Symbolism of mystical-Islamic and literary aspects of the role of the peacock in the entrances of Islamic period and Safavid buildings

Mythological and then theological and philosophical ideas of Iranians throughout history have been effective on the structure of art and architecture and have become a special aesthetic language and the reflection of the evolution of these ideas and beliefs in various ways has been reflected in various forms of Iranian art. Symbol is one of the tools of knowledge and the oldest method of expression. One of the most widely used symbols in the mystical, cultural, artistic and literary manifestations in the Islamic era is the "Peacock" symbol, whose role in Iranian art dates back to pre-Islamic times. In connection with the nature of this symbol, the question arises as to how the interpretation of the role of the "peacock" from the mystical-Islamic point of view and Iranian literature is manifested in the Safavid buildings? To answer this central question, this study examines the role of the peacock in the front of the Imam Mosque, Chahar Bagh School, Hasht Behesht Palace, the holy shrine of Razavi, the shrine of Goharshad and Haroon Velayat Imam zadeh, which are all Safavid buildings (or had repairs in this period) and its connection with the theoretical wisdoms governing the space, in a two-way process, according to the objective documents in the building will be examined by citation-interpretation method. According to the findings, the Safavid era and the revival of mystical-religious meanings, caused cultural influences on the architecture of its time and the use of mystical meanings in Iran in the construction of buildings. Findings collected through comparison and content analysis in relation to the symbol and role of "peacock", from both literary and mystical-Islamic perspectives, can indicate the Inner attitude to the symbol of the peacock in Safavid buildings and the need for Imamate in the Shiite belief, guidance for the guided, destroyer of the devil, increase blessings and also symbolize the cosmic expansion of nature which is related to the category of divinity. At the same time, the discussion of intuitive mysticism (unity versus duality) and the mystical themes of the perfect man can also be traced and inferred in the implicit meanings of this symbol.