Abstract:

The miniature that was a part of the book graphics in those days became an independent genre of art, it began to be created on sheets and represented on the walls. Isfahan miniature school was formed by the support of Shakh Abbās I and was leaded by gifted person Rizā Abbāsi (1565-1635). By the order of Shakh Abbās II in the mid of the 17th century in the central hall of the Palace “Chehel Sotoun/Chihil Sutun” in Isfahan were created wall paintings of battle scene and everyday life genres that represented political processes.

Two mural paintings in the Palace could deserve special attention which represent the “Reception Ceremony” of the Bukharan Khans Vali Muhammad-khan by the Shakh Abbās I and Nadr Muhammad-khan by the Shakh Abbās II.

These monumental paintings illustrate the palace life of Safavid rulers, the reception ceremony in their Royal Court, the protocol etiquette of Eastern hospitality, through what we can consider different elements of spiritual-cultural relations between Central Asia and Iran. The compositional decision of this art work that is connected with the thematic idea deserves a special attention.

At the second wall fresco is represented the meeting of Abbas II with Nadr Muhammad-khan Ashtarkhanid in 1646. The purpose of this meeting was to sign the alliance agreement between Iran and Bukhara Khanate. In this episode about fifty image are represented.

On both works of wall painting all images are placed according to the diplomatic etiquette, i.e. in accordance with their status and rank. The picture is identical to the rules of etiquette at the Bukhara Khanate’s Royal court that is portrayed in the articles of academician V.V. Barthold “Ceremonial at the court of Uzbek khans in the 17th century” and A.A. Semenov “Bukhara treatise on ranks and titles and duties of their bearers in medieval Bukhara”, as well as in the valuable source of that time “Bahr-ul asrār” of Mahmud ibn Vali.

These pieces of Art are the sample of not only the intellectual and cultural heritage of the peoples of the whole region, but also can be the unique historical materials for studying the various aspects of the relationship between Iran and Central Asia.