The Question of Persian Models in Armenian Architecture, from the Sassanids to the Safavids
Abstract
The article attempts a succinct synthesis of all that Armenian architecture and related arts owe to the models offered by Iran/Persia over the centuries, even millennia. Particular attention is paid to three chapters: a) the Sassanian heritage, b) possible exchanges around tomb towers at the start of Islamization, and c) the reticulated networks of the Middle Ages and modern period. The latter theme magnifies the ‘miracle’ of New Julfa, home to a remarkable Armenian-Iranian syncretism.
open access
Submitted: Sept. 8, 2025 | Published July 16, 2026 | Language: en
Keywords Sassanian iconographic and ornamental themes • Iranian influence on Armenian art and architecture • Khachkars of Old Julfa • Armenian churches of New Julfa • Sassanian dome on square via squinches • Reticulated pendentives and bands • Blind colonnade‑arcade • North-Iranian tomb towers
Copyright © 2026 Patrick Donabédian. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/979-12-5742-061-1/002