Spatial Hierarchy in Iranian Mosques (Case Study: Jame Mosque of Yazd)

The principle of hierarchy is one of the fundamental principles that dominate the universe. This principle is considered in the Muslims architecture and this point to the principle status in Islamic thought. In this research, we first explain the position of hierarchy in Islamic art in order to find out its importance and necessity clearly. Afterwards, study the various hierarchies as the space hierarchy through sample analysis of Iranian mosques (Jame mosque Yazd). The main research question is to understand how the hierarchy of space is understood in the field of architecture? an‎d how was this meaning manifested in Iranian mosques architecture? The research process is based on descriptive-analytical techniques and the required data is collected through library and field studies. The research and inference process is based on a case study analysis, and the extraction of qualitative and quantitative data. The research results show that "proportions" and "shape and form" are the most important factors in creating the spatial hierarchy in the architecture of the Jame mosque in Yazd and to create a spiritual preparedness to enter the building and to understand the correct conduct from one space to another space in architecture.