In arts and crafts, the Persians continued many old Seljuk styles during the Mongols’ rule. In ceramics and other crafts, certain images were commonly used through the end of the 13 th century. These included representations of stars and planets and people performing everyday activities. Craftsmen also illustrated scenes from the Shah-nama (Book of Kings), a poetic history of Persia’s rulers.
Centuries after the Mongols lost control in Persia, Iranian scholars wrote that painting truly blossomed under their rule. Rashid al-Din started a school for artists, and Ghazan and the Ilkhans who followed him supported the arts. Painting received a boost when the Ilkhans commissioned an epic history of their rule, similar to the Shah-nama. The Mongols had Persian artists illustrate scenes from the history, and illustrated books became a long-lasting art form in Persia. Illustrating the books required small, detailed paintings, called miniatures, and some Chinese artistic styles were included in these works. The Chinese influence can be seen in how mountains and people are drawn. The Persian artists, however, were the true masters of miniature painting.
Rashid al-Din also played a role in the building projects of the Mongol era. Persian architecture reflected styles that existed throughout the Islamic world, with domed buildings that had as many as 12 walls. The wealthy Persians and Mongols of the Ilkhanate spent lavishly on large burial complexes. For the Mongols, building public tombs was a break from tradition. In their nomadic past, Mongol rulers always had themselves buried in secret locations. With their conversion to Islam, the Ilkhans followed the example of earlier Persian rulers. Ghazan, for example, built a 12-sided tomb surrounded by a mosque, schools, and a hospital. The complex also featured a pool house and a fountain. Later rulers of Persia and neighboring lands, such as the Ottoman Turks, copied the Mongol style in burial sites.
In Sultaniyya, the Ilkhan Oljeitu built himself a large tomb complex, or mausoleum. This domed mausoleum has been called one of the greatest construction projects carried out by a Mongol ruler. Part of the mausoleum still stands in Sultaniyya, where it is a popular tourist attraction.
World History
