Ilkhanate period tile findings in Taht-e Soleyman, Iran

Takht-i Suleiman, located in the mountainous region of West Azerbaijan Province in Iran, approximately 42 km north of the city of Tikab, is one of the most sacred sites of the country. Throughout both the pre-Islamic and Islamic periods, the site hosted numerous civilizations and is notable for its unique architecture consisting of multiple sections. Within the complex, the Temple of Anahita, a Fire Temple, the Coronation Hall, the Audience Hall, a Hunting Lodge, a Bath, and several other structures are located. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved and most impressive fire temple complexes in the world. The palace complex, built on a hill approximately 20 meters high, also contains a small freshwater spring and lake. In addition, a few kilometers to the north lies Takht-i Belqis, while at a similar distance is the ancient settlement known as Zendan-i Suleiman. Although the exact date of the initial construction of the ancient complex is not precisely known, building activity is believed to have begun in the first millennium B.C. Later, the Azargoshasnasp Fire Temple was built upon remains from the Parthian period. During the Sasanian era, under Khosrow I Anushirvan and Khosrow II, further additions were made, giving the site its main architectural layout. Takht-i Suleiman regained significance during the Ilkhanid period; Sultan Abaqa Khan (1265–1281) commissioned restorations and additions around 1275. The wall decorations in various buildings of the complex, dating from the Ilkhanate period, are adorned with tiles in the forms of eight-pointed stars, hexagons, rectangles, and interconnecting crosses. These tiles are notable for their unique compositions. Human figures, birds, fish, animals such as lions, rabbits, foxes, and deer, as well as mythological animals, geometric patterns, and inscriptions, create a rich iconography on the tiles. This study examines the Ilkhanid period tile findings of Takht-i Suleiman, grouped and analyzed from both historical and aesthetic perspectives. The palace complex was abandoned for unknown reasons in the 17th century and was partially excavated in the last century by German and Iranian archaeologists. Today, limited excavations continue under the direction of Iranian archaeologists. The main reason for choosing the subject of Ilkhanid tiles at Takht-i Suleiman is that a large portion of these tiles remain in situ, with many still unexcavated. These portable cultural assets are preserved in storage. The present research aims to examine these tile findings in detail in terms of material, technique, form, and composition, to determine their place within Islamic symbolism, and to introduce them to the academic community.