Mosaic Iwan, Bishapur

🕰️When was it built?

The building was made in the second half of the 3rd century AD on the order of Shapur I. Roman Ghirshman was among its first excavators, and in the 1974 excavations led by Ali Akbar Sarfaraz the iwan and the area around it were cleared of rubble. The iwan has been on the National Heritage List since 1931.

🏛️What was it built for?

The iwan was Shapur's private, inner quarter, at the end of the passages of the ceremonial hall and beside the great fire temple of Bishapur. The building was made up of two iwans facing opposite ways, with round arches and coloured stucco.

👀What you will see

• The two iwans facing opposite ways, which in the plan of the complex linked to the ceremonial hall and the courtyard.
• The rectangular courtyard beside the west iwan, about 33 metres long and 20 metres wide.
• Traces of painted pilaster decoration on the walls, in red with black and blue borders.
• The mix of human and plant designs on the floors; a woman weaving a crown and a woman playing a harp were among the subjects of the mosaics.

💡Something interesting

To make these floors, small coloured stones were set side by side in mortar until the picture was complete. A row of black stones was also used in harmony with the designs.

🎒Good to know before you go

• As you look at the plan of the iwans, follow how they link with the rectangular courtyard and the passages of the ceremonial hall.