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Geometry and Mathematics in Timurid Architecture: Abu’l-Wafa and Shirazi

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Abstract

The treatises of Mohammad Abu’l-Wafa al-Buzjani (tenth c.) have influenced many architects, who utilized his innovative geometric principles and techniques in their works. The studies carried out thus far have focused on forms and have largely ignored the undergirding mathematical aspects. The present study aims to investigate the geometric principles used in the architectural works of Qavamuddin Shirazi, one of the architects of the Timurid period. Using selected problems from Abu’l-Wafa’s treatise, the plans of the Shirazi’s buildings are investigated by means of grid-based plan drawings, substituting the obtained numerical values in mathematical formulae, and adapting them to geometric problems. The analysis shows that Shirazi was aware of geometric problems presented by Abu’l-Wafa and the underlying mathematical principles, and that he tried to make use of specific geometries in his works.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

    Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi

  2. Islamic Architectural Engineering, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

    Mahya Tooranpoor

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  1. Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi
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  2. Mahya Tooranpoor
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Correspondence to Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi.

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Ebrahimi, A.N., Tooranpoor, M. Geometry and Mathematics in Timurid Architecture: Abu’l-Wafa and Shirazi. Nexus Netw J 24, 843–867 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-022-00612-0

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