Morphology of Caravansaries in Iran's Safavid Era

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Morphology of Caravansaries in Iran's Safavid Era

1. Hossein Esmaeili Sangari

Academic Staff of RICHHTO (Research Institute of Iran Cultural Heritage and

Handicrafts and Tourism Organization)

[email protected]

2. Amin Shahamipour( Corresponding Author)

Department of Architecture, College of Art & Architecture, Tabriz branch, Islamic Azad

University, Tabriz, Iran

[email protected]

Address: Amin Shahamipour. P.O.Box 51385-4161. Tabriz.Iran

Abstract

This article is going to study and summarize current types of caravansary in Iran's Safavid

era. Method of research is based on the survey and population which considers the thirteen

suburban caravansaries and one caravansary has been put aside from the population

because of the disagreement about the construction period. Since the importance of

resuscitation of traditional spaces and the necessity of paying attention to architectural

strength points in different time periods, this kind of research seems very essential. The

results of this research show that there are four different types of caravansaries.

Type I are four porches caravansaries which have the most percentage. Type II is

caravansaries with two central yards in which the usage of yard has the most emphasize.

Type III is two porches caravansaries and their principal feature is to meet the basic

requirements of travelers. Finally type IV is caravansary with eight ears angles that has the

defensive aspect. By considering done studies, caravansary with two central yards can be

added to the previous studies of typology of caravansaries in terms of climate.

Key words: Morphology, Caravansary, Safavid architecture, Packing Rule, Resuscitation

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1. Introduction

Caravansaries are Iranian architectural monuments that because of different economic,

political, Military and religious reasons have been developed. In Safavid(A) era

(Caravansaries' flourishing period), prosperity of domestic and foreign trade and paying

attention to the pilgrimage ways and cities caused to the construction of many

caravansaries. Caravansaries are important from different viewpoints. In addition to

temporary accommodation and relaxation of caravansary settlers, were also a good place

for culture, thought and goods exchange. Therefore in addition to providing comfort and

safety of passengers, caravansaries had multiple usages.

Because of the importance of the subject and considering the partial lack of scientific-

research about the dominant structures on various types of caravansaries, the present

research is going to do a proper classification of current types of caravansaries in Safavid

era. This classification will be done by analyzing the layers, spaces and structure of

geometric progression.

So the author has been studying the suburban caravansaries, based on the typology of

caravansaries in terms of function. Therefore 13 caravansaries have been selected in cities

like: Isfahan, Kermanshah, Meybod, Neyshabur, Qom, Semnan and Tehran in a way that

are equal in importance. The "Maybod,Shah ‘Abbasi" caravansary, because of the

disagreement about the construction period, has been deleted from this list. In the study of

layer, horizontal layers have been studied and vertical layers are not studied because of the

nearly fixed height in suburban caravansaries.

In morphology subject, the pattern progress in Iranian architecture from the smallest part

to a fixed structure has been studied. Finally by studying the spaces and plans the discussion

of space has been completed.

In summary, at first the importance and necessity of topic and the purpose of research have

been considered in this article. Then the previous research records about caravansaries are

discussed. In following, after brief introduction of selected samples, they are studied and

analyzed in forms of tables and diagrams. At last, the results of this research are expressed.

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2. The importance and necessity of Issue

One of the contact spaces between cities in previous centuries were caravansaries. The

necessity of relaxation for passengers among long distances, need to suitable shelters for

preserving life and property of passengers and animals of caravansaries are the important

reasons of forming caravansaries. Security in Safavid era results in increasing the numbers

of caravansaries. Safavid era is "The Golden Period of Caravansaries" (Moradcheleh,

2010). In Safavid era caravansaries had lots of variety and very beautiful samples have

been constructed. Based on Golden Period of Caravansaries in Safavid era, the importance

and necessity of study in this period is increasing.

On the other hand, it is famous that Safavid King's minister has ordered one less than

thousand numbers. Since their counting would be slowly and futures would understand the

value of this, which is nine hundred and ninety nine, small and big caravansaries be

constructed. Because he wanted the number of constructed caravansaries be clear and

proper numbers like ten, hundred and thousand are easy to say.(Pirnia,2009, page 231).

3. Research Aims

Aim I: Studying the importance of Safavid Era in appearance of structures of different

monuments such as Caravansaries.

