Statues
Persians artistic expression can be seen as far
back as the Achaemenid period as numerous statues
depicting various important figures, usually of
political significance as well as religious, such
as the Immortals (elite troops of the emperor)
are indicative of the influence of Mesopotamia
and ancient Babylon. What is perhaps most representative
of a more indigenous artistic expression are Persian
miniatures. Although the influence of Chinese
art is apparent, local Persian artists used the
art form in various ways including portraits that
could be seen from the Ottoman Empire to the courts
of the Safavids and Mughals.
Music
The music of Persia goes back to the days of Barbod
in the royal Sassanid courts, and even earlier.
As it evolved, a distinct eastern Mediterranean
style emerged as Persian folk music is often quite
similar to the music of modern Iran's neighbors.
In modern times, musical tradition has seen setbacks
due to the religious government's policies in
Iran, but has survived in the form of Iranian
exiles and dissidents who have turned to Western
rock music with a distinctive Iranian style as
well as Persian rap.
Architecture
The ruins of Persepolis known as the Takht-e Jamshid
or throne of Jamshid is part of the ancient architectural
tradition of Persia.Architecture is one of the
areas where Persians have made outstanding contributions.
Ancient examples can be seen in the ruins at Persepolis,
while in modern times monuments such as the Tomb
of Omar Khayyam are displays of the varied tradition
in Persia. Various cities in Iran are historical
displays of a distinctive Persian style that can
be seen in the Kharaghan twin towers of Qazvin
province and the Shah Mosque found in Isfahan.
Persian architecture streams over the borders
of Iran and is clearly seen throughout Central
Asia as with the Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand
and the Minaret of Jam in western Afghanistan.
Islamic architecture was founded on the base established
by the Persians. Persian techniques can also be
clearly seen in the structures of the Taj Mahal
at Agra and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
Rugs
Gottfried Semper called rugs "the original
means of separating space". Rug weaving was
thus developed by ancient civilizations as a basis
of architecture. Persian rugs are said to be the
most detailed hand-made works of art.
Gardens
The Persian gardens were designed to reflect paradise
on earth;[citation needed] The English word "Paradise"
is thought to come from the Persian word Pardis
which refers to these gardens.
Although having existed since
ancient times, the Persian garden gained greater
prominence during the Islamic period as Arab rulers
cultivated Persian techniques to create gardens
of Persian design from Al-Andalus to Kashgar.[citation
needed] Persian gardens are immortalized in the
One Thousand and one nights and the works of Omar
Khayyam.
