Islamic tile is an important art form in the history of Islamic art. Islamic artists and artisans developed it over centuries as a branch of architecture and interior decoration. Islamic tiles can be found in many countries, but Iran is particularly well-known for its tile industry. This industry is divided into pre-Islamic and post-Islamic periods, with the beginning of tile-making in Iran dating back to the Sassanid era.

Iranian tiles, especially Isfahan tiles and Tabriz tiles, became some of the most important crafts in Iran and were used in churches, mosques, schools, and other buildings. The art of tile making in Iran is still considered one of the most beautiful and mysterious arts in the world.

This article will discuss the historical development of Iranian tiles, specifically after the introduction of Islam.

Iranian tile before Islam

Iran had a thriving tile production industry before the arrival of Islam. These tiles were made with special designs and colors unique to the region. Many ancient Iranian tiles from the pre-Islamic period still exist today, but the peak of Iranian tile art is believed to have occurred during the Islamic period.

Traces of Iranian tiling can be found in the remains of Achaemenian, Parthian, and Sasanian palaces, as well as mosques and other holy places. If you examine these works closely, you can see that the art of tiling has evolved. However, most of the surviving works of ancient Iranian tiles are from the post-Islamic period.

According to Islamic laws, tiles with images of animals, humans, flowers, and plants are considered outside the framework and have been destroyed by Muslims.

Iranian tile after the arrival of Islam

Islamic tiles are a significant form of Iranian decorative art that originated in the Safavid era (10th century AD) and reached its pinnacle in the following centuries. Initially, this art was used to adorn the walls and ceilings of buildings, but later, it was utilized to embellish the facade, outdoor spaces, and even windows (seven-color mosaic tiles). Islamic tiles were made from a variety of materials, including mud, clay, glass, ceramics, and metals, and featured artistic figures and religious and traditional designs. Some of these designs include artistic characters inspired by Islamic, Iranian, and traditional stories.

The oldest tile works from the post-Islam era in Iran can be traced back to the city of Isfahan. The people of this city extensively used color and pattern in their tiles. Each color and pattern are associated with a specific historical period, from which the age of the tile can be roughly estimated.

Persian tile work in different periods of history:

- Persian tile work in the Seljuk period

- Persian tile work in the Ilkhanid period

- Persian tile work in the Timurid period

- Persian tile work in the Safavid period

- Persian tile work in the Zandiyeh period

Persian tile work flourished and evolved throughout various periods of Iranian history, each reflecting the unique aesthetic and artistic expression of its time. In the Seljuk period, Persian tile work displayed intricate geometric patterns and bold colors, often found in architectural decorations and mosques. During the Ilkhanid period, tile work became more elaborate with the introduction of figurative motifs and calligraphic designs, showcasing a fusion of Persian and Mongol influences. The Timurid period saw advancements in technique and design, with an emphasis on detailed floral and arabesque patterns. In the Safavid period, tile work reached new heights of sophistication, characterized by vibrant colors and complex compositions that adorned palaces and religious buildings. The Zandiyeh period witnessed a revival of traditional Persian motifs combined with innovative designs, reflecting a sense of continuity with the past while embracing contemporary artistic trends. Iran's rich cultural heritage and artistic ingenuity are reflected in Persian tile work.

Iranian Tile Art from Pre-Islamic Origins to Modern Brilliance

The tiles of Iran can be divided into two periods: before and after Islam. There are not many remnants of tiles from the pre-Islamic era. However, after the arrival of Islam, various types of Iranian tiles were created with different designs and colors in different historical periods. These can be observed in old structures such as mosques, ancient buildings, and wall paintings, which demonstrate the development of tile art over time. Nowadays, modern Iranian ceramic tiles are produced using state-of-the-art equipment and according to global standards, and are exported worldwide. Iranian modern tiles are among the top five tiles globally in terms of quality and popularity.