Visual Representations of the Safavid Judicial System in the Islamic Painting Tradition
Journal: Journal of Islamic Manuscripts
Year: 2025

Abstract The depiction of individuals with their hands tied to pālāhang reflects typical Safavid judicial convictions and customary punishments. The prevalence of these pictures suggest their significance for the Safavids. This article examines 23 visual representations of this specific form of punishment, compares the laws related to the Safavid judicial system with the paintings produced, and uncovers the roots of the punishment tools used by the Safavids. The study addresses the following que