A Kaleidoscopic Journey Through Iranian Ceilings

From London to Beijing, travel photographer and writer Christopher Wilton-Steer documented people, places, and cultures along the Silk Road during his journey from July to November 2019. Covering over 40,000 kilometers and traversing 15 countries, Wilton-Steer immersed himself in diverse cultures, traveling by cars, buses, trains, horses, and even camels. Documenting this story and adventure is his yet to be released book titled: The Silk Road - A Living History. 

As he crossed into Iran - a land celebrated for its sacred architecture - Wilton-Steer’s lens captured one of his most visually captivating series: Ceilings of Iran. This segment of his broader narrative presents twelve of the country’s mosques, madrasahs, and mausoleums, offering a view from an upward gaze that reveals the brilliance of Islamic geometric art.

In the Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, or the Pink Mosque of Shiraz, kaleidoscopic patterns of vibrant tiles evoke a sense of wonder. Meanwhile, the dome of Shah Mosque in Isfahan mesmerizes with its hypnotic radial tessellations, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that draws the viewer in.

At the heart of these ceilings lies a philosophy rooted in ‘Tawhid,’ the oneness of God, manifested through intricate, infinitely repeating patterns that reflect cosmic harmony. Wilton-Steer’s photographs explore the spiritual depth of these patterns, bringing forth the unity, order, and balance that form the cornerstone of Islamic architectural aesthetics. 

In the mausoleum of Oljeytu, in Soltaniyeh, the ceilings are adorned with muqarnas, an ornamental vaulting that transforms geometry into a three-dimensional marvel, blending multiplicity into a unified whole - an aesthetic that transcends mere decoration and enters the realm of the spiritual. 

These ceilings are not just beautiful; they are a manifestation of complex mathematical principles, a testament to the craftsmanship and intellectual achievements of their time. Through Wilton-Steer’s lens, we are offered a glimpse into the cosmic voyage embodied by these architectural wonders - a journey where the divine meets the mathematical.

Photography Credit: Christopher Wilton-Steer