Spirit of Iranian art; a look at 5 signs

In this article from Pars Today, we take a look at five prominent signs of this peace-oriented and serene spirit in Iranian art:

1. Iranian carpets

Iranian carpets are renowned worldwide for their quality and beauty. However, beyond this, they display symbols of peace and coexistence in their designs and patterns. For example, the Shah Abbasi flower patterns represent paradise and serenity.

Image of an Iranian carpet

 These designs not only add to the visual beauty but also remind us of the importance of nature and peaceful living in harmony with nature. The diverse and colorful flowers in these carpets represent the diversity and variety that can coexist in harmony, highlighting the peaceful and harmonious coexistence despite differences.

2. Iranian miniatures

Iranian miniatures are famous for their high level of detail and vibrant colors. This art form depicts beautiful scenes of paradise and coexistence with precise details.

Image of an Iranian miniature

These images reflect the ideals of tolerance and beautiful living. Even in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, which depicts the resistance and peaceful struggles of Iranians, scenes of celebrations and gatherings that are far from war and conflict are illustrated alongside scenes of chivalrous battles. These paintings not only possess artistic beauty but also convey the message of striving for peace and friendship among humans.

3. Islamic-Iranian architecture

Islamic-Iranian architecture, using geometric patterns and plant motifs, seeks to evoke a sense of serenity and harmony. The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan is a prime example of this effort to create a sacred and peaceful space. The precise design and harmony among the various architectural elements of this mosque, such as the beautiful dome and symmetrical tilework, not only add to the visual beauty but also convey a sense of tranquility and peace to worshippers and visitors.

Images of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

This architecture attempts to create a peaceful and sacred space between humans and their creator.

4. Iranian calligraphy

Iranian calligraphy, with its flowing lines and soft curves, is not only a visual art form but also expresses the peaceful and tolerant philosophy of Islamic and Iranian thought. The poems of Hafez and Sa'di, written in the Nastaliq script, demonstrate this connection between art and peaceful Iranian thought.

Iranian calligraphy

These curved, soft lines add to the beauty of the writing and convey a message of harmony and inner balance to the reader. Calligraphy has always been used in Iran as a means of conveying spiritual and moral messages.

5. Traditional Iranian music

Traditional Iranian music, with its soothing melodies and gentle rhythms, seeks to create a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Instruments such as the setar and ney, with their soft and pleasant sounds, are the main tools of this art form.

Image of Iranian female artists with traditional instruments, including the daff, tombak, and taarImage of Master Keyhan Kalhor, an Iranian musician, composer, and instrumentalist

The modes of Iranian music are also based on principles that consider harmony and coexistence. For example, the "Dashti" mode, with its calm and loving melodies, is a representation of the beauty and serenity of nature, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility in the listener.