The Manifestation of Light in Architectural Decorations of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and Its Role in Environmental Psychology

Abstract

Light is one of the metaphorical symbols in architectural art; therefore, among Iranians it holds a sacred and exalted status. Iranian architects have employed the most immaterial element—light—in design to connect their art to the celestial realm, thereby imparting a sacred dimension. Islamic architecture in Iran places particular emphasis on light. This architecture serves as a locus for sacred space, life, presence, and illumination, and it influences the human spirit. Sacred Islamic architecture is manifested foremost in the mosque. One of the most important characteristics of light is its sequential variation with qualitative changes throughout the day, which results in the creation of diverse reflective qualities on surfaces and produces different effects in environmental psychology. Considering the manifestation of light in the architecture of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and its role in environmental psychology, the main research question arises as to how light is reflected in the architectural decorations of this building and how it has been able to play its role in environmental psychology for visitors to the site. This study aims to review the application of light and related beliefs in Islamic architecture—particularly in the decorative elements employed in the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque—and to examine its role in environmental psychology. Using an analytical–descriptive and library-based methodology, the study revisits the manifestation of light in the architectural decorations of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and analyzes its environmental psychological role. The findings indicate that light-based decorations, as manifested beautifully through the interplay of color and light in the components of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, were intended by the architects to exert a psychological influence on individuals.