Studying the Architectural Elements of Islamic Mihrab by Using of Erwin Panofsky Iconology Method

The main subject of this article is the form of the mihrab in Iranian-Islamic architecture and the symbolic meaning hidden behind it. Mihrab is an ancient form in architecture, and by studying its constituent elements such as arch and dome, one can find out how it was formed and its hidden meanings. The main question of this article is: "What is the symbolic meaning of mihrab in Iranian-Islamic architectural spaces?". To get a clear answer to this question, both aspects of the form of the altar should be studied. This research seeks to build a framework for understanding this problem using Erwin Panofsky's iconography method.This article is from the point of view of development goal and in terms of analytical-case nature. The data of this research have been collected by documentary method. Based on the results of this research, the altar form is an old form in Iranian-Islamic architecture. In terms of formal structure and meaning, the form of the altar depends on the main elements that make it up, such as the form of the arch and the dome. The influence of arch-domed forms, which is the creator of a religious-ritual form similar to the mihrab or the mihrab itself, can also be seen in other civilizations. The form of an arch in the shape of an Iranian four-arch shows the continuity of an old pattern in the construction of the altar form, which has both a religious and functional aspect and a symbolic-sacred aspect.