Archnet is an Open Access resource, provided to the public to facilitate cultural understanding and excellence in both scholarship and practice. Content from Archnet.org may not be published, displayed, or appropriated for commercial use without the expressed written permission of the copyright holder. Unless otherwise noted, Archnet material is available for instructional, nonprofit use, and personal use on the terms of a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International</a> (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. Please contact Archnet to request permission to use the Archnet.org website and its contents beyond the scope outlined above. High-resolution images may be available by contacting us using <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>. The content available on Archnet, including but not limited to information, text, graphics, logos, and multimedia related to the the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/1903" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Trust for Culture’</a>s programmes, such as the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/54" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Historic Cities Programme</a>, the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/848" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Award for Architecture</a> and the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/132" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Music Programme</a>, may be protected by copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights and laws, whether owned by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, its affiliates, or third parties. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or display of this content is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the respective copyright or trademark holder. Violation of this prohibition may result in legal penalties.

Terms of use

Archnet is a community powered resource that provides ready access to visual and textual material to facilitate teaching, scholarship, and professional work of high quality.&nbsp;This unparalleled resource continues to grow with both the addition of historic archives and documentation on contemporary trends shaping the built environment today.&nbsp;To better serve you, our user, in the study of art and architecture of Muslim societies, we continue to build our vast collection of sites, publications, images, and videos. We invite your involvement, particularly in the areas below:<ul><li>To ensure a high level of scholarly content and accuracy in the information provided, we appreciate your expert feedback and, more importantly, your contributions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Please send comments, corrections, commendations, and other feedback to <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>If you find sites on Archnet to which you can contribute in compelling and meaningful ways, your generosity is most welcome. If you would be interested in contributing research, publications or other media to Archnet, please contact us using <a href="about:blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet-submission@mit.edu</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>We welcome the donation of select archives based on our current editorial policies and priorities.&nbsp;If you have a collection you would like to bring to the attention of Archnet's editors, please send an email to: <a href="http://mailto: archnet-submission@mit.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet-submission@mit.edu</a>.</li><li>Occasionally, Archnet editors issue calls for contributions on specific themes or of particular types of material. Follow those on the <a href="https://libraries.mit.edu/akdc/category/contributors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website of AKDC@MIT </a>or <a href="https://mailchi.mp/17fc345bbd94/archnetakdc-updates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to our mailing list</a>.</li></ul>The breadth, depth and quality of Archnet is only possible through the generosity of numerous institutions and individuals listed on the respective pages throughout the site.&nbsp;We thank you for your generosity!

Contribute

<h2>ARCHNET FAQ</h2>1. Will ARCHNET work on my device?Archnet works well on the most recent version of any major browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), either on a mobile device or computer. It may work on older or less common browsers as well. If Archnet fails to work properly on your machine, please let us know about your experience by clicking the blue feedback button at bottom right!2. Will my URLs from earlier versions of Archnet still work?Yes, if they are from the version launched in January 2013. As of October 12, 2021, all URLs from the old Archnet have been redirected to ARCHNET.&nbsp;&nbsp;3. How do I download a/n:&nbsp;<ul><li>image - Select the image you want to download from search results, a site or an authority. The image will open in your browser.&nbsp;Right click to download.&nbsp;For larger, high-resolution copies, see contact us using archnet@mit.edu.&nbsp;</li><li>publication - Open the page for the publication in your browser and click the download button. Reprinting Archnet publications is permissible only for personal use.&nbsp;Please contact us for any other requests.&nbsp;</li><li>site descriptions and metadata - Site descriptions and metadata can be used for any nonprofit or educational organization with appropriate attribution to the authors and Archnet.&nbsp;</li><li>video - Currently video downloads are not possible. If you'd like to use an Archnet video, please contact <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>See our <a href="https://www.archnet.org/pages/terms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> for information on how you can use Archnnet material.4. Can I contribute material to Archnet?&nbsp;Yes!&nbsp;See our <a href="https://www.archnet.org/pages/contribute" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Contribute</a> page for more information.&nbsp;Calls for specific contributions are also also shared in our social media and on the <a href="https://libraries.mit.edu/akdc/category/contributors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">web site of the Aga Khan Documentation Center at MIT</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;5. What happened to the Archnet Timeline?&nbsp;Timeline has migrated into the ARCHNET NEXT Collections page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/collection_type/3/1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">as a category</a>. These collections provide short introductions for each period, often offering lists of additional resources at the end of the entry. Only the timeline graphic listing the periods along a chronological axis has not migrated.6. My question isn't here.&nbsp;How can I get help?&nbsp;If your issue is with using Archnet, use the blue Feedback button to alert us to your issue. This will allow you to include a screenshot or recording. Please, also, feel free to contact us at <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>We are currently developing the help section of ARCHNET NEXT. In the meantime, please use the blue Feedback button in ARCHNET NEXT to send us feedback or other questions. Contact us at <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Need help?

