakhki, A. (2024). Classification of Tile Shobāks of Timurid and Turkmanan Era Buildings in Yazd Province based on Framing and Motif [Tabghe-bandi-ye Shobak-haye Kashi-ye Banahaye Dowre-ye Timuri va Turkmanan-e Ostane Yazd bar Asas-e Ghab-bandi va Naqsh]. Journal of Glory of Art, 16 (4), 49-62. https://jjhjor.alzahra.ac.ir/article_8176.html (in Persian).
Rashednia, Z. (2025). Identification and Classification of Tilework Ornamentation in the Architecture of the Timurid and Turkmen Periods in Present-day Iran (Focusing on Yazd Province) [Shenakht-e Vizhegi-ha va Tabghe-bandi-ye taz’ināt-e Kashi-kari dar Banahaye Dowre-ye Timuri va Turkmanan-e Iran-e Emroozi (ba Ta'kid bar Ostane Yazd)][PhD Thesis, Art University of Isfahan]. Electronic Dissertations and Theses Art University of Isfahan (ETDS). (in Persian)
Sadri Afshar, G. H.; Hakami, N. & Hakami, N. (2002). Contemporary Persian Culture [Farhang-e Moaser-e Farsi]. (4 nd edition). Contemporary Culture. (in Persian)
Seyed Sadr, A (2004). Encyclopedia of Art: Styles, Methods, Artists, Art Schools, Arts, Music, Handicrafts and Other Fundamental Topics [Dayerat-ol-Maaref-e Honar: Sabk-ha, Shivaha, Honarmandan, Makateb-e Honar, Honar-ha, Musighi, Sanaye-ye Dasti va sayer Mabahis-e Bonyadin]. (1nd edition). Simay Danesh). (in Persian)
Smith, E. L. (2002). Dictionary of Artistic Terms [Farhang-e Estelahat-e Honari]. (F Goshayesh, trans; 2nd edition). Efaf. (Original work published 1984) (in Persian)
Wilber, D., & Golombek, L. (1995). The Timurid architecture of Iran and Turan [Me'mari-ye Timuri dar Iran va Turan]. (K Afsar & M. Y. Kiani, Trans). Cultural Heritage Organization. (Original work published 1988) (in Persian)
اسمیت، ادوارد لوسی (1381). فرهنگ اصطلاحات هنری (فرهاد گشایش، مترجم؛ ویرایش 2). عفاف. (چاپ اثر اصلی 1984)
 افشار، ایرج (1354). یادگارهای (ویرایش 1، جلد 2). انجمن آثار و مفاخر فرهنگی.
 پاکباز، رویین (1383). دائره‌المعارف هنر (نقاشی، پیکره‌سازی و هنر گرافیک) (ویرایش 4). فرهنگ معاصر.
 جعفری، جعفر بن محمد بن حسن (1343). تاریخ یزد (به کوشش ایرج افشار؛ ویرایش 1). علمی و فرهنگی.
 جنسن، چارلز (1387). تجزیه‌وتحلیل آثار هنرهای تجسمی (بتی آواکیان، مترجم؛ ویرایش 2). سمت. (چاپ اثر اصلی 1996)
 خادم­زاده، محمدحسن (1389). معماری دوره آل مظفر یزد (ایلخانی و تیموری) با نگاهی به بناهای عصر اتابکان (با همکاری مجید علومی و الهه الوندیان خاکباز؛ ویرایش 1). هم­پا، سازمان میراث فرهنگی صنایع دستی و گردشگری استان یزد.
 خاکباز الوندیان، الهه (1393). روند مرمت منبر کاشی­کاری مجموعۀ سلطان بندرآباد یزد. نشریه اثر، 35 (67)، 15ـ32.
https://journal.richt.ir/athar/article-1-82-fa.html
 دلاکروا، هورست؛ تنسی، ریچارد. ج. (1379). پیشگفتار در: هنر در گذر زمان، هلن گاردنر (محمدتقی فرامرزی، مترجم؛ ویرایش 5). آگاه. (چاپ اثر اصلی 1926)
 دهخدا، علی‌اکبر (1377). لغت‌نامه دهخدا (جلدهای 5، 10). دانشگاه تهران.
