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By Shahana Naqvi, Copy Edited By TIO Bureau, The India Observer, TIO: “And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and Earth , the difference of your languages and Colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge. “Surah Al-Rum (verse 22)
The Noble Quran addresses to the diversity of human race, to various colours, shades in rocks, plants, flowers, crops, fruits and animals.
It also refers to the outer and inner traits of mankind. The colours of the Noble Quran carry symbolic, aesthetic and moral objective.
Colours are a source of happiness and optimism.
Colour is a power which directly influences the soul, generating positivity and hope.
Coloured glass has been used by human beings to decorate their homes and palaces for a very long time. Colours have the ability to enliven a space and make it look aesthetically pleasing.
Introduction
Glass is commonly seen as a symbol of fragility, vulnerability and brittleness. Glass symbolism is dual , on one hand it represents things that are fragile, but on the other hand it represents things that are protective and strong.
Glass is essentially made from Silica or sand, which melts at very high temperatures.
From 8th century onwards, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Muslim Spain produced vast amounts of glassware which spread to various parts of the world through trade.
Stained Glass
We all are familiar of seeing exquisite Stained glass work in Cathedrals and Churches. Craftsmanship in it’s most refined form.
Islamic Stained Glass
The Art of Stained Glass in Europe is slightly different than Islamic Stained Glass.
Instead of Lead used in European stained glass ,strips of Wood are used in Islamic stained glass to bind the glass.
Sometimes gypsum or stucco filled with coloured glass was also used to decorate windows/doors in some places.
Benefits of Coloured Glass
(1.) The coloured glass guarantee the light of the interior space, during the changing patterns of the day.
(2.) The colourful windows reduce the power of radiation and heat of the Sun. Blocking the harsh sunlight reduces the temperature of the interior spaces.
(3.) They give beauty and aesthetics to the buildings and their facade.
(4.)They block direct sunlight so that the delicate rugs don’t get ruined.
(5.) They protect the intimacy of private spaces.
(6.) The coloured glasses create colourful lights, preventing and disturbing insects from the outer space of the rooms.
The reflection at night keeps mosquito away. (It’s said they especially don’t come near green,red and blue)
(7.) These windows have health benefits too, the light that comes through the coloured glass is not only good for the skin ,but also prevents diseases like Alzheimer’s and depression.
(8.) From psychological point of view ,the various colours of the glass create colourful lights which have a positive effect on human emotions.
Studies prove that Colour therapy is instrumental in keeping our senses awake and happy .
(9.) Colour therapy also called Chromotherapy, is a method of treating ailments by using colours. It is a holistic treatment that brings balance and health to body, mind and soul.
Every colour has a different psychological impact on human behavior and senses like , Green colour helps to purify and cleanse. White and yellow colour light stimulates the lymphatic system.
(10.) Many historical reasons for coloured windows is reminding of 5 fold prayer times. According to research , this type of window filters the light at different times and seasons and provides the desired light.
Glass Art of Azerbaijan Shebeke
Azerbaijan has a tradition of making colourful glass windows and doors with a technique called , ‘Shebeke’.
The word Shebeke comes from Arabic meaning ,’web’. Basically Shebeke is a stone grill, but this term is used for the wooden grill.
Shebeke is a wooden lattice of pieces of coloured glass held together without glue or single nail .
This form of architecture appeared in Azerbaijan from the 9th to 12th centuries and still continues to be an intrensic part of Azeri identity.
Burst of colours
The beauty of Shebeke depends on the refraction of sunlight on it’s glasses. These windows bring Colour and Life to buildings.
An average Shebeke mosaic consists of 5,000 wood and glass detail,10 to 15 steps are required to produce an average size Shebeke.
The beautiful intricate panels are made of small wood and glass pieces like a giant jigsaw puzzle.
Materials Used: Coloured Glass
Previously coloured glass from Venice was imported to Azerbaijan and was especially used in the Palace of the Sheki Khan (Sheki) .But nowadays coloured glass from Russia is being used.
Walnut wood
The little pieces of glass are inserted into a wooden lattice is usually made of Beech wood, Oak wood or Walnut wood. The older the tree, it is considered best for Shebeke work.
Walnut wood is a preferred choice in the preparation of Shebeke.
Walnut wood is elastic in nature and for it’s longevity, it is cooked, dried and cut into thin layers.
Skills: Shebeke art is one of the most demanding areas of folk art that requires special abilities.
Knowledge of Eastern architectural elements and a thorough study of Geometry, Mathematics and Drawing are necessary skills in order to learn and master this craft.
Patience and precision: Shebeke artists need to be very patient and precise, as it’s a painstaking process and requires special skills. This work demands both patience and precision. Each lattice work frame is custom cut and pieced together. All are handmade like a giant puzzle, in short both the wood and glass are organically intertwined.
