Typology of Mosques in the Caspian Cultural Region
The Intertwining of Vernacular and Ritual Patterns

Mahdavian, Seyedeh Saeideh; Dariush, Babak

doi:10.22034/2.5.42

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Volume 2, Issue 5 (2-2025) JORS 2025, 2(5): 42-67 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.22034/2.5.42

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Mahdavian S S, Dariush B. Typology of Mosques in the Caspian Cultural Region The Intertwining of Vernacular and Ritual Patterns. , JORS. 2025; 2 (5) :42-67
URL: http://jors-sj.com/article-1-61-en.html

Typology of Mosques in the Caspian Cultural Region The Intertwining of Vernacular and Ritual Patterns

Seyedeh Saeideh Mahdavian ^*¹

, Babak Dariush²

1- Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Studies and Conservation, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran, Gilan, Fouman, Shohada Street, Shahid Safari Alley, No. 210, 2nd floor.
2- Sheikh Baha’i Architectural Research Institute, Tehran, Iran, Tehran, Keshavarz Boulevard, corner of Shanzdeh Azar Street, Alzahra University Technology Complex, Unit 608 and 606.

Abstract: (3060 Views)

The mosques of the Caspian cultural region represent a relatively understudied area within Iranian religious architecture. These structures are deeply influenced by the region’s climatic conditions, vernacular materials, and local modes of life, whereas conventional mosque typologies in Islamic architecture have predominantly been shaped around central Iranian patterns. The spatial organization of northern Iranian mosques diverges significantly from these dominant models, necessitating a new, context-sensitive typological approach. This study aims to identify and analyze the defining spatial types of mosques in this region and to propose a typological model rooted in local characteristics. Two core research questions are addressed in this study: (1) What are the foundational vernacular architectural patterns that inform the typology of mosques in the Caspian cultural zone? (2) What typological categories can these mosques be systematically classified into? The central hypothesis posits that prominent mosque types in northern Iran, characterized by elements such as “eyvān” and timber-built shabestān, form a distinct structural category independent of the central Iranian prototypes. These types employ a layered spatial system composed of enclosed, semi-enclosed, and open areas. Methodologically, the research is based on descriptive-comparative analysis, field surveys, and interpretation of historical sources and existing architectural plans. From 44 mosques examined across the three northern provinces, six primary types and three subtypes were identified. Findings reveal that the “Caspian shabestān” accounts for 45% of the cases, making it the dominant typology, alongside other forms incorporating Caspian eyvān, “miyānsarā”, and “tanabi”. The study concludes that mosque typology in this region reflects not only climatic adaptation but also a meaningful integration of vernacular patterns with ritual functions, offering a flexible model for analyzing religious architecture in local contexts.

Keywords: Mosques, Indigenous Architecture, Typology, Khazar Cultural Zone, Semi-open Spaces

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Editorial: Original Research Article | Subject: Special
Accepted: 2025/07/25 | Published: 2025/07/25

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