Morphological Analysis of the Dome of the Historical Sacred Sites of Khuzestan (Case Study: Sites in Dezful and Shushtar Counties)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Qom University, Qom, Iran.

2 Master of Architecture, Khuzestan University of Higher Education Complex, Ahvaz Campus Center.

Abstract

Dome and vault in Iran have a long history. The dome can be described as an amazing phenomenon of Iranian genius to overcome the challenge of covering large craters. The presence of the oldest tombs of Iran and the prominent position of Khuzestan province in the distribution of religions and especially Shiite religion has made the religious tombs of this province one of the most prominent architectural manifestations after the mosque architecture. This indigenous architecture of Khuzestan province reaches its peak in Shushtar and Dezful cities during different historical periods. The purpose of this study is to identify the types of historical domes of the two cities mentioned and to explain the morphological characteristics of the domes. In this study, the authors examine the characteristics of the dome at issue by selecting historical monuments with cultural heritage indexes belonging to different historical periods, utilizing library studies and field visits, and using the historical-analytical method. The findings of this study can identify two major species of Rack and Nari dome. The most common of these is the dome rack. The study of the physical change of the Dome of the Tomb`s in successive historical periods also shows that the external dome has decreased and after the Safavi period of the Nara Dome has become common. . The morphological characteristics of the dome presented in this study are based on observation and field observations. Despite the research limitations of studying historical monuments, the rich architecture of these buildings can be the subject of much research in the future.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 January 2026
  • Revise Date: 01 April 2026
  • Accept Date: 05 May 2026
  • Publish Date: 22 June 2026

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