2017 45(1 ) 21 The Study of Astronomical Symbols of Golden Shades Potteries: Potteries of the Mostazafan Foundation of Tehran Solmaz raof PhD Candidate in Archaeology, Tarbiat Modares University solmaz_raof @yahoo.com Javad Neyestani Associated Professor,Department of Archaeology,Tarbiat Modares University Jneyestani@modares.ac.ir (Corresponding Author) Abstract: One of the most important features of Iranian pattern making tradition is using symbolic elements. By studying these patterns in every branch of art, the desired art and its relationship with religious, social, political, and belief-based relationships are more recognized. Astronomy and astronomical instruments in the post-Islamic period became one of the most important scientific phenomena due to the different necessities and needs in the Muslims' life, including being aware of the time of sunrise and sunset for saying prayer, and geographical issues, especially seafaring and astrology, and lucky and unlucky days, nights and different hours. Iranian potters who were a part of community in that period did not neglect astronomical issues and used astronomical concepts and themes as decorations on pottery works. Decorations used in golden shades potteries in the Seljuk era – the developing period of golden shades potteries production – are not limited and show the thought of potteries' manufacturers and users. This paper is descriptive – analytical