Aim II: Studying the variety of caravansaries types in Safavid Era.

Aim III: Summarizing the architecture of caravansaries in Safavid Era.

4. Review of Literature

The available literature on this topic can be divided in two main groups:

I)The reports of tourists and archeologists such as: Sirux ,Tavernier ,E’temad- ol-

Saltaneh, Sharden, whom had a general description about the shape of monument and its

builder, year of establishment, type of entrance and exit from the spaces.

II) Second type is the analysis of recent architectures and archeologists about caravansaries.

They have a specialist view about the caravansaries. They sometimes have had various

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classifications in different books and articles. But the topic of morphology has not been

mentioned in none of these sources. We hope the following article will decrease the partial

absence in this field.

5. Terminology

Caravansary:

Caravansary consist of two words: “Caravan” and “-Sary”. Caravan means a group of

people travelling together and -Sary means an inn with a central courtyard for travelers in

the desert regions of Asia or North Africa. Together Caravansary means a place that

Caravan stay for rest, eat, and ... during a journey or trip. The origin of the word is Persian

language of Pahlavi

Morphology:

Morphology is a particular form, shape, or structure. The origin of word backs to 19𝑡ℎ

century from Greek morph�̅� ‘form’ + -Logy. Morphology in grammar means the study of

how words are built up and how they change.

6. Materials & Methods:

6.1. Typology of Caravansary:

6.1.1. In terms of Climatology

In terms of climatology and type of passengers' requirements, the Iran's caravansaries are

built in different designs which can be put in three classes: the caravansaries of

mountainous region, the caravansaries at Persian Gulf Coast, and yarded caravansaries at

central regions of Iran (Ghobadian, 2008)

6.1.1.1. Caravansaries of Mountainous Regions

Regarding the intensity of cold in mountainous regions, its architecture is hardly protected

from outside natural features and for this reason, several ovens or wall heaters are

embedded in the rooms. The caravansaries of mountainous regions mainly have doomed

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rooms with several stables at that side. Sometimes the rest rooms are only as pillared hall

( Figure 1).

6.1.1.2. Caravansaries at Persian Gulf Coast

This kind of caravansaries do not have central yard and includes square building with

cruciform room in the center and side rooms. The caravansaries at Persian Gulf coasts are

usually put on rock platforms and all its rooms are connected to the outside for creating

airflow. These kinds of caravansaries have lower defensive aspect for relaxing the Safavid

era. The gates are opened from any sides to guide cool breeze inside. (Figure 2)

6.1.1.3. Caravansaries at Central Regions of Iran (Figure 3)

6.1.1.4. Caravansaries at central regions are divided into six classes:

- Circular caravansaries. (Figure 4)

- Octangular caravansaries (Figure 5)

- Two porches caravansaries (Figure 6)

- Four porches caravansaries (Figure 7)

- Hall caravansaries (Figure 8)

- Miscellaneous-designed caravansaries (Figure 9)

Figure 1. Sample type of Caravansaries of Mountainous Regions

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Figure 2. Sample type of Caravansaries at Persian Gulf Coast

Figure 3. Sample type of Caravansaries at Central Regions of Iran

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Figure 4. Sample type of Circular caravansaries in central regions of Iran

Figure 5. Sample type of octangular caravansaries in central regions of Iran

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Figure 6. Sample type of two porches caravansaries in central regions of Iran

Figure 7. Sample type of four porches caravansaries in central regions of Iran

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Figure 8. Sample type of Hall caravansaries in central regions of Iran

Figure 9. Sample type of Miscellaneous-designed caravansaries in central regions of Iran

6.1.2. Caravansaries in terms of function

In terms of function, the caravansaries are divided into two types of urban and suburban.

