Chartaq (), chahartaq (), chartaqi (), or chahartaqi (),Also transliterated with gh instead of q. meaning "having four arches", is an architectural unit consisted of four barrel vaults and a dome.

History Chartaqi was a prominent element in Iranian architecture, having various functions and used in both secular and religious contexts for 1,500 years, with the first instance being developed in the Sasanian city of Gor (Firuzabad) in 210s AD by King Ardashir I. The biggest instance of chahartaq is that of the so-called Palace of Shapur I at Bishapur, also in Pars. Many pre-Islamic chahartaqs have survived, but they are usually just the sole surviving structure of a much bigger complex. The chahartaq structure was adopted in Islamic architecture.Dietrich Huff, "ČAHĀRṬĀQ", Encyclopaedia Iranica, December 15, 1990

A related concept is čahārqāpū ().

Contemporary architecture The main plan of the post-modern Azadi Tower in Tehran is said to be influenced by the architecture of chartaqis.

See also

Chartaque Chhatri Fire temple Iwan Pavilion Kiosk Tetrapylon Triumphal arch Ka'be-ye Zartosht

References