نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه معماری منظر، دانشکده معماری، دانشکدگان هنرهای زیبا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران
2 استادیار، گروه معماری منظر، دانشکده معماری دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران.
چکیده
کلیدواژه‌ها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
This study investigates the symbolic and cultural significance of ancient trees within the sacred landscapes of Iran, emphasizing their profound relationship with the concept of the sacred human. Viewing the landscape as a semiotic text, particularly focusing on sacred trees, requires understanding beyond their physical form to include the rich mythological and ritual narratives they embody. This research asserts that comprehending the deep bond between humans and trees in these landscapes is incomplete without exploring their mythological roots and collective cultural memory.
Employing a qualitative and interpretive framework, the study draws from theoretical approaches in collective memory studies, semiotics, and mythology. Through comparative analysis and semiotic interpretation, the study deciphers the complex layers of meaning embedded in the presence of ancient trees at three significant Iranian sacred sites: Imamzadeh Saleh in Tajrish, Qadamgah in Nishapur, and Imamzadeh Rudband in Dezful.
The findings reveal that these trees transcend their natural roles, acting as carriers of collective memory and sacred symbols deeply intertwined with the identities of the sacred humans associated with these places. In the pre-Islamic era, trees symbolized collective existence, divine glory known as farr-e izadi, and were regarded as origins and models for humanity. Mythological narratives and epic literature portray trees as central cosmic entities, living beings imbued with life force and closely linked to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
The arrival of Islam brought significant evolution to this symbolic relationship. The emphasis shifted towards the sacred human, especially the archetype of the “Perfect Human” (Insan-e Kamel). Consequently, the symbolism of the tree was redefined through its mythological affinity with this sacred figure. Within Islamic mysticism, the tree became a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth, divine truth, and moral perfection, embodying the virtues and essence of the ideal human being. This transformation reflects both continuity and change, illustrating how ancient symbols were reinterpreted to align with new religious and cultural contexts.
Ritual practices connected to these sacred trees, including tying prayer cloths, pilgrimage, and collective mourning ceremonies, play a crucial role in maintaining and activating their symbolic power. These rituals transform the trees into living cultural agents that reinforce communal memory and spiritual bonds between the sacred and earthly realms. Thus, the sacred landscape functions as a dynamic, multilayered space where nature, myth, history, and religion continuously interact to shape and renew the identity of sacred places.
By integrating international landscape theory concepts such as Norberg-Schulz’s genius loci—the spirit of place—and Turner’s ritual space with indigenous Iranian traditions, the study posits that sacred landscapes are vibrant cultural texts shaped and reshaped by rituals and myths.
Ultimately, the study demonstrates that ancient trees at Iranian sacred sites serve as vital nodes connecting past and present, human and divine, nature and culture. Through a rich tapestry of symbols and rituals, they mediate collective memory and spiritual heritage, sustaining cultural continuity while adapting to evolving spiritual paradigms. Recognizing the symbolic, ritual, and spatial dimensions emerging from this transformation is crucial for sustaining and revitalizing these multilayered landscapes in dialogue with contemporary perspectives in landscape architecture.
کلیدواژه‌ها [English]
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