Document Type : The scientific research paper
Authors
1
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Science and Art, Yazd, Iran.
2
Department of West Asian and African Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Art and architecture are invariably shaped within the context of cultural exchanges and interterritorial communications. Iran, a land endowed with a rich artistic heritage, has transmitted its art and architecture to other countries throughout various historical periods as part of its exchanges with them. The territories of East Africa, situated along the Indian Ocean, have long served as hubs for commercial exchange and economic prosperity with other regional countries due to their strategic geographical position. These commercial and economic exchanges have significantly influenced the formation and direction of art and architecture in the region. Furthermore, with the migration of peoples to these lands, their ideas, cultures, and artistic styles and conventions were likewise transferred. Among the East African countries, Tanzania is one of the territories where, according to historical documentation, Iranians were present. During the 11th–12th centuries CE, this country witnessed the presence of the Shirazis and the establishment of the Afro-Shirazi Empire. In the past, through their presence in these lands, Iranians not only transmitted ideas, religion, and culture but also transferred artistic and architectural techniques and technologies, thereby effecting transformations in the architectural styles of the region. The arrival of the Shirazis in this territory and the transmission of their religious ideas coincided with the construction of mosques and religious structures in these cities. A prominent characteristic of the buildings from this period is the construction of mosques employing a hypostyle (shabestānī) plan, along with vaulting techniques and transverse arches (ṭāq va tūyza), as well as domed roofing—all of which are salient features of Iranian influence on East Africa and Tanzania. According to Dr. Pirnia, the father of Iranian architecture, the technique of constructing a domed roof over a square plan through the execution of corner squinches (fīl-pūsh) represents one of the masterpieces and distinctive methods of Iranian architectural technology. This article aims to employ a qualitative research methodology to recognize the specific spatial-physical patterns of Iranian architecture as manifested in the East African region, through an analysis of the architectural layers of this territory, and to investigate and substantiate the influence of African architecture from Iranian architecture based on the identification of foundational Iranian architectural patterns.
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