The Question of Persian Models in Armenian Architecture, from the Sassanids to the Safavids

Armenian monastic ensembles in Iran exhibit profound architectural influences from Persian models, spanning millennia from the Sassanid era to the Safavids. The study highlights three key periods: the enduring Sassanian heritage, early Islamic exchanges around tomb towers, and the intricate medieval networks that culminated in New Julfa—a unique Armenian-Iranian syncretic masterpiece. These findings underscore the deep cultural and architectural interplay between Armenia and Persia, revealing a dynamic exchange that shaped both traditions.

Donabédian, P. (2026). The Question of Persian Models in Armenian Architecture, from the Sassanids to the Safavids. Armenian Art in Iran. https://doi.org/10.30687/979-12-5742-061-1/002