[Minaret of the Mosque of 40 Columns, Chehel Dokhtar, 359b.] 1840 - 1869

Luigi Pesce captured this minaret of the Mosque of 40 Columns in the 19th century through the lens of his camera. Notice how the minaret, a tower from which the call to prayer is issued, is not just a functional structure, but a canvas filled with geometric patterns and inscriptions. These motifs are no mere decoration; they echo across centuries and continents. The geometric designs remind us of the endless knot, a symbol found in Buddhist art, representing the interconnectedness of all things, an echo of cyclical existence. Islamic art uses such patterns to represent the infinite nature of God. The inscriptions, too, tell a story, drawing from the rich tradition of calligraphy, turning words into visual representations of faith. Consider the psychological impact of these repeated patterns. They invite contemplation, drawing the eye upward, towards the heavens, creating a sense of awe and spiritual yearning. The minaret becomes a symbol of cultural memory, linking the present viewer to a historical and spiritual past, a testament to the enduring power of symbols across time.