A Comparative Study of the Altar Design Content of the Jame Mosque and the Vank Church of Isfahan

Abstract

This study aims to examine the design of the altars of the Jame mosque and the Vank church of Isfahan and explicate the similarities and differences of the two structures. The present comparative study shows that the aesthetic expression and visual art are different in the Islamic and Christian art. This means that the Islamic art lays more emphasis on isolated elements rather than tangible elements and the reality. This arises from the beliefs and Islamic teachings based on reluctance to iconography. In contrast, the creation of art is objective in the Christian art. On the other hand, both religions, despite their differences, have mysterious formal expressions in their manifestation. In this study, in addition to document collection for the written source, field survey, personal observation and photography of the mentioned altars have been conducted. The study results and comparison of the altars showed that religious beliefs have a significant role in the altar of the Jame mosque and Vank church of Isfahan. The Islamic art in comparison to Christian art has led to abstraction and avoidance from any portraits and iconography, while in Christianity, imaging and visual art are organized based on incarnation of God. Thus, expression and excellence in the Islamic art is the replacement of embodiment and reincarnation in its Christian counterpart.