Iranian–Islamic Architecture: A Manifestation of Privacy and Modesty in the Home

Abstract

One of the fundamental principles of Islamic architecture is the concept of privacy and sanctity, which encompasses various dimensions and aspects. The term harim, which in its lexical sense refers to the surrounding space, the perimeter of a house, and a place whose protection is obligatory, clearly reflects this notion. Traditional Iranian architecture has been inherently intertwined with the concept of harim, as it simultaneously signifies the innate respect for the interior of the home on the one hand and the impropriety of exposure to the gaze of non-mahram individuals and strangers on the other. Therefore, safeguarding the boundaries of the house in such a way that its inhabitants are protected from the gaze of outsiders, while also experiencing a sense of security and psychological comfort, constituted one of the essential and natural requirements in the construction of traditional homes. It is evident that visual privacy in these spaces represents only one aspect of their characteristics, while comfort and tranquility encompass a much broader scope. The research method is descriptive-analytical, and the aim of this article is to examine the preservation of privacy and modesty in Iranian–Islamic architecture and to emphasize the necessity of applying Islamic architectural principles that lead to physical and psychological well-being.