First of all in simple words. Toranj and Shamse are two concepts in Islamic Iranian architecture. Shamse is mostly a designed circle in the center (tipping point) of the Gonbad (ceiling) which is normally empty inside like the sun itself. Toranj is sometimes circle and sometimes not, mostly center of the Gonbad same as Shamse and filled inside with paintings and growing from inside to outside.
Table of Contents
Shamse and its Philosophy
Shamse in Arabic language is come from shams means sun. Sun is one the important elements in many believe systems which is one of the nutrition sources for human being. Its like a symbol on top of our head always looking at us. Its so bright to look at but beautiful and inspiring.
It is the source of light. Light in Iranian philosophy is an important subject specially in works of Shihab al-Din Yahya ibn Habash Suhrawardi (12th) who is innovated Hikmat al-Ishraq which considers light as something really grate and same as existence itself.
It is mythical that in many cultures daily speaking, when they want to nurture some hope inside someone, they say sentences like “There is a light point inside the darkness. Go toward light and stand up your life. Hope is light…“
The light is come from a Shamse in the center of a Gonbad is like the life light which comes from the existence and universe or God. Islamic sprit is always looking for light not from east or west but from top and center of existence. It can be like a direction to a better life or become united with God.
Light is a spiritual symbol which inspires philosophers and it reflected in Islamic Iranian architectures and art too. It is a blessed element which is like a destination for move toward it. It is like a symbol of God and existence because of its DNA.
What they put Shamse inside the Gonbad?
It is belaved that now you know what Gonbad and Shamse are. So where is the best place to put Shamse by human hand? Yes in the center of a Gonbad. Because you need to look up, up is where the God is and inside a Gonbad that reflects the “Harekat az Kasrat be Vahdat”
When you look at something, you move toward it. Looking at a Shamse on top of your head is like moving toward the Sun or God in a religious believe.
Note: in Islam, Sun is not equal to the God. God it the builder of Sun. But light and existence are the same somehow and Sun if the natural source of light (somehow in common sense) and it feels like thinking about God.
As you can see there are some designed flames and shines which are like the sun.
Circle inside the Sun and Shamse
When you look at an empty circle, it is really mysterious. Like inside the sun, the Circle or Ring, blackholes, inside the Shamse. These mysterious concepts makes people to think about the mystery which is different from password. Something you will never understand and should be mystery forever but you can still feel it and precept it somehow and think about it. It is a being challenge.
About Toranj
Toranj ins Farsi/Persian means something interpenetration very seriously. Interesting! Its is like universe with all of its elements and connected with each others.
Toranj contrary to Shamse, is filled inside with really amazing drawings like you can not separate its elements. Mostly with natural symbols like trees, flowers.
You can search for Tazhib and see more pictures like Toranj which are special.
As an Iranian, we have been grownup with such shapes and symbols everywhere specially on our rugs and carpets that I know you love to them too. These are eye catching and mostly keep you watching and dive into its depth and feel it. They are complicated and makes you experience your unique feeling.
Next time you see a Toranj, just watch it for some minutes and be aware of your feelings. Then ask yourself these questions:
- Why these colors?
- Why these elements together?
- Why these symbols?
- What do they mean?
- Why these geometrical shapes?
- Why so balances?
Here you can see some Toranje designes:
