Interior of Octagonal Pavilion Tomb of the Sheikh Abdolsamad, Natanz, Iran.
Dome of the main sanctuary. Imam Mosque (Masjed-e Imam), is a mosque in Isfahan, Iran standing in south side of Naghsh-i Jahan Square. Built 1611 – 1629. Architect: Shaykh Bahai
Detail view of khanqah portal; muqarnas semi-dome, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Samad Mosque, Natanz, Iran.
Ceramic tiles ceiling decorating a vault at Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, (aka the Pink Mosque) Shiraz, Iran. Built 1876 -1888. Architects: Muhammad Hasan-e-Memar and Muhammad Reza Kashi Paz-e-Shirazi.
Mirrored muqarnas (decorative corbel) in the Hall of Diamonds (Talar-e Almas) in the Golestan Palace, Tehran. It is called Hall of Diamonds because of the exceptional mirror work inside the building. The construction of this hall dates to the time of Fath Ali Shah (circa1806). Tehran, Iran
South Iwan, entrance to main sanctuary. Imam Mosque (Masjed-e Imam), is a mosque in Isfahan, Iran standing in south side of Naghsh-i Jahan Square. Built 1611 – 1629. Architect: Shaykh Bahai
Muqarnas (decorative corbel) Jameh Mosque aka The Congregational Mosque of Isfahan built from 771 to the end of the 20th century. Isfahan, Iran
North iwan coverd in polychromatic tiles. Imam Mosque (Masjed-e Imam), is a mosque in Isfahan, Iran standing in south side of Naghsh-i Jahan Square. Built 1611 – 1629. Architect: Shaykh Bahai
Interior of Dome of Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, Naghsh-i Jahan Square, Isfahan, Iran. Built 1603 -1618. Architect: Shaykh Bahai
Ceramic tiles ceiling decorating a vault at Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, (aka the Pink Mosque) Shiraz, Iran. Built 1876 -1888. Architects: Muhammad Hasan-e-Memar and Muhammad Reza Kashi Paz-e-Shirazi.
Geometry & Silence 
It amazes me, the colors, patterns and shapes are inspiring. Fantastic blog!
Thanks, yes it was these patterns, isolated from their surroundings that I wanted to celebrate in this series
Isfahan nesf-e jahan…you’ve captured the beauty of one of my favorite cities. Kheyli mamnoon!
Thank you its one of mine too
spectacular !!! what more can I say… Tanya
thanks!
Fantastic. This trumps your previous post. Such intricate design is phenomenal, and the time that must have been involved in putting it all in place would be mind-boggling.
Thank you! yes the architects and builders were masters of geometry
These are spectacularly beautiful. The hall of mirrors (diamonds) is fabulous!
Crazy isn’t it – a new meaning to bling
Quintin,
These are exceptionally beautiful. They make me think of structured mother of pearl.
yes true. thanks!
I was thinking that this kind of geometry/symmetry is a false symmetry looking to human beauty/geometry. Dunno if my english mean something ^^,
I’m not sure i understand you fully, can you explain the difference between false and true symmetry? Do you mean almost but not quite symmetrical – like the human face?
The irony – as you certainly know – is that because orthodox Islam forbids representations either of its God or its Prophet, that’s exactly why Islamic architects became masters of geometric and calligraphic art, particularly in association with architecture. I’ve never ceased to be fascinated by that, but I see that the half of what they were capable of doing has never been shown me. Thank you for showing me what they could really do.
Hi John. Very interesting observation. As an atheist/agnostic myself i find islamic architecture taps straight into a greater spirituality for me that most (but not all) Christian building does not. I generally prefer abstract to representation art so I may be biased in that direction irrespective of religion. I find the poetic concept of symbolising god without representation very beautiful and it touches me directly.
Great photos, thanks
Cheers!
Reblogged this on The Chronicles of Johanan Rakkav and commented:
Another touch of Iranian architecture, little known to those of us in the West…
Thanks for reblogging John
Stunning Photography, a glimpse into the past…..artwork and handcraft
Thanks! Yes parts of Iran certainly feel timeless
This archetecture is like something I would prefer my own house to be like. It reminds me of Feng Shui. The type of objects and how they are placed bring peace, a calm and a spiritual air to the buildings and or the inside of them. Very beautiful
Yisraela
Thanks Yisraela, yes the design does give a sense of calm
Extremely Beautiful Gallery Dear Quintin,
I`m deeply interested in your accurate photography, Nicely sharp and extremely “Focused”…You know I`ve been searching for focused (& especially film negative formats of) Iranian architecture photos these years and of course I`ve found a few of them..
But your photos are another thing. I`m also happy that you don’t use the “Islamic” term for this kinda Architecture, coz that way goes for hiding the Iranian identity behind a fake identity (Islamic)..,
Really thanks for all that.
Hi Balestih, so glad you like how i make my images. I think clarity is very important to show the best of Persian architecture. I too thought Iran was part of the arab world until i visited (sorry about that!)
I have also modeled the exterior Minaret of your first photo place (Sheykh Abd-Assamad Shrine, Natanz), I wish you like it. It`s on my blog galley.
wow ive just checked out your website amazing 3DMax work – very artistic and atmospheric images – makes a changes from another vulgar tower in Dubai!
When I take architectural pictures, I always try to find the balance or symmetry of the object/patterns. So your amazing photographs are the ones I always aspire to. Thanks for the inspiration, Quintin!
Thanks Bama. Photographing architecture is about Geometry first, then light , then colour
Great job! Really enjoyed seeing your amazing pictures:)
Thanks Elmirad, glad you enjoyed them
Reblogged this on Hello.Lenin! and commented:
Arabesque
Thanks for Reblogging Karlo
Hi. I’ve nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award!
http://thebatamonblog.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/beautiful-blogger-award/
Thanks starscraper99!
Amazing architecture.
Really like the last photo !
I agree Amazing colours and patterns on that last one
Incredible. Mathematically beautiful.
indeed exquisite geometry. Thanks!
Beautiful. That’s one of many things we Iranian people are proud of. Thanks.
thanks! and rightly so!
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fantastic i really like it !
Great!
wow…magically beautiful to look at 🙂 thanks a lot for sharing dear Quintin
You need to take part in a contest for one of the greatest blogs on
the net. I am going to highly recommend this site!
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