Spatial and structural features of domes in Iranian architecture: Soltanieh Dome in Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

One of the most salient and important elements in Iranian architecture is the roof cover; the dome. The process of dome construction in Iran dates back to the periods before Islam and has experienced considerable advancements during the Islamic periods. Geometry, mathematics and the creation of new tools have had a direct impact on the architecture of domes and its advancement. This paper presents the construction of domes in Iranian architecture from a historical perspective, and its position in Islamic architecture. It classifies different types of domes, and then closely examines the Soltanieh Dome located near Zanjan. The Soltanieh building was constructed during 675-685 AH and is located about 2000 meters above the sea level. The building design is based on the number 8. What is seen in this building like other Islamic buildings is the focus of the octagon in the center of the building. The burden of vertical movement is on the minarets. There are two types of minarets; a hidden minaret located inside the building skeleton and another minaret in the form of finial in the upper part. In the Soltanieh building, the horizontal movement is at four levels, which are related by the vertical components. The paper shows the decline and advancement of the impact of mathematics and geometry on Iranian architecture. © 2015, Center for Environmental Planning and Technology University.