Urban Design Discourse

The role of the Varamin Grand Mosque in the urban structure and identity of the Ilkhanid period with an emphasis on decorations inspired by nature

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

ali bakhtar 1
reza farmhini farahani 2
hosein moradi nasab 3

1 semnan azad university

2 Assistant Professor of Architecture, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Yardgar University Branch

3 Department of Architecture, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

10.48311/udd.2026.118138.82817
Abstract
Abstract:

The Ilkhanids, Mongol vassals in Iran, inherited the artistic legacy of the Seljuks and introduced significant innovations. Their most notable contributions were in the decoration of buildings, particularly stucco work, leaving an extensive legacy in the architectural ornamentation of the period. During this period, plastering reaches the peak of its beauty. Decorative motifs from this era include abstract forms, geometric patterns, vegetal designs, and calligraphy, often combined. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the motifs used in the Jameh Mosque of Varamin, one of the most complete examples of Ilkhanid architecture. The findings reveal that external decorations primarily utilized tile and brick, while the mihrab featured intricate stucco work. The motifs encompass various geometric knots, complex arabesques intertwined with inscriptions, the earliest use of interlaced and architectural inscriptions, parent-and-child inscriptions, and examples of floral motifs such as Shah Abbasi flowers, rosettes, and the Ranjir Khumpa pattern in the mosque’s stucco decoration

Keywords

Ilkhanid architecture
natural motifs
stucco decoration
Jameh Mosque of Varamin

Subjects

Urban Design Discourse

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 April 2026

  • Receive Date 29 December 2025
  • Revise Date 25 February 2026
  • Accept Date 06 April 2026
  • First Publish Date 06 April 2026
  • Publish Date 06 April 2026

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