 راشدنیا، زهرا و صالحی کاخکی، احمد (1402). مقایسه نقوش هندسی ازاره‌های کاشی ابنیه دورۀ تیموری ایران با ازاره‌های موجود در نگاره‌های نسخ خطی مصور هم‌زمان. نشریه هنرهای زیبا: هنرهای تجسمی، 28 (2)، 85-96. https://doi.org 10.22059/JFAVA.2023.351693.667015
 راشدنیا، زهرا و صالحی کاخکی، احمد (1403ا). طبقه‌بندی شُباک‌های کاشی بناهای دورۀ تیموری و ترکمانانِ استان یزد بر اساس قاب‌بندی و نقش. نشریه جلوه هنر، 16 (45)، 49-62. https://doi.org/ 10.22051/JJH.2024.46193.2114
 راشدنیا، زهرا (1403). شناخت ویژگی‌ها و طبقه‌بندی تزئینات کاشی‌کاری در بناهای دورۀ تیموری و ترکمانان ایران امروزی (با تأکید بر استان یزد) [رساله دکتری، دانشگاه هنر اصفهان]. پایان‌نامه‌ها و رساله‌های الکترونیکی دانشگاه هنر اصفهان.
 سید صدر، ابوالقاسم (1383). دائره‌المعارف هنر: سبک‌ها، شیوه‌ها، هنرمندان، مکاتب هنر، هنرها، موسیقی، صنایع دستی و سایر مباحث بنیادین (ویرایش 1). سیمای دانش.
 صحراگرد، مهدی (1393). تبیین مبانی بومی برای طبقه‌بندی تاریخ خوشنویسی ایران [رساله دکتری، دانشگاه شاهد تهران]. پایان‌نامه‌ها و رساله‌های الکترونیکی دانشگاه شاهد تهران.
 صدری افشار، غلام‌حسین؛ حکمی، نسرین و حکمی، نسترن. (1381). فرهنگ معاصر فارسی (ویرایش 4). فرهنگ معاصر.
 عمید، حسن. (1379). فرهنگ عمید: شامل واژه‌های فارسی و لغات عربی و اروپایی مصطلح در زبان فارسی و اصطلاحات علمی و ادبی (ویرایش 22، جلد 1 و 2). امیرکبیر.
 فتوحی، محمود. (1392). سبک‌شناسی نظریه‌ها، رویکردها و روش‌ها (ویرایش 1). سخن.
 فرشته‌نژاد، مرتضی. (1389). فرهنگ معماری و مرمت معماری (ویرایش 1). ارکان دانش.
 فلامکی، منصور. (1376). تدوین شکل و دشواری‌های معماری معاصر ایران. هنرهای زیبا، (2)، 58-52.
https://journals.ut.ac.ir/article_17146.html
 قبادیان، وحید. (1392). سبک‌شناسی و مبانی نظری در معماری معاصر ایران (ویرایش 1). مؤسسه علم معمار رویال.
 کلارک، مایکل. (1389). فرهنگ فشرده اصطلاحات هنر آکسفورد (الهام رضایی، مترجم؛ ویرایش 1). برگ‌نگار. (چاپ اثر اصلی 2001)
 ماینر، ورنون هاید. (1387). تاریخ تاریخ هنر (سیری در تاریخ تکوین نظریه هنر) (مسعود قاسمیان، مترجم؛ ویرایش 1). فرهنگستان هنر جمهوری اسلامی ایران؛ سمت. (چاپ اثر اصلی 1994)
 مرزبان، پرویز و معروف، حبیب. (1371). فرهنگ مصور هنرهای تجسمی (ویرایش 2). سروش.
 مزیدی شرف­آبادی، مجید. (1397). بررسی تزیینات مجموعۀ سلطان بُندرآباد یزد و کاربرد آن در گرافیک معاصر [پایان­نامۀ کارشناسی­ارشد، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس]. پایان‌نامه‌ها و رساله‌های الکترونیکی دانشگاه تربیت مدرس.
 مصاحب، غلامحسین. (1381). دائره‌المعارف فارسی (ویرایش 3، جلد 1). امیرکبیر.
 معین، محمد. (1385). فرهنگ فارسی (ویرایش 23، جلدهای 1 و 2). امیرکبیر.
 ویلبر، دونالد وگلمبک، لیزا. (1374). معماری تیموری در ایران و توران (کرامت‌الله افسر و محمدیوسف کیانی، مترجم؛ ویرایش 1). سازمان میراث فرهنگی. (چاپ اثر اصلی 1988)
Journal of Fine Arts: Visual Arts
Volume 31, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 49-60