The suburban caravansaries are located along the road for accommodation of passengers

and urban caravansaries which are mostly known as Sara(B) are located beside market are

used for trading affairs, dock and load distribution (Keyvanlou, 2012)

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6.1.3. Caravansaries in terms of architecture:

In terms of architecture, the caravansaries are divided into two types of having middle Sara

and closed. The caravansaries with middle-Sara had long corridor which is connected to

the middle- Sara. The closed caravansaries did not have middle Sara and mostly are built

in cold zones (Pirniya, 2009: 474)

6.2. Classical architecture of Caravansary:

The architecture of caravansaries has different shapes at different historical eras. The

different shapes of caravansaries are shaped on three-fence basis. The primary fence had

defensive aspect and its entry is only a protected opening. The second fence is for keeping

carrier or riding animal or protecting the loading of caravan in the caravansary. The third

fence which covers the inner part of caravansary includes rooms and living place. There is

a big yard in the middle of caravansary and a moonlight shaped platform in is its middle

and is used for discharging. (Moradcheleh, 2010)

The golden era of establishing caravansaries belongs to Safavid era. In this era, Shah Abbas

I decided to rebuilding and resuscitation of the Silk Road and one of the obligations of it

was resuscitation of caravansaries (Keyvanlou, 2012).

6.3. Classical Architecture following nature

Shape and form of the classical places of Iran follow the physical geometry and

mathematical geometry and in fact are a combination of these two types of spatial

perception. Equilibrium and static of shapes in this architecture are founded from these

two. The classical architectural structures are mostly connected to each other based on

physical shackles, since the classical materials do not have enough resistance against types

of applied forces. So these structures are created obeying the rules governing natural shapes

(Mojabi, 2007).

With a kind of masonry with high precision and skill that seams are completely latched

together the elements in architecture has special importance and this causes that the shape

and form in traditional architecture is divided into different parts and districts which rely

on each other and guarantee its static against them and are transformed to each other

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geometrically. It's simple and general example is transforming square to circle in Iranian

domes (C). Squaring the circle.

Figure 10. Process of transforming square to circle in Iranian architecture


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In other words, we can say that the building elements and parts in traditional architecture

are transformed to each other and put behind each other following packing rule and are

totally provided using the geometrical- physical shackles and inherent stability which acts

independence of the chemical properties of materials and only with the preservative effects

of energy (Mojabi, 2007)

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Figure 19. procedure of applying Karbandi (D) (Pirniya, 2006)

7- Introducing samples

For studying the caravansaries at Safavid era, 13 of suburban caravansaries were chosen.

These caravansaries are located in different cities of Iran such as Yazd, Neishabour, Qom,

Semnan, Isfahan and Tehran which are as follow respectively:

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Sheikh ‘Ali-Khan, Koohpayeh, Mourchekhourt, Kenar-Gard, Qusheh, Do-Dehak, Ahuan,

Amin-Abad, Pasangan, Sadr-Abad, Shah’Abbasi, Shah’AbbasiII, Mahidasht.

From among these thirteen caravansaries, Maybod,Shah ‘Abbasi caravansary is omitted

from the list due to disagreement related to the construction period. In choosing these

thirteen caravansaries, it is tried to choose from any climate to consider the importance of

effecting climatic factors upon studying these samples. In studying any case, its location,

climate format, the evolution of building, and generalities of building architecture are

studied briefly. At the end, for summing up, name of caravansary, classification of building

area, caravansary plan and building perspective are provided in table 1 respectively.

For following the paper's abbreviations, caravansaries:

Sheikh ‘Ali-Khan, Koohpayeh, Mourchekhourt, Kenar-Gard, Qusheh, Do-Dehak, Ahuan,

Amin-Abad, Pasangan, Sadr-Abad, Shah’Abbasi, Shah’AbbasiII, Mahidasht

Are numbered from 1 to 12 respectively.

Name Plan Perspective

1 Isfahan, Sheikh ‘Ali-

Khan caravansary

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2 Isfahan, koohpayeh

caravansary

3 Isfahan,

MourcheKHourt

caravansary

4 Tehran, Kenar-Gard

caravansary

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5 Damghan, Qusheh

caravansary

6 Delijan, Do-Dehak

caravansary

7 Semnan, Ahuan

caravansary

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8 Shahreza, Amin-Abad

caravansary

9 Qom, Pasangan

caravansary

1

0 Qom, Sadr-Abad

caravansary

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1

1 Nayshabor, Shah

‘Abbasi caravansary

1

2 Kermanshah,Mahidas

ht caravansary

Table 1. Introduction of studied cases by Plans and perspectives (Haji Ghasemi, 2005)

Isfahan, Sheikh ‘Ali-Khan caravansary

This caravansary is in 35 km north-west side of Isfahan. It’s in hot and arid climate area