Typology and Classification of Monumental-Burial Spaces from the Islamic Period in Maragheh (East Azerbaijan): Islamic Period Mausoleums of Maragheh
Typology and Classification of Monumental-Burial Spaces from the Islamic Period in Maragheh (East Azerbaijan): Islamic Period Mausoleums of Maragheh

Summary/Abstract: Monumental-burial spaces, as components of ritual architecture, reflect the beliefs and values of the community associated with the deceased. These structures exhibit diverse architectural forms, necessitating comprehensive scientific research. In the northwest region of Iran, studies have predominantly focused on mausoleum structures such as tower tombs and square-domed structures, despite the broader diversity in their architectural designs. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that Maragheh, during the Islamic era, was home to a variety of ritual spaces, influenced by its multi-ethnic and multi-religious composition. This cultural diversity played a significant role in shaping the approaches to the creation of monumental-burial spaces in the city. This research, conducted through field and library-based studies using descriptive-comparative and analytical-historical methods, aims to address the following questions: 1-What are the architectural characteristics of monumental-burial spaces in Maragheh during the Islamic era? 2-Which burial architectural traditions influenced the monumentalburial spaces in Maragheh? The findings reveal that monumental-burial spaces in Maragheh can be categorized based on their structural form into two types: troglodytic structures and constructed buildings. Additionally, in terms of spatial placement, they are divided into two groups: surface-level spaces (visible) and subsurface spaces (concealed). The findings also indicate that the Mongol Ilkhanid period witnessed the greatest diversity in architectural structures and the spatial arrangement of these spaces. During this time, the ritual-religious framework of Maragheh's society underwent significant political and religious transformations. These changes played a pivotal role in shaping the diverse architectural styles of the mausoleums from this period.

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