Welcome to ARCHNET, an Open Access, intellectual resource focused on the built environment of Muslim societies.Our mission:&nbsp;<ul><li>Facilitate excellence in scholarship, and professional work by providing ready access to quality, unique texts, and media focused on architecture, urbanism, environmental and landscape design, conservation issues, visual and material cultures, and related topics, both historically and in terms of contemporary best practices.</li><li>Enable teaching and learning in these domains by providing educators with reliable, effective pedagogical material and teaching aids.&nbsp;</li><li>Serve serves as a platform through which scholars, practitioners, and institutions can bring their work to new global audiences.&nbsp;</li><li>Promote intercultural understanding and dialogue through reliable, high-quality, peer-reviewed material on the diversity of, and pluralism within Muslim societies and the interaction between Islamic and other religious, cultural, and philosophical traditions.</li><li>Enable easy access to a wide variety of resources via a custom-built, web-based, mobile-friendly platform optimized to minimize financial, infrastructural, linguistic, and other barriers to access.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Launched in 2002 after several years of development, ARCHNET is a pioneering digital resource that has proven a reliable authority on the built environment of Muslim societies, past, and present.&nbsp;ARCHNET is a partnership between the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/1342" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Documentation Center, MIT Libraries </a>(AKDC@MIT) and the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/1903" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Trust for Culture</a> (AKTC), with support from the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard and MIT. ARCHNET NEXT was developed by <a href="https://www.performantsoftware.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Performant Software Solutions</a>.

About

Shiraz 

place

mosque

madrasa

Iran

Import

Byron's Iran and Afghanistan

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ca32f245-2a8a-4a26-a0bd-e60b526c574f/download

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ca32f245-2a8a-4a26-a0bd-e60b526c574f/iiif

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ca32f245-2a8a-4a26-a0bd-e60b526c574f/inline

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ca32f245-2a8a-4a26-a0bd-e60b526c574f/preview

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ca32f245-2a8a-4a26-a0bd-e60b526c574f/thumbnail

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ca32f245-2a8a-4a26-a0bd-e60b526c574f/content

B & W print

IMG08663

Madrasah-i Khan

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/478957f0-1f21-476f-9375-612e01ddb900/download

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/478957f0-1f21-476f-9375-612e01ddb900/iiif

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/478957f0-1f21-476f-9375-612e01ddb900/inline

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/478957f0-1f21-476f-9375-612e01ddb900/preview

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/478957f0-1f21-476f-9375-612e01ddb900/thumbnail

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/478957f0-1f21-476f-9375-612e01ddb900/content

IMG08664

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ee935366-d125-4093-948d-a5fd20992925/download

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ee935366-d125-4093-948d-a5fd20992925/iiif

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ee935366-d125-4093-948d-a5fd20992925/inline

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ee935366-d125-4093-948d-a5fd20992925/preview

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ee935366-d125-4093-948d-a5fd20992925/thumbnail

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/ee935366-d125-4093-948d-a5fd20992925/content

IMG08665

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/4886da1b-4856-4327-ab6f-ee1ded3b643a/download

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/4886da1b-4856-4327-ab6f-ee1ded3b643a/iiif

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/4886da1b-4856-4327-ab6f-ee1ded3b643a/inline

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/4886da1b-4856-4327-ab6f-ee1ded3b643a/preview

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/4886da1b-4856-4327-ab6f-ee1ded3b643a/thumbnail

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/4886da1b-4856-4327-ab6f-ee1ded3b643a/content

