Iconological Analysis of the Man and Lion Fight Tilework in Golestan Palace: Representation of the Qajar Discourse of Legitimization

A new interpretation of the 'Fight of Bahram with the Lion' motif in Golestan Palace's tilework reveals its use by Qajar rulers, particularly Fath Ali Shah, as a symbol of political and military legitimacy. This study applies Erwin Panofsky's iconological method—description, analysis, and interpretation—to uncover how the motif, rooted in Mesopotamian traditions but deeply embedded in Persian literature and history, was strategically employed to legitimize monarchy. Findings from historical sources and field research indicate that the motif transitioned from ancient narratives to Qajar propaganda, associating Bahram's legend with ruling authority.

Kamandlou, H., TaghaviNejad, B., Hashemi, G., & Tabatabaei Jabali, Z. (2025). Iconological Analysis of the Man and Lion Fight Tilework in Golestan Palace: Representation of the Qajar Discourse of Legitimization. Journal of Islamic Crafts, 9(1), 99–124. https://doi.org/10.66224/jic.9.1.376