Patterns : Graceful geometric pattern motifs are most common. Each piece is cut at least 12 (twelve) times and sometimes a small frame of Shebeke may take at least five to six months. It depends on the density of the ornament.
It is like light itself : fragile in appearance but robust and reliable in their everyday use.
Handover generation : Shebeke is a complex technique and known only to a few artisans who pass this meticulous craft from generation to generation.
It is an art that is considered complicated yet beautiful.
Examples: In the past this art was used to decorate palaces and mansions of the former rulers. Nowdays many restaurants, public places and even private houses in Azerbaijan are decorated with Shebeke work.
Some famous examples of Shabeke work can be found in the ancient cities of Sheki, Shusha, Ganja, Jameh Masjid (Ordubad), Khan Palace (Nakhchivan) and Baku .
Pearl of Azerbaijani Architecture: The Palace of Shaki Khans built in the 18th century in Sheki ( Azerbaijan) is a 2 storey summer residence of Sheki Khans.
On 7th July 2019 it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a masterpiece of Shebeke craftmanship with at least 16 various patterns of Shebeke work decorated in different parts of the palace.
Palace of the Shaki Khan, Sheki is renowned for breathtaking ornate interior and exterior spaces. Large portion of the Palace facade is covered by Shebeke glass art.
Azerbaijan Postage
Shebeke work is so integral part of Azeri identity that the government has issued stamps in honour of the work over the years. Some examples are here.
Art of Shebeke now: Master craftsmen: Contemporary Master craftsmen include, Ashraf Rusulov, Hussein Haji Mustafazadeh ( Sheki), Soltan Ismailov (Sheki), Rafik
Allahverdiyev (Shusha) and Jabir Jabbarov.
These craftsmen have played an instrumental role in keeping this ancient craft alive by not only practicing it but also passing their ancient skills to the younger generation.
They also have had the opportunity to display their craft in various international exhibitions around the world, thereby adding to their experience.
Various kinds of Windows, Doors, Partitions, Figures, Lamps, Puzzles, etc form part of the Shebeke work. They are also sold as soveniers for tourists as a reminder of their journey to Azerbaijan.
Persian Stained Glass
Introduction
Persian architecture gives great importance to light, which is an integral and sacred element in the nation’s culture. Combined with the glass art, the light leaves a unique impact on it’s buildings.
There are two kinds of Stained Glass used in Iran.
1.) Gireh-Chini (decorative wood lattice) and
2.) Orosi-Sazi (sash style)
Gireh-Chini on Wood:
Chinese Knots: Knots or Gireh are small pieces of wood that lock together in 
tabs to create beautiful patterns. They are also called the, Chinese Knot.
Gireh Chini or Gireh Sazi refers to two techniques of wood work either a lattice frame which could be left plain or filled with coloured glass.
It is a kind of delicate art that originated in the early Islamic period in Iran.
The more delicate they are the more artistically valuable they are.
Using tongue and groove joints makes Gireh-chini pieces endure the different climate of Iran.
Different woods used in Gireh -Chini:
Sycamore wood is the preferred choice of wood for Gireh patterns, which fortunately is the native tree of Iran.
It is a preferred choice for making knots.It has a cohesive texture and high resistance.
Although many other types of wood can also be used in making Gireh patterns.
They include ,Walnut, Beech, Morus, Almond, Silverberry, Zelkova,Orange, Pear Flax and Jujube.
The pieces of wood are used in their raw colour and no paint is added.
Sometimes the wooden lattice is made without glass inserted, while in many gireh patterns glass is behind the lattice.
Uses: Gereh patterns are visible on walls, domes, doors of shrines, pulpits, windows, frames, tableaus, dividers and many other decorative objects.
Today, there are Girih Chini workshops in Tehran, where this craft is still practiced. With Gireh patterns , the Architects can manage to demonstrate multiple layers and work upon their skills.
Garden of senses
The first layer is the actual garden which people can see when they open the window and the second layer is the artificial garden of the girih patterns. The multicolour layer, creates a burst of colourful patterns blooming in the sunshine.
In the past Gireh-Chini or Gireh- Sazi was widely practiced in decorating Persian interiors. The ornateness of the doors and windows indicated the Economic status of the owner.
Time -consuming
Gireh -chini or Gireh-sazi, like many handicrafts requires a lot of hard work and patience. With wooden grooves matching the length and proportions of delicate glass, it is a skill 
perfected with time and practice.
Examples:
Gireh patterns have been used to decorate Mosque, Palaces and even private Homes of wealthy individuals in Iran .
Famous example include the Dowlatabad Garden in the city of Yazd (Iran). It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ghavarehbori
Introduction
Ghavareh bori is an unknown art that was used to decorate doors and windows of houses in Safavid and Qajar era.
The important difference between Ghavareh bori and Gireh chini is that Ghavareh bori has curved layout once or twice while Gireh is geometric in form.
