Iranian Seljuk Architecture with an Emphasis on Decorative Brickwork of the Qazvin Kharaqan Towers

Abstract

Iranian Seljuk period is one of the most magnificent, the most prominent, and at the same time, the fate of the most innovative historical periods. One of the prominent works of Seljuk architecture, which is a valuable work in art and architecture of the Islamic Iran in terms of decorative brickwork, is the Qazvin Kharaqan Towers. These twin towers have more than thirty types of brickwork with stunning arch-viewings and outstanding Kufic brick lines. In this report, I present the architectural and decorative features of Kharaqan Towers of Qazvin. This study benefits from analytical and descriptive approaches based on a field research. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the brickwork decoration and art of Kharaqan Towers. In the mentioned building, about thirty different designs have been applied. This reveals an ancient tradition related to the different graphic layout that initially had been done on plaster at the Sassanid era and then was used in the brick works. Composition and different layout adjustment of these towers are admirable. This study gives an insight to this timeless artwork.