Dynamic Symmetry, Harmony, and Balance in Naqsh-E-Jahan Square of Ispahan

Abstract

<jats:p>The desire for order, harmony and balance is a crucial aspect of all fields of art, from architecture to music, from literature to poetry, and symmetry has long been among the tools to achieve some sort of order in chaos. Yet the approach to symmetry, differs in various contexts and eras. This paper intends to discuss the questions of symmetry in a specific context in order to re- think the definitions and boundaries of symmetry in a particular era in order to make a juxtaposi- tion to a more contemporary understanding of symmetry. The chosen study case is the Naqsh-e- Jahan square of Ispahan which is among the prototypes of the Persian urban design and of a great significance. Symmetry is among the key architectural elements of the square, yet arguably how symmetry plays its role in Naqsh-e-Jahan is not limited to the more traditional definitions of the era. Hence this paper has analysed some elements of the square in order to better explain the corre- lation between symmetry and the questions of harmony and balance in the square. Furthermore, this paper extends to mention the differences between Symmetry and Dynamic symmetry and that symmetry in Naqhs-e-Jahan is not absolute and rather relative, in other words, one is observing asymmetry within a symmetry.</jats:p>