The vibrant stained glass that adorns Iran’s mosques and traditional mansions. When morning or evening sunlight streams through, the kaleidoscope-like patterns spreading across floors and walls transport visitors to a mystical world. But why did such colorful stained glass develop so extensively in Iran? Beyond mere decorative beauty, there were actually surprising reasons hidden behind this art form. Today, we explore the “secrets behind the beauty” of Iranian stained glass.
① Economic Wisdom – Light Magic Creating Luxurious Spatial Effects
In traditional Iranian homes, even without special furniture or decorative items, stained glass and Persian carpets could instantly make a space appear luxurious. During the day, when sunlight streams through stained glass, colors of red, blue, yellow, and green spread throughout the room, and the complex patterns and colors of Persian carpets laid on the floor become even more vivid through the illumination.
This combination of light and carpets creates a palace-like atmosphere. This “light magic” allowed the creation of rich spaces even with economic constraints—this was the wisdom of Iranian living.
Even simple colored glass has excellent effects
Iran has long had a culture of incorporating color into home interiors. Particularly, the staging of carpets and light was an important element expressing a home’s richness. Iranians living in the harsh desert climate environment developed the combination of stained glass and carpets as a way to maximize limited resources.
② Insect-Repelling Functionality – The Surprising Effect of Purple Light
Iranian stained glass uses various colors, but particularly the purple light created by mixing red and blue is believed to have mosquito-repelling effects. There’s an old saying that “rooms with stained glass have fewer mosquitoes,” and especially during evening hours when mosquitoes increase, rooms with light streaming through stained glass reportedly experienced fewer mosquito problems.
The basic color scheme of red, blue, yellow, green + white also has meaning
This folklore is likely not mere superstition but has scientific basis. Colored glass blocks specific wavelengths of light and doesn’t allow certain ultraviolet rays through, which is thought to reduce the wavelengths of light that mosquitoes prefer.
Interestingly, this wisdom that “blue light repels insects” is also found in Mediterranean coastal regions. In areas with many blue buildings like Tunisia’s blue city of Sidi Bou Said, Greece’s Santorini, and Morocco’s Chefchaouen, similar effects are part of local folklore.
In other words, both the blue light of Iranian stained glass and the blue streetscapes of Mediterranean coasts may have served as “insect repellents.” Ancient people likely knew this effect through experience and developed it as a design combining beauty with practicality.
③ Privacy-Protecting Light Mechanisms – Traditional Living Space Innovations
In traditional Iranian households, women sometimes removed their hijabs (headscarves) while inside the home. Therefore, mechanisms to block outside views were necessary. Stained glass brilliantly fulfilled this role.
When light passes through stained glass, interiors are filled with colorful light, but conversely, the interior becomes almost invisible from outside. Because light refracts in complex ways, it blocks external views while ensuring lighting and ventilation.
Additionally, depending on lighting conditions, people inside appear only as vague silhouettes. This silhouette effect allowed women in the home to enjoy outside views while protecting their privacy.
Furthermore, stained glass served to adjust sunlight entry according to seasons. Window positions and colors were designed to soften strong summer sunlight while allowing maximum light entry in winter. This represents wisdom applicable to modern eco-architecture.
Recommended Spots to Appreciate Iranian Stained Glass Beauty
1. Pink Mosque (Nasir al-Mulk Mosque) – Shiraz
Considered one of the world’s most beautiful mosques, the Pink Mosque offers a kaleidoscope-like experience when morning sunlight streams through stained glass, spreading light across floors and walls. Morning visits are especially recommended for the most beautiful appreciation of light artistry.
2. Ali Qapu Palace – Isfahan
The former Safavid royal palace, Ali Qapu Palace, features luxurious stained glass decorations. Particularly, the stained glass in the room called the “Music Room” incorporates acoustic-enhancing innovations, creating a space where light and sound artistry merge.
3. Golestan Palace – Tehran
Located in central Tehran, this palace features halls with beautiful stained glass, offering glimpses into former royal life. Particularly, the combination of stained glass and mirrors in the “Hall of Mirrors” creates mysterious effects where light reflections make spaces feel exponentially larger.
Modern Home Hints from Traditional Wisdom
Iranian stained glass was not merely decorative but design deeply connected to people’s living wisdom. Innovations to appear wealthy despite economic constraints, functions protecting against harmful insects like mosquitoes, and considerations ensuring privacy—practical reasons were hidden behind the beauty.
This wisdom may be applicable to our modern homes. That spaces can appear rich through clever use of light and color without expensive furniture or decorations. The possibility of creating comfortable environments through light innovations without relying on chemical insecticides. And the importance of design that provides openness while protecting privacy.
Next time you have the opportunity to visit Iran, please contemplate the cultural background while bathing in light streaming through stained glass. The stained glass that has colored and protected people’s lives for hundreds of years contains living wisdom that remains relevant today.
