Investigating causes of frequent usage of turquoise and azure in Iranian mosques

Mosques are the most important architectural works of Iran, and tiling is one of the elements that have given a unique flaunt to these structures; that is not only have a decorative aspect, but also have a main role in protecting the structure against moisture. Different colors have been used in these tiles, but two colors are dominant, turquoise and azure. There are few mosques in Iran whose domes are not turquoise, and azure has not been used in their tiles and decorations. This article that is a descriptive-analytical study and its data collection has been done through library research, seeks for the answer to this question: "What are the causes of frequent usage of turquoise and azure in Iranian mosques?” Two hypotheses are discussed in connection with this question: 1- Existence of cobalt and copper resources, and their abundance in Iran, have caused frequent usage of them in mosques’ tiling. 2- Usage of turquoise and azure in Iranian mosques is related to spiritual and symbolic connection with Islamic beliefs and faith. In this regard, pre-Islamic tiles and archaeological resources of Iran’s mines and semantic applications of these two colors in Islamic art have been investigated. After analyzing the data, we can conclude that although the existence factor of cobalt and copper natural resources has a significant role in utilization of them in tiling, but after Islam, turquoise and azure have gained spiritual meanings and have obtained a significant position in decorating Iranian mosques.

Turquoise , Azure , Glazed tile , Iranian mosques , Islamic mysticism