TEHRAN - The Seljuk Empire, one of the most significant Turco-Persian dynasties, played a crucial role in the revitalization of the Muslim world, and particularly in many Iranian cities, from 1037 to 1194.

The Seljuks brought with them distinct cultural and architectural influence that left a lasting legacy across the Islamic world. As their empire expanded, encompassing Persia (the former name of Iran), Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and beyond, the Seljuks fostered a rich environment for intellectual, artistic, and architectural growth. Persia, a central part of their empire, became a major hub of architectural innovation and creativity during this period. The architectural achievements under Seljuk’s patronage, especially in Iran, continue to captivate and inspire those interested in Islamic art and history.

It was a period that revived and expanded upon the architectural traditions established by the Umayyads and Abbasids. However, their influence brought innovations in architectural techniques, forms, and decorative styles. In particular, the Seljuks are celebrated for introducing new types of buildings and transforming existing structures to suit their religious, cultural, and commercial needs.

It is notable that all of the Seljuk Empire’s capitals are now located within the borders of modern Iran. These capitals were Neyshapur (1037–1043), Ray (1043–1051), Isfahan (1051–1118), Merv (1118–1153), and Hamadan (1118–1194).

Seljuk architecture is widely characterized by its variety and quality, featuring intricate ornamentation, towering structures, and inventive use of space. This period saw the rise of caravanserais and madrassas that reflected the Seljuk rulers’ dedication to both trade and education.

On the other hand, the Seljuk era also marked the increased prominence of Sufism, which significantly influenced the construction of mausoleums and religious complexes.

Here is a selection of architectural elements that Seljuks developed or innovated under their patronage, the top specimens of which still stand tall across Iran.  

Iwans: a revolution in mosque design

One of the most significant architectural innovations of the Seljuk era was the development of the Iwan, a vaulted hall or space that opens on one side to a courtyard.

This feature was not entirely new, as the Sassanian Empire had used iwans in their ceremonial architecture, but under the Seljuks, it became a defining element of mosque design.

The traditional hypostyle mosque, with its rows of columns and open prayer halls, was transformed with the introduction of the iwan, which created a more focused, monumental space for worship.

The iwan design quickly spread beyond mosques, becoming a key feature in madrassas, caravanserais, and even hospitals.

In Persia, the city of Isfahan, one of the most important Seljuk capitals, showcases some of the finest examples of iwan-based architecture, such as the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan.

Minarets: towering achievement

Minarets, tall towers from which the call to a prayer is made, also saw significant evolution under the Seljuks. While earlier minarets were often square in shape, the Seljuks popularized the use of cylindrical minarets.

These new forms of minarets often featured intricate muqarnas (stalactite-like ornamentation) supporting balconies. The Seljuk minaret was not just a functional structure but also a symbol of power and religious devotion.

One of the earliest surviving examples of a Seljuk minaret is found in Saveh (1010) and Damghan (1026-29), both in Iran. The cylindrical form of the minaret soon spread to other parts of the Islamic world. Moreover, the UNESCO-registered Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, built between 1163 and 1203, stands as one of the most remarkable examples of Seljuk architectural prowess, rising 200 feet with a beautifully ornamented shaft.

Madrassas: centers for learning and scholarship

Most of the Seljuk rulers were great patrons of education, and they played a significant role in the expansion and institutionalization of the Madrassa, or an Islamic school. While madrassas had existed in the Khorasan region since the 10th century, it was under the Seljuk Emir Nizam al-Mulk (1018–1092) that the madrassa became a widespread and state-supported institution. These centers of learning were often designed with a four-iwan plan, symbolizing the importance of both religious and secular education.

Top surviving examples of Seljuk madrassas are found in Iran and Anatolia. In addition to grand iwans, these structures typically featured vast courtyards, and elaborate facades adorned with geometric and floral motifs.

Caravanserais: way stations of trade and travel

Trade was vital to the Seljuk Empire, and their promotion of commerce is best exemplified by the construction of caravanserais.

These structures, also known as khans, were built along major trade routes to provide shelter, food, and safety for travelers and merchants.

The typical Seljuk caravanserai featured a large central courtyard, flanked by iwans and rooms for lodging, storage, and stables. These way stations played an essential role in facilitating the flow of goods and ideas across the empire.

Those caravanserais were built at regular intervals, usually 30 kilometers apart, reflecting the Seljuk’s attention to the practical needs of traders.

Mausoleums: honoring the dead

The Seljuk period also saw the development of monumental mausoleums, which were built to honor both rulers and religious scholars.

These structures took on a variety of forms, including octagonal, cylindrical, and square shapes, often topped with domes or conical roofs.

The UNESCO-listed mausoleum of Gonbad-e Qabus, constructed in 1007 in northern Iran, and the Tughril tomb tower in Rey, near Tehran, are among the most famous examples of Seljuk funerary architecture.

These mausoleums reflect the Seljuk’s deep reverence for religious figures and their association with Sufism, which spread widely during this period. Many of these structures are adorned with intricate brickwork and decorative patterns, showcasing their mastery of architectural ornamentation.

Kiosk mosques: a unique innovation

Another notable architectural feature introduced during the Seljuk period was the Kiosk Mosque. This small, domed structure, typically supported by arches on three sides, often served as an annex to larger building complexes such as madrassas or caravanserais.

The openness of the design allowed for a more fluid interaction between the mosque’s interior and its surroundings. Some of these Kiosk Mosques later formed the basis for larger mosque complexes in cities like Golpaygan, Qazvin, and Ardestan, all in Iran.

The Kiosk Mosque’s distinct form, with its compact yet monumental presence, exemplifies the Seljuk’s ability to blend functionality with aesthetic innovation. This type of mosque was particularly suited to the needs of travelers and merchants, reflecting the Seljuk’s emphasis on facilitating trade and travel across their empire.

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