Heidelberg University Publishing

Abstract This paper examines the use of signa­tures in Iranian architecture during the 11th and 12th centuries, focusing on the period of the Saljuq dynasty, a significant era in the architectural his­tory of Iran. The study presents a systematic ana­lysis of 40 architectural inscriptions and provides a chronological list with detailed information about the architectural function of the buildings bearing these signatures, as well as their geographical lo­cation, materials, epigraphic styles, and specific wording. These rare but significant inscriptions offer critical insights into the roles of architects, craftsmen, and other key figures involved in buil­ding projects at the time.

The results demonstrate that the majority of these signatures were inscribed in Kufic script, which was commonly used on materials such as brick and stucco. In addition to documenting the names and titles of the craftsmen involved, the inscriptions provide a broader context, including information about patrons, dates of construc­tion, and occasionally religious or poetic texts. In particular, the research highlights the extensive geographic distribution of these inscriptions, ranging from Khiva in Uzbekistan to Abarkuh in Iran, and from Darband in Russia to Balkh in Afghanistan, reflecting the widespread construc­tion activity across the Iranian plateau during this period.

Through the analysis of these inscriptions, the study sheds light on the socio-cultural and artistic dynamics of the period, illustrating how the status of architects and craftsmen was conveyed through their placement and wording. It also discusses the development of epigraphic practices in Islamic ar­chitecture and how these signatures contributed to the broader narrative of architectural history in the region.

Keywords Iranian Architecture; Saljuq Dynasty; Islamic Inscriptions; Medieval Islamic Iranian Craftsmen; Islamic Building Decoration