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Ashayeri N, Vasigh B. (2026). Formal Reading and Semiotic Analysis of the Aperture in Traditional Houses of Kazeroun. , JIC. 10(1), 285-308. doi:10.66224/jic.10.1.417
URL: http://jih-tabriziau.ir/article-1-417-en.html

Decorative elements and symbolic motifs are interconnected with architectural elements. Islamic architecture in Iran is no exception to this rule, as the use of symbolic decorative motifs in Islamic buildings has long been a focal point for Iranian architects. Iranian architects utilized decorative patterns as tools for conveying concepts. One of the most prominent symbolic decorations in the history of Islamic architecture in Iran is the plaster apertures in traditional houses in the city of Kazeroun, located in the Fars province. which is addressed in this research. These plaster light wells possess functional, artistic, and cultural value due to their construction techniques, operational methods, and specific decorations. The present study was conducted to extract the dominant geometric patterns in the structure of the aforementioned apertures and categorize the decorative motifs while tracing the roots of their metaphorical meanings. The research methodology combines survey-based and analytical-descriptive approaches. Research data were obtained through photography, interviews, documentation of images, redrawing with AutoCAD software, and analysis of archives and relevant library documents. The samples under study were selected from existing houses and images of demolished houses in personal archives and relevant administrative offices. The construction dates of the research samples extend from the Safavid era to the first Pahlavi period. From the studies conducted, the following results were obtained: the apertures of Kazeroun's traditional houses feature five physical patterns—simple vertical and horizontal rectangles, vertical rectangles with upper lancet arches, circles, and semicircles with slow helochine arches—and their internal structures are organized based on axial, rotational, and translational symmetries. The decorative motifs of these apertures include geometric patterns, floral designs, birds, trees, and sun symbols (shamseh), which encompass cultural, religious, cosmic, ritual, and other concepts.