Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• Fariba Alborzi ¹
• Farah Habib ²
• Iraj Etessam ³

¹ Ph.D Candidate in Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Art, Islamic Azad University (Science and Research Branch), Tehran, Iran

² Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering ,Architecture and Art, Islamic Azad University (Science and Research Branch), Tehran, Iran

³ Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering,Architecture and Art, Islamic Azad University (Science and Research Branch), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Light plays a profound role in evoking meaning through architectural spaces. This has been strikingly manifested in the architecture of religious monuments particularly in mosques. From long ago, architects and builders have been exploring lighting effects reflected in many mosques and religious monuments, while figuring out the created meaningful visual effects in such architectural spaces. From an insightful perspective influenced by Islamic teachings, Iranian architects consider light a spirit casted on the structure to create a meaningful depiction. This paper attempted to examine how the concept of light in Quran has influenced the Iranian architectural style. It is assumed that implications from Quranic verses portray a transition from darkness to light and the contrast between light and dark, which can be considered a valuable role-model in the Iranian architecture. The research methodology involved an interpretivequalitative approach, and content analysis of Quranic scripture. The results of research indicate that the contrast of light and darkness, as well as involvement of light and shadow (dark) in architecture and the guidance through darkness to the light are amongst valuable concepts manifested in Iranian architecture, the concepts which are repeatedly referred to in Quranic instructions and have been of a great value in creating spiritual space. Light and shadow function as an allegory of the two valuable
concepts of light and darkness in Quran, and guidance from shadows (darkness) to light, besides physical and spiritual aspects, is semantically worthy of consideration.

Keywords

• Light
• Quran
• Architecture
• Architecture of religious spaces
• Iranian mosques
• Meaning in architecture