Pratt Islamic Studies – Masjid I Jami Mosque – Isfahan

Section through Dome & Geometric Analysis of
the Masjid I Jami Mosque

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The most significant work Of Islamic Architecture that survives is the Masjid-i-Jami in Isfahan Iran. This mosque was initially built by the early Muslims who arrived in the first century after the Hijra. The Abbasids rebuilt it in 840-41 CE . The Buyids, who established the first local dynasty, enlarged it between 908-32 CE.

Above is my drawing of a cross section through the dome with three geometric sketches illustrating the proportion of parts and below are sketches studying the geometric proportional systems that delineate the proportion of it’s parts. Also, using the proportions of the different parts to each other, I prove mathematically that the golden ratio was the organizing principle.

Sketches – Understanding the Underlying Geometric Proportional Systems
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The Masjid I Jami Isfahan

Related to my Islamic studies were explorations of my own geometric ideas influenced by what I was learning about in the Islamic creative tradition. The following are studies of patterns I created using and rotating the square. They were done on a Hewlett Packard main frame computer using an early CAD software program.

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4 Replies to “Pratt Islamic Studies – Masjid I Jami Mosque – Isfahan”

    1. Thanks for sharing this with me. I did these drawings and analysis on my own and had never seen his drawings before. I’m looking at them now. They are amazing. In 1984, before the internet, I didn’t have access to his drawings. I was working through the analysis of the proportions and am sure many others have done the same. The principles of sacred geometry are the underlying truths of the great Islamic religious structures and are open to all that engage in unlocking them as I did.

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