Minarets Progression to the Contemporary Era in Iran Using ANN: A Comprehensive Individual Classification

Today, minarets emerged before Islam are known as the oldest minarets from the Achaemenid era. This study aims to determine the functional root of these minarets and classify them chronologically from the Achaemenid era to present-day. Accordingly, related data were collected using comparative analysis; afterward, new clustering was obtained by ANN. Findings demonstrated that single minarets or guide bars were used to guide passengers and sustain related symbols in ancient times. It is notable that minarets used to play a stand-alone, individual role; following the advent of Islam, sometimes, these minarets were integrated with mosques and schools under the new dominant of Islamic architecture. ‎After the Qajar era, the minarets were often used for decorative and symbolic purposes. Moreover, findings indicated that the plan shape of minarets did not necessarily bear any relevance to their historical era. In addition, although ANN clustering has similarities with plan-based categories, it is subject to differences, too. As a result, proper knowledge‎ about and an in-depth understanding of the minarets can lead us to the further preservation and appreciation of these old elements and, perhaps, to their combination with the contemporary architecture.