Ghaznavid

Art and Architecture

Ghaznavid architecture was especially able to flourish, specifically in marble reliefs with geometric, vegetal, and epigraphic designs. Due to their capital, Ghazni, being near an important trade route it resulted in influences from all aver the region. Near the Palace of Mas'ud III there is a minaret that was constructed of baked and unbaked pressed clay bricks and it is surrounded by a courtyard with four iwans. Excavations at this sites courtyard have uncovered numerous carved marble panels that feature trefoil arches, scrollwork, and inscriptions in Persian and Arabic. One of the more celebrated works is a marble panel from the courtyard of Sultan Mas'ud III's palace, now in the Brooklyn Museum, which has a Kufic script above intricate vegetal motifs. The use of marble instead of more common stucco or brick along with detailed calligraphy reflect both the Ghaznavids' wealth and their artistry.