What is a Dome Tile ("Nere" tile) ?
The history of its origin:
Dome tile ("Nere" tile), which some sources consider the history of its use to be related to the Sassanid period, is one of the important materials in the historical architecture of Iran. The use of Dome tile ("Nere" tile) became common with the beginning of Azari style architecture in the seventh century and the use of glazed decorations. Covering the dome in many historical and religious buildings in Iran, including mosques, schools, and tombs, has been done by Kashi Nere. For example, the dome of Soltanieh in Zanjan, the dome of Goharshad Mosque in Mashhad, and the dome of Amir Chakhmaq Mosque in Yazd are some of the relics of the use of Dome tile ("Nere" tile) in the Middle Ages.
Patterns and Designs:
Increasing the quality of Nere tile and providing suitable designs for its arrangement in domes and garlands, due to the importance of these architectural elements, i.e. domes and garlands, in the morphology and semiotics of various types of Iranian architecture, has always been the focus of builders and designers. The trapezoidal cross-section of Nere tile prevents the creation of a seam between the tiles after they are arranged in curved forms. This feature makes it impervious to moisture and more beautiful. In addition, the high thickness of this tile, which is 3 cm in Goharshad traditional tile company's Nere tile, increases its durability.
The various colors of Nere Alvan tiles, from black and white to azure, turquoise, red, yellow, and Taghari colors, can be used in a reasonable way. Also, their body can be used to produce a vase to cover the dome or garland.
Production:
The main material in the production of the body of Dome tile ("Nere" tile) can be silica or clay. The experience of covering the dome in different climates and the results of numerous tests show the high resistance of the silica body to clay. This feature has made consumers prefer to use silicon body with monochromatic glaze; Despite the fact that it is possible to implement various seven-color designs on clay tiles. In the past, a manual mold was used to produce the body of Dome tile ("Nere" tile). But today, the replacement of automatic hydraulic presses has led to a reduction in the cost of manpower, and an increase in production capacity.
Application:
The importance and shape characteristics of Dome tile ("Nere" tile) have made this product to be placed in the cycle of widely used architectural materials in religious and non-religious buildings that have a curved shape. In 1401, the research and development department of Goharshad traditional tile company was able to successfully implement the seven-color designs, which were only applicable on clay-based Nareh tiles, on silica-based Dome tile ("Nere" tile).