The Mausoleums of Qom in the 13th-14th centuries : Architecture and Ornament

This research examines the mausoleums of Qom, which were constructed over the graves of immediate descendants of Shi'i Imams, scholars, Shiite martyrs, and influential political and religious figures who played significant roles in the city during the 13th and 14th centuries. Today, these monuments are of great historical importance, essential to the city's identity. They preserve valuable historical, political, social, cultural, and artistic insights into the conditions of Qom and its people during that era. The mausoleums from this period in Qom, which can be categorised into pilgrimage tombs (Emamzade) and non-pilgrimage tombs (such as those of rulers or high-profile religious figures), have distinctive architecture and ornamentation. These structures reflect the city's social and religious hierarchies, evolving as key architectural and urbanist expressions of Qom's values. Remarkably, fifteen tomb structures from this period still survive, each with unique architectural and decorative features that distinguish them from mausoleums built in other eras and regions of Iran. This highlights their special status in the history of Iranian architecture. The primary aim of this research is to identify the stylistic elements of architecture and ornamentation in Qom’s funerary structures from the Ilkhanid era and to understand the factors that influenced their development. This study seeks to position these buildings within the broader context of Iranian architectural history, focusing on their technical, structural, functional, and decorative significance. Additionally, the research intends to systematically document, assess, and promote the conservation of these historical sites, contributing to the preservation of Qom’s cultural heritage.