Seven Pavilions of Love: London exhibition celebrates Nizami and the Persian miniature

In an ongoing exhibition at the Aga Khan Centre in London, the Iranian-born artist Farkhondeh Ahmadzadeh has produced a series of works that recreate the classic Persian miniature. Titled the Seven Pavilions of Love, the exhibition is based on the epic Haft Paykar, or "The Seven Beauties", by the 12th century poet Nizami Ganjavi. The Seven Beauties tells the story of King Bahram and his inner transformation, as he encounters seven princesses who tell him stories that help him understand the mysteries of love, justice and spiritual awakening. The architect tasked with building the domes advises the ruler to dedicate each dome to one of the seven climes of medieval geography, which in turn symbolises the seven known celestial objects (referred to as planets at the time).