A Research on the Semiotics of Tombstone Motifs and Themes of Imamzadeh Ebrahim Kiaabad Roodbar Cemetery and Its Comparative Comparison with Similar Contemporary Works in Iran

Introduction: In the northern geographical region of Iran's Gilan province, like other areas, there are cemeteries dating back to various Islamic eras that could provide comprehensive research on gravestones and the inscriptions on them, shedding light on many unknown aspects regarding the people of this region and their culture. One of these cemeteries is located in the Roodbar county, in the village of Kiaabad around the Imamzadeh Ibrahim shrine. Numerous gravestones from the Islamic period, especially from the late centuries (the Safavid and the Qajar periods), are present at this Imamzadeh. It is worth noting that there are inscriptions on these gravestones, and by studying the carved images on them, one can gain insight into the cultural, social, and religious reconstruction of the studied community. In the studies conducted in the field of identifying and analyzing rock carvings in various regions of the country, so far, no research has been done on the themes and motifs of the tombstones of Imamzadeh Ibrahim Cemetery in the village of Kiaabad, Roodbar district. This article marks a turning point in examining the Islamic-period tombstones of this cemetery from the perspective of formalism, composition, cognitive concepts, and semiotics hidden beyond their decorative motifs. Furthermore, considering the destruction and disappearance of such works in less known areas, studying and researching rock carvings is one of the important subjects that requires attention and investigation.
Purposes & Questions: The purposes of this examination of the tombstone motifs and themes of Imamzadeh Ibrahim Kiaabad Roodbar cemetery and comparing it with other similar works of the same period in Iran are examination and analysis of the tombs' stones and the inscriptions placed on these artifacts, cultural recognition and comparison of the existing inscriptions with other contemporary cemeteries in different regions as well as dating the tombs in the area under study. This study’s questions are: 1-What are the characteristics of the decorative motifs and inscriptions on the tombstones of Imamzadeh Ibrahim cemetery? 2-Which regions have examples comparable to the inscriptions and decorations on Imamzadeh Ibrahim tombs, and to which eras do they predominantly belong? 3- What is the common point between the Imamzadeh Ibrahim tombs and other contemporary cemeteries?
Methods: The research method is presented as fundamental and theoretical in nature, conducted using a descriptive-analytical and historical method. Data collection was carried out through both field and library research methods. The target population of the study includes historical Islamic gravestones from Kiaabad village in the Roodbar region of Gilan, with a total of 21 intact historical gravestones containing various inscriptions, patterns, and decorative elements. After identifying the interred individuals, the study focused on examining and describing the details of the inscriptions, as well as comparing them with similar samples from other regions. Data analysis was qualitatively conducted. In the thematic analysis method, the researchers initially identified and studied gravestones through fieldwork, documented them comprehensively, designed and described them, conducted comparative analysis, and ultimately analyzed the gravestones in the study area. Non-random (selective) sampling method was employed. Computer software such as CorelDraw and Photoshop were also used for better visualization of the patterns.
Findings & Results: The Imamzadeh Ibrahim Cemetery in Kiaabad, with its Qajar period tombstones and decorative motifs, is considered as one of the most important cemeteries in the Gilan province. This cemetery contains a total of 21 intact tombstones, adorned with geometric, floral, animal, objects, tools motifs as well as inscriptions and calligraphy. Among the buried figures, only Ibrahim Khan is mentioned in historical texts, indicating his relative power and regional significance during the Qajar period in this area. The other tombstones in the Imamzadeh Ibrahim Cemetery belong to his family and others. The inscriptions on these tombstones are usually located in the upper half of the tombs, within simple geometric frames with floral decorations, while other decorative motifs are often carved on the lower parts of the tombstones and on their smooth surfaces. The depicted motifs on the tombstones of the Imamzadeh Ibrahim Cemetery can be interpreted to represent aspects of daily material life as well as spiritual meanings beyond. Some motifs encompass both aspects. Two styles of Nastaliq and local Naskh scripts are utilized on these tombstones. Furthermore, these artifacts, in terms of semiotics and decorative motifs, can be compared with the tombstones of cemeteries in northwest, west, and central Iran, mostly dating back to the Qajar era, except for two instances. In general, on the tombstone of Imamzadeh Ibrahim, motifs with religious themes are used more than motifs with non-religious themes; therefore, on all these tombstones, at least one sacred or religious picture can be seen. Non-religious motifs in these works mostly express the thoughts of the deceased person, his occupation, culture and social class, and most of them indicate the greatness, power, pride and zeal of the deceased person.