Ghavareh-bori is simple compared to complex geometric patterns of Gireh chini.
Orosi
The word Oroos means bride in Urdu language and Oroosi means bride-like. Well Oroosi in Iran is a traditional architectural (door/window) element. This window is decorated just like a bride,filled with tiny glass pieces in happy and eye candy colours.
Vision to behold
The Orosi windows demonstrates the Refined Persian Arts in it’s purest form. The windows are built with the choicest wood and decorated with finest, most beautiful glass in various different forms and patterns, making them a Vision to Behold.
Persian architects describe it as a window that ,”usually covers whole of the wall and is from roof to floor, and it’s opening is in vertical axis”.
Orosi as a component is well co-ordinated with the whole geometry of the house.
Origin
Orosi windows can be traced back to the 12th century. The Safavid made elaborate use of Orosi windows in the decoration of their palaces and Qajar period witnessed some of the most sophisticated craftsman ship and ornamentation of Orosi work.
Sash windows/doors
Sash making of wooden doors / window lattice is a sliding door that is raised vertically up and down and thus the arm is closed.
The upper part located under the roof is decorated with pieces of coloured glass.
Design
These doors and windows are basically Rectangular in shape and the upper part is in the shape of rectangular crescent, which is decorated with coloured glass, to adjust the exposure and soften the light for houses in tropical areas.
Other shapes include Half-moon and Barrel shape.
Uses
Orosi windows /doors are used in places where you don’t need to open the door much because it disturbs the space.No nail or glue is used in this type of art and all the images and figures are obtained by connecting small wooden joints and glass pieces.
An Orosi Door/Window offer suitable internal temperature, shade controlled natural light, heat insulation and natural ventilation. This type of door or window was widely used in tropical areas which were exposed to the harsh sun.
Colours of Orosi
Apart from the various health benefits they offer ,Orosi windows are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Though Orosi work has four or five colour limitations and somehow designs do not require any more colours. But colours such as red, yellow, green, blue ,violet, purple have also been used.
Examples
Some wonderful examples of this exquisite art can be found in the ancient houses of Esfahan, Kashan, Shiraz and Yazd.
I’ve tried to give examples based on Houses, Palaces, Museums etc., they are just tip of the iceberg keeping the vastness of the size and heritage of Iran.
Houses:
Sheikh Al Islam House, Alam’s House (Isfahan), Abbasi House (Kashan) ,Borujerdi House(Kashan)
Palaces:
Chehelsotun , Hasht-Behesht, Karim khan citadel (Shiraz)
Museums:
Sanandaj Museum (Kurdistan province) , Amir Latifi House, Gorgan (Museum of Gorgan handicrafts), Islamic Art Museum (Isfahan).
Mashroute (Constitution House), Isfahan is a historic house from Qajar period. On an interesting twist to history it is considered as one of the first Inter-Faith centres in the World.
Hotels:
Mollabashi House(Isfahan), Abbasi Hotel (Isfahan) ,Angoorestan House (Isfahan)
Shrines:
Holy shrine of Imam e Reza a. s. (Mashshad), Darb-I-Imam Shrine(Isfahan)
The city of Sanandaj in the (Western part of Iran ) is home to where this art is still being practiced and flourish.
Turkey
Introduction
Turkey has a fascinating history of glass especially Istanbul, which has been a centre of glass making during the Ottoman Era.
Polychrome glass mosaic windows were an important part of Ottoman architecture.
A lancet window is a tall, narrow window with a pointed arch at it’s top. It is called lancet because it resembles a lance. Turkish windows are usually Lancet in shape, made in wood and plaster.
Turkish Gypsum Plaster Windows
Plaster lancet windows were used in Turkish monumental architecture. This technique has been used since the Seljuk Era.
The Ottoman architects utilised the thickness of the walls to develop a double layer of Upper windows, Dislik (exterior window) and Iclik (interior window).
Interior window (Revzen- i -menkus)
The interior window was set into the inner wall made of small pieces of glass of various colours arranged within a plaster frame. The Ottomans called the decorative windows fitted with coloured glass, ‘revzen-i-menkus’ or (embroidered windows).
These types of windows appeared in the 15th century and quickly became window structure of choice.
The plaster frame maker ,like the jewelry maker, sought to fill every single space with some sort of a glass piece, thus advancing the craft into an art form.
These types of windows appeared in the 15th century and quickly became window structure of choice.
Design
The plaster frame maker, like the jewelry maker, sought to fill every single space with some sort of a glass piece, thus advancing the craft into an art form.
External windows
Located on the outside of the wall ,the function of the exterior window was to protect the gypsum plaster window from the inclement weather. Glass used in the exterior windows was thick and more durable. It was transparent too without decoration in order to maximize the amount of in coming light.
Also Read more from this Author: War On Journalism
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