Editing Iranian architecture (section)

=== Timurids (14th–15th centuries) ===
{{Main|Timurid architecture}}
{{See also|Timurid art}}
[[File:Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (6134515470).jpg|left|thumb|[[Bibi-Khanym Mosque|Bibi Khanum Mosque]] in [[Samarkand]] (1399–1405)]]
The [[Timurid Empire]], created by [[Timur]] ({{Reign|1370|1405}}), oversaw another cultural renaissance. [[Timurid architecture]] continued the tradition of Ilkhanid architecture, building monuments once again on a grand scale and with lavish decoration made to impress, but they also refined previous designs and techniques.<ref name=":05223"/> Timurid rulers recruited the best craftsmen from their conquered territories or even forced them to move to the Timurid capital.{{Sfn|Blair|Bloom|1995|p=37}}

Brick continued to be used as construction material. To cover large brick surfaces with colorful decoration, the ''[[banna'i]]'' technique was used to create geometric patterns and Kufic inscriptions at relatively low cost, while more expensive tile mosaic continued to be used for floral patterns.<ref name=":24356" /> Tiles were preferred on the outside, while interior walls could be covered with carved or painted plaster instead.<ref name=":24356" />
[[File:2009 Musalla Complex Herat Afghanistan 4112214896.jpg|thumb|Vaulting inside the [[Gawhar Shad Mausoleum]] in [[Herat]] (early 15th century) ]]
Among the most important Timurid innovations was the more sophisticated and fluid arrangement of geometric vaulting.<ref name=":05223"/><ref name=":24356" /> Large vaults were divided by intersecting [[Rib vault|ribs]] into smaller vaults which could then be further subdivided or filled with ''muqarnas'' and other types of decoration. ''Muqarnas'' itself also became even more complex by using smaller individual cells to create the larger three-dimensional geometric plan. Visual balance could be achieved by alternating one type or pattern of decoration with another between the different subdivisions of the vault. By combining these vaulting techniques with a cruciform plan and by breaking the solid mass of supporting walls with open arches and windows, a strict division between dome, squinch, and wall was dissolved and an endless diversity of elaborate interior spaces could be created.<ref name=":24356" />

The most significant preserved Timurid monuments are found in and around the cities of Khorasan and Transoxiana, including Samarkand, Bukhara, [[Herat]], and [[Mashhad]].<ref name=":24356" /> Timur's own monuments are distinguished by their size; notably, the [[Bibi-Khanym Mosque|Bibi Khanum Mosque]] and the [[Gur-i Amir Mausoleum]], both in Samarkand, and his imposing but now-ruined [[Ak-Saray Palace]] at [[Shahrisabz|Shahr-i Sabz]].<ref name=":24356" /> The Gur-i Amir Mausoleum and the Bibi Khanum Mosque are distinguished by their lavish interior and exterior decoration, their imposing portals, and their prominent dome. The domes are supported on tall, cylindrical [[Tholobate|drums]] and have a pointed, bulging profile, sometimes [[Fluting (architecture)|fluted]] or ribbed.<ref name=":24356232"/>
[[File:Registan Ulugbek madrasah2014.JPG|left|thumb|Façade of the [[Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Samarkand|Ulugh Beg Madrasa]] at the [[Registan]] in Samarkand (1417–1420)]]
Timur's successors built on a somewhat smaller scale, but under the patronage of [[Gawhar Shad]], the wife of his son [[Shah Rukh]] ({{Reign|1405|1447}}), Timurid architecture attained the height of sophistication during the first half of the 15th century.<ref name=":24356" /> Her monuments were mainly found in Mashhad and Herat,<ref name=":24356" /> though some have been destroyed or severely damaged since the 19th century, including [[Gawhar Shad Mausoleum|her mausoleum]] and mosque complex (1417–1438). Some of the surviving vaulting and decoration inside her mausoleum is nonetheless indicative of its original quality.<ref name=":24357">{{harvnb|Bloom|Blair|2009|loc=''Herat''}}</ref>

Under [[Ulugh Beg]] ({{Reign|1447|1449}}), the [[Registan|Registan Square]] in Samarkand was first transformed into a monumental complex similar to what it is today. He built three structures around the square, of which only the [[Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Samarkand|Ulugh Beg Madrasa]] (1417–1420) survives today (two other monumental structures were erected around the square at later periods), with a large façade covered by a rich variety of decoration.<ref name=":24356232">{{harvnb|Bloom|Blair|2009|loc=''Samarkand''}}</ref>

Timurid patronage was of high importance in the history of art and architecture across a wide part of the Islamic world. The international Timurid style was eventually integrated into the visual culture of the rising [[Ottoman Empire]] in the west,{{Sfn|Blair|Bloom|1995|p=50}} while to the east it was transmitted to the Indian subcontinent by the [[Mughals]], who were descended from Timur.<ref name=":05222">{{Cite book |last=Asher |first=Catherine B. |title=Encyclopaedia of Islam, Three |publisher=Brill |year=2020 |editor-last=Fleet |editor-first=Kate |chapter=Mughal architecture |issn=1873-9830 |editor-last2=Krämer |editor-first2=Gudrun |editor-last3=Matringe |editor-first3=Denis |editor-last4=Nawas |editor-first4=John |editor-last5=Rowson |editor-first5=Everett}}</ref>
[[File:Blue Mosque interior from Entrance.jpg|thumb|Interior of the [[Blue Mosque, Tabriz|Blue Mosque]] in [[Tabriz]] (1465)]]
During the late 14th and 15th centuries, western Iran was dominated by two powerful [[Turkoman (ethnonym)|Turkoman]] confederations, the [[Qara Qoyunlu]] and the [[Aq Qoyunlu]]. While few monuments sponsored by either faction have been preserved, what does remain shows that the Timurid style was already spreading westward during this period.{{Sfn|Blair|Bloom|1995|p=50}} One of the most significant Qara Qoyunlu monuments is the [[Blue Mosque, Tabriz|Blue Mosque]] or Muzaffariya Mosque (1465) in [[Tabriz]], now partly ruined. It has an unusual T-shaped layout around a central dome, not unlike the Ottoman [[Green Mosque, Bursa|Green Mosque]] in [[Bursa]], and is decorated with a revetment of very high-quality tilework in six colours, including a deep blue.{{Sfn|Blair|Bloom|1995|p=|pp=50–52}}