Iconographic Analysis of Decorative Motifs in Ganjali Khan Mosque, Kerman

Document Type : Scientific

Authors

1 shahed university of tehran

2 Islamic Art Research Group, Faculty of Art, Shahed University

Abstract

The Ganjali khan mosque in kerman although possessing a spiritual and sacred atmosphere and being an attractive place of mystical worship differs from the appearance of most mosquesin terms of the use of colors and decorative patterns. To the extent that some of its motifs are inconsistent with the conventional norms of mosque architecture and decoration .

In fact the focuse of this research has been to explore the distinctive characteistics of the buildings decorations and the reasons behind the creation of such ornamental features.The research method is descriptive analytical with an inconological approach and falls the category of qualitative reserch methods.

In the architectural decoration of mosques representational motifs are subject to religious and jurisprudential restrictions. This is a general rule that is rarely disregarded however such motifs have been used in this mosque. The analysis of the motifs and symbols of this building shows that Ganjali Khan was a follower of twelver shiism and deeply devoted to the imams of this school particularly the eight Imam (peace be up on him) he ordered the construction of a beautiful and unique mosque in a corner of the citys historic complex wich reflects and embodies . this devotion and can be regarded as a Shiite artistic work and representational motifs with symbolic functions along side other visual elements serve this intended purpose of the creator.

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Journal of Iranian Studies
Volume 25, Issue 49 - Serial Number 49
January 2026
Pages 111-136

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