Girih - History - Architecture

Architecture

The term "girih" was used in Turkish as a polygonal strap pattern used in architecture as early as late 15th century. Also in late 15th century, girih patterns were compiled by artisans in pattern catalogs such as the Topkapi Scroll.

While curvilinear precedants of girih were seen in the 10th century, fully developed girih patterns are not seen before the 11th century in Iran. It became a dominant design element in the 11th and 12th centuries, as for example, the carved stucco panels with interlaced girih seen in Kharraqan towers (1067) near Qazvin, Iran. Stylized plant decoration were sometimes co-ordinated with girih.

After the Safavid period, the use of girih continued in the Seljuk and later the Ilkhanid period. In the 14th century girih became a minor element in the decorative arts and was replaced by vegetal patterns during the Timurid era. However, geometrical strap work patterns continued to be an important element of decorative arts in Central Asian monuments after the Timurid period.