West Asiatic Architecture Overview

West Asiatic Architecture

• Characterized by the use of timber and colored limestones, due to the geographical distance from Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• Known as Mesopotamian Architecture, it centers around a desert region in Persia.

Climatic Influence in Mesopotamian Architecture

• Assyria and Babylon are located closer to Tigris and Euphrates, making them vulnerable to flooding.
• Elevated structures, such as ziggurats and temples, were built on platforms to avoid destruction from floods.

Main Civilizations

• Sumer: Located in Iraq.
• Assyria: Situated in Northern Iraq and Southern Türkiye.
• Babylon: Also in Iraq.
• Persia: One of the oldest civilizations, located in Iran.

Geological Characteristics

• Assyria and Babylon predominantly used sun-dried bricks made from river mud, accessible to lower social classes.
• Wealthier groups utilized kiln-dried bricks, which are sturdier due to higher production standards.
• Colored glazed bricks combined mud with natural pigments, creating glossy and vibrant surfaces for palaces and temples.

Historical Aspects

• The Sumerians integrated new structures into conquered regions without demolishing existing architecture.
• The idea of kings as reincarnated gods influenced architectural designs.
• Persian architecture melded elements from African, Middle Eastern, and Southeast European designs, reflecting rich trading connections.

Important Personalities

• King Ur Nammu: Commissioned the great ziggurat in Iraq.
• King Nebuchadnezzar II: Known for the magnificent structures like the Great Palace and Ishtar Gate.
• Artaxerxes I: Completed the Palace of Persepolis.

Architectural Differences

• Assyria and Babylon relied on arches, vaults, and buttresses for structural integrity, while Persia favored columnar and post-lintel constructions.

Common Elements

• Temples were primary structures in Assyria and Babylon, while Persian architecture focused solely on palaces.
• Visual motifs such as king-headed winged bulls and various monsters adorned structures in both regions.

Architectural Characteristics

• Assyria and Babylon emphasized massiveness and grandeur in their ziggurats, while Persian designs were light and airy, often utilizing drapery for spatial separation.

Buildings and Notable Structures

• The Ziggurat of Ur: A vital structure in Assyria, preserved and dedicated to the moon god Nanna.
• The Palace of Persepolis: An impressive architectural feat, signifying the city of Persia, initiated by Darius I.

Parts of the Palace of Persepolis

• Apadana: The royal audience hall for receiving important guests.
• Tatchara Palace: The first built structure serving as the royal residence.
• Tripylon: The gate connecting the Apadana and Hall of Hundred Columns, used for receptions.
• The Treasury: Functioned as an armory, storing weapons and arms.
• The Hall of Hundred Columns: Completed by Artaxerxes I, featuring ornate double bull and unicorn capitals.

Additional Structures

• Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Constructed by Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, renowned as one of the seven wonders.
• The Palace of Sargon II: Recognized as the first palace built in Khorsabad, Iraq.
• The Temple of Marduk: Known as Esagila, served as the temple for the supreme god in Babylon.