Analysis of the Motifs of Bastam Historical Complex
Laleh MehdiNejad, Mohammad Khazaei
Reprinted from: Honar Nameh, University of Art, Tehran, No. 25, Winter 2005 (A brief of the article)


The collection of buildings in Bastam comprises one of the religion-historical complexes of Iran during the Islamic era. Its construction was begun during the tenth century AD and was continued along with conservation throughout the Seljuk, Ilkhanid, Timurid, Safavid and Qajar dynasties.

This collection of buildings contains decorative floral and geometric patterns and inscriptions in Kufi, Thulth and Nastaliq scripts. Unfortunately, despite of their architectural and decorative strength and grace, the collection has suffered from neglect and absence of dissemination of information, and is rarely mentioned in texts.

The collection of buildings in Bastam, like other religious sites in Meshed and Qom, originated as shrine to Shiite sages reserved by Muslims. The Bastam complex contains the shrine of Imam-zadeh Mohammad, reputed grandson of Imam Jafar Sadeq, and the adjacent shrine of Sultan al-Arefin Bayazid Bastami.

Hence the nature of this complex as a pilgrimage destination, the complex consists of eleven religious and historical buildings, like the mausoleum, Bayazid Mosque, the mosque minaret, Bayazid cloister, Imam-zadeh Mohammad shrine and mosque, Ghazan Khan courtyard and cupola, Uljaytu entrance hall, Shahrokhieh School and Kashaneh Jame Mosque and cupola.

This article treats of this complex from two points of view, the historical and design perspectives. The decorative motifs are particularly rich and executed in a masterly fashion, with enormous potential for design today.