The Study of Development in Simorgh Images  According to Sasanian and Safavid Artworks

Symbolism is one method for the visual expression and concept transition in artworks. Simorgh is one of the symbolic elements in the arts of Iran. It is a mythical animal that is the symbol and representation of gods and fortune. Sasanian and Safavid eras are two significant historical time from cultural and artistic point of view and are considered two golden ages in art and culture of Iran. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of the Simorgh in artworks of Sasanian and Safavid eras as two remarkable time in the study of art history of Iran which could be studied for this concept. The data is collected in documentation method and then classify, explain and analyze them for answering these questions: what is the difference of Simorgh in these two eras, and what are their similarities and dissimilarities? Simorgh has always a positive meaning not only in the pre-Islamic culture but also in Islamic world in Iran. It only changes somehow its position from myth and story to mysticism and always has a dynamic presence in art of Iran.