The symbolic Role of Water in Iranian- Islamic Architecture based on Spirituality

Abstract

The architecture of our traditional buildings in the Islamic era reached to the extent that the traditional architects of Islamic period due to their beliefs would see architecture beyond the body as well as considering its duty the induction of the symbolic and mysterious meanings. In their perspective, a building was a tool to induce spiritual concepts. One of the elements which was focused in The Holy book and mysticism is the element of the water. Water in Islamic traditional architecture reached to its higher spiritual position in a way that by investigating the buildings in this era we can find out the symbolic role of water through philosophy and theology. The term water was mentioned in The Holy book several times as well as great poets referring to it. That’s why architects have tried to consider water as an important element in their buildings. This article is trying to study the symbol role of water in Iran - Islamic architectures based on spirituality as well as pointing to its importance for Muslim architects through examples. Research Methods are based on library studies as well as being descriptive analytic. The findings of the study show that in Islamic era water in architecture was to induce the belief and ideas which The Holy book has referred to and talked about. On the other hand, considering this dimension by traditional architects led to the creation of beauty in their architecture. It is hoped that by considering this approach we could pay more attention to present architecture and try to benefit Islamic values in our buildings.