DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2663-4619/122/26-33
Brilliant Jafarli
Institute of Arts, Language and Literature,
Nakhchivan Branch of ANAS
PhD student
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4149-4293
brilliant1cefer@yahoo.com
Harmony Ascending to the Heavens: The Unity
of Symbolism with Space in the Momine Khatun Tomb
Abstract
The article is dedicated to the combination of the concept of space and symbolism in the Momine Khatun tomb, which is considered a masterpiece of 12th-century Nakhchivan architecture. It is shown that the genius of Azerbaijani architecture, Ajami Abubakr oglu Nakhchivani, thought through the unity of space and symbolism in this monumental monument he built, applying it to the finest detail. Momine Khatun tomb is not only an architectural monument, but also a spiritual space built with the symbolic language of the Islamic worldview and Turkic-Islamic art. It is shown that the spatial organization in the architecture of the monument is not only functional, but also carries deep symbolic meanings. Momine Khatun tomb is a symbolic embodiment of the concepts of death, eternity, reunion with God and time in Turkic-Islamic culture. There is a deep integrity and unity of thought between the structure, symbolism and decoration of the space. The article substantiates that the spatial structure, vertical composition, epigraphic inscriptions, combined with the architectural language, reflect divine harmony. The symbolic architectural elements, the decagonal form, Kufic inscriptions, geometric and floral ornaments were evaluated as the expression of the concepts of the world and the afterlife through architecture. The Momine Khatun tomb was presented as a vivid example of the unity of space and symbolism. This unity gave rise to the assessment of it not only as a tomb, but also as a symbolic-spiritual space. The Momine Khatun tomb is one of the most remarkable monuments in the history of Azerbaijani architecture, not only in terms of technical and artistic merit, but also in terms of philosophical and metaphysical essence. The unity of space and symbolism here is a rare example of the expression of the Turkic-Islamic worldview through architecture.
Keywords: Ajami, architecture, monument, tomb, space, symbolism