IMG08666

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/0c691527-2750-42af-88db-72f847aa9838/download

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/0c691527-2750-42af-88db-72f847aa9838/iiif

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/0c691527-2750-42af-88db-72f847aa9838/inline

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/0c691527-2750-42af-88db-72f847aa9838/preview

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/0c691527-2750-42af-88db-72f847aa9838/thumbnail

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/0c691527-2750-42af-88db-72f847aa9838/content

IMG08667

Marie-Thérèse Ullens de Schooten

Fars Province (Ullens Collection)

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/98fe091d-b383-4f27-a4e7-b26ebb1f57f6/download

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/98fe091d-b383-4f27-a4e7-b26ebb1f57f6/iiif

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/98fe091d-b383-4f27-a4e7-b26ebb1f57f6/inline

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/98fe091d-b383-4f27-a4e7-b26ebb1f57f6/preview

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/98fe091d-b383-4f27-a4e7-b26ebb1f57f6/thumbnail

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/98fe091d-b383-4f27-a4e7-b26ebb1f57f6/content

35 mm color slide

IMG28423

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/fba283d7-a35b-4e7a-98a2-0824b6e22006/download

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/fba283d7-a35b-4e7a-98a2-0824b6e22006/iiif

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/fba283d7-a35b-4e7a-98a2-0824b6e22006/inline

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/fba283d7-a35b-4e7a-98a2-0824b6e22006/preview

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/fba283d7-a35b-4e7a-98a2-0824b6e22006/thumbnail

https://archnet-3-prod-iiif-cloud-c0fe51f0b9ac.herokuapp.com/public/resources/fba283d7-a35b-4e7a-98a2-0824b6e22006/content

IMG28424

Madrasa-i Khan

Variant

Khan Madrasa

Masjid-i Khan

Khan Mosque

Masjid-i Khan va Madrasa-i

Khan Mosque and Madrasa

Imam Gholi Khan Madrasa

See <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2370" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Timeline: Safavid</a> Dynasty of Kurdish origin which ruled Iran during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries/eleventh and twelve centuries AH &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although the founder of the dynasty was probably a Sunni, the Safavids later became Shi'a and adopted this as a state religion. Little remains of the early architecture of the Safavids who established capitals first at Tabriz and later at Qazvin. The little that does survive indicates that they continued the architectural forms established by their predecessors the Timurids. Thus the Safavids continued to use the complex vaulting forms, with networks of arches, squinches and pendentives, developed under the Timurids. An early example of a Safavid building is the tomb of Harun-i Vilayat which although Timurid in form has an emphasis on exterior tile decoration. This was a feature which was developed in later Saffavid architecture where the architectural form seems to be subordinated to the tile patterns. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The most productive period of Safavid architecture began in 1598/1006 AH with Shah Tahmasp's decision to redesign Isfahan as an imperial capital. The centre of the new developments was the Maidan-i-Shah which is a rectangular square or park around which was built the palace, the principal mosques and the principal bazar of the city. The main characteristics of this architecture was the layout and planning with the mosques built at a deliberate angle to the maidan to show off both their monumental portals (pishtaq iwans) and their glazed domes. Similarly the main gate of the palace, the Ali Qapu, was made into a pavilion overlooking the Maidan-i-Shah from which the shah's palace could be seen. The emphasis on accessibility is also demonstrated in the tomb complexes, where the outside faces are pierced with arches instead of forbidding walls. This is also seen on utilitarian structures such as the famous Pol-i-Khaju bridge built in 1650/1059 AH. This bridge, which links Isfahan to the southern palace, is 110 m long and has two tiers of arcades which provide shelter from the summer heat. Another characteristic of the architecture is the use of lighter materials such as wood, stucco, paint and tiles, and an increasing emphasis on gardens. However, this may appear to be a development simply because earlier structures of this type have not survived.&nbsp;Outside Isfahan buildings such as caravanserais are generally larger and plainer than their predecessors indicating the growth of commercial traffic. Petersen, Andrew.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dictionary of Islamic Architecture</a>.&nbsp;London and New York: Routledge, 1999.

Madrasah-i KhanShiraz, Iran

Madrasah-i Khan
Shiraz, Iran