Iranian architecture has a vast history of style, aesthetics, and cultural association. In a general form factor, we can divide its history into four main eras: ancient Iranian architecture, Iranian Islamic architecture, postmodern architecture, and contemporary international architecture.

Understanding the history creates a pathway for defining many of the leaps of architectural influences in the Middle East and Europe. In this article, we are going to focus on the Iranian Islamic architectural styles that have been categorized by Dr Pirnia due to their simplicity and widespread attributes.

The history

To understand the styling system, it is essential to first grasp the origins of these studies. The study of Iranian architecture is relatively recent and modern. The pioneering scholar in this field was Arthur Upham Pope, who, with the blessing of the Prime Minister, Reza Pahlavi—later crowned as king through a coup—developed the first modern analysis of Iran's architectural history.

His work laid the groundwork for many other scholars to recognize the significance of this field. Most notably, Dr. Pirnia.

Iranian architectural ideology

Based on Pirnia's understanding, Iranian architecture is rooted in five guiding principles that have remained consistent through the ages:

  1. Proportion values: these focus on creating spaces that feel harmonious and comfortable for people, based on human size and needs.

  2. Avoiding wastefulness: a practical approach shaped by historical resource limitations, encouraging the use of only what is necessary and avoiding unnecessary expenditure of materials and funds.

  3. Structural innovation: since materials like concrete and metal weren’t always available, architects and builders developed creative ways to shape their structures using the resources at hand.

  4. Self-sufficiency: people learned to understand and work with their environment, making the most of the materials they had to create durable, functional homes and spaces.

  5. Introversion: especially in dry and semi-dry regions like the Middle East, this design style aimed to create safe, private spaces—a fortress against the harsh climate and surrounding ecosystem—allowing inhabitants to live comfortably and securely.

By understanding these principles, we gain insight not only into Iranian architecture but also into how different cultures adapt their building styles to their environment and resources, revealing universal human ingenuity and resilience.

The Iranian Islamic styles

Pirnia categorizes this time period into four main design eras:

  • Khorasani style (سبک خراسانی) 6–11 AD.

  • Razi Style (سبک رازی), 9–13 AD.

  • Azeri style (سبک آذری), 13–15 AD.

  • Isfahani style (سبک اصفهانی), 16–19 AD.

Many aspects of these Styles are still being used in different and more innovative ways in many designs today, and they were never limited to their time period.

Khorasani style

This architectural style is a direct reflection of the influence of Islam following the Arab conquest of Persia. The earliest building that significantly impacted Persian architecture was the mosque in the city of Medina, established by the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century AD.

Over the following centuries, due to limited information and the turbulent times, details about early developments are few and often unclear. According to Pirnia, one of the earliest and most well-known examples of this style is the Fahraj Mosque in Yazd province. Other notable examples include the historic Damghan, the grand mosque of Isfahan, Ardestan Grand Mosque, Nain Grand Mosque, and Neyriz Grand Mosque.

This style shares some common features that tell a story of cultural adaptation and spiritual focus:

  • The use of central courtyards creates a sense of inward reflection and privacy, making the space feel protected and intimate.

  • The designs are generally simple, influenced by the Arabic traditions and way of life at that time.

  • A special space called the “shabistan” was added—this is the main prayer hall of the mosque, usually positioned on the north and south sides, emphasizing its importance as a spiritual gathering place.

  • The buildings are mainly constructed from brick and plaster mortar, with large clay materials forming the sturdy base.

  • In the beginning, these structures were modest, with little decoration. But over time, artisans began to use plaster to add intricate decorative details, enriching the beauty of the architecture.

Razi style

This architectural style originated in the northern parts of Iran, but the most developed designs were centered around Ray City. One of the most important aspects of this style is the return and rejuvenation of pre-Islamic architectural—Persian styles—architecture.

By reinvigorating the old Persian designs, they were able to construct more complex structures, especially in creating domes and establishing them as one of the main elements of Iranian Islamic architecture. By doing so, they were able to create a sphere geometry on a 2D square form plan.

The other extreme aspect of this style was the use of bricks as the main material to ornament buildings in the most beautiful possible way, which is called "Maghli" (معقلی). Artisans skillfully used bricks and plaster to create beautiful geometric patterns, turning each building into a work of art that was as visually stunning as it was functional.

During this vibrant period, many remarkable structures were built, such as: The Tomb of Amir Ismail Samani, Gombad Qaboos, Kharghan Towers, Robat Sharaf, Zavareh Grand Mosque, Ardestan Grand Mosque, and Khajeh Atabak Tower in Kerman.

Azeri style

This architectural style emerged in a period of reconstruction after the Mongol invasions, which had devastated many artisans and left a trail of destruction across the region. Several generations later, architects sought to rebuild and re-establish core principles but with a more modern approach. They incorporated advanced geometrical concepts and focused on creating larger-than-life structures and monumental buildings.

Some key features of this style include:

  • The introduction of the 5/7 archways, a departure from the oval shapes traditionally used during the Persian Empire. This distinctive form has persisted and remains a hallmark of the style to this day.

  • To enhance aesthetic appeal, artisans continued to manipulate brick and plaster using traditional techniques. However, a new element was added: tilework. Many of these tiles were either hand-painted individually or assembled like a jigsaw puzzle, allowing for intricate decorative patterns.

  • In this era, there was a noticeable emphasis on constructing larger and more robust structures, especially in the domes and main arches. One of the most famous examples is the Soltanieh Dome in Zanjan province, which is said to have inspired the design of the Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.

  • Lastly, this period saw a remarkable increase in the number of schools built, with the growth in educational institutions exceeding previous levels by a significant margin.

Isfahani style

This style is considered the final chapter in Iran’s long tradition of Islamic architecture, developing over hundreds of years and deeply rooted in the region’s culture and history. Even today, it remains the most common style used in traditional designs, especially for mosques. Some of the finest examples can be found in the provinces of Isfahan, Kerman, and Shiraz.

Some of the main features of this style include:

  • A focus on simplicity in both the overall structure and decorative elements, with clean geometric and ornamental forms.

  • Like many other Iranian architectural traditions, this style tends to be introverted, yet it features four gateways surrounding the central courtyard, creating a balanced layout.

  • To enhance development and efficiency during this period, designers often relied on standardized models and patterns. One notable innovation was the use of a tiling technique known as "seventh colored tiles" (کاشی هفت رنگ). This method involved producing tiles with multiple colors through a systematic process of painting and firing, allowing for more intricate and vibrant ornamentation.

Some of the most renowned architectural masterpieces from this era are the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the Ganjali Khan Complex in Kerman, Agha Bozorg School in Kashan, Khaju Bridge, and Hakim Mosque in Shiraz.

Conclusion

In the end, understanding these styles as representative of centuries of design gives us a full view of how some of the Middle Eastern architecture has developed. By doing so, we are able to connect with the rich heritage of generations who lived in this region, which has had a lasting impact all around the world. At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to honor that tradition while adapting it to suit our modern needs and realities.