In
groups of three to four we are to research and analyse the processes of Islamic
architecture based on practices throughout the history; each group to to select
a period to study in between -Muhammad to the Ottoman age- provided by our
lecturer and create an appropriate chronology account of the architecture
within that specific period.
The
purpose of this study is to familiarize us (students) with the production of
research analysis through evaluation and organization of information, assembly
of illustration and layout through a poster and presentation.
SAFAVID DYNASTY
(Group Presentation)
BAZAAR OF ISFAHAN
Before the founding of Islam trade
was particularly based on benefit and interest to a great extent, in these
societies rich people oppressed others and many people were suffering from the
lack of regulations and morality in the trade. After Islam was established,
Prophet Mohammad made some regulations to recover the trade in the society by
decreasing the differences between the wealth of classes within the society
based on an honest trade system.
A bazaar is a marketplace where
goods and services are displayed for buying and selling. Considered to be one
of the most important achievements in Persian civilization the bazaar of
Isfahan is the heritage of the safavid era, it is the longest roofed market in
the world. Known to be a pillar of civic foundation, the bazaar is located
downtown old Isfahan towards the northern section of the Imam Khomeini square
formerly known as Naghsh-e-Jahan square, the main entrance is called Qeisarieh;
when walked through leads to the famous Jameh Mosque - the oldest in Isfahan.
Bazaars are usually divided into
three main categories; periodical, permanent and short time, the main market of
Isfahan is permanent. The vaulted street is about 1.5 kilometers long with wide
ranges of goods sold from materials to stones. The street represents various
characteristics of Islamic architecture, which include; popular beams,
connection wings, brick arches, covered halls and other structural supports.
The bazaar is a part of the Imam
Khomeini square, which is about 500 x 160 meters; this was an area set up by
Shah Abbas 1, the bazaar itself is a district consisting of numerous streets
with stored on either side under a high-rise roof. The bazaar originally had
two parts, the old one close to the Friday mosque and the new one starting from
the Imam Khomeini Square and connected to the old one. After Isfahan was named
the capital during the 11th century, the old square became the
centre of the city; the main section of the bazaar that will be addressed is
the Qeisarieh bazaar, which is newer section where the main entrance is; also
known as the “imperial house”.
Bellow is a presentation highlighting the principles of Islamic architecture within the bazaar structure, through the use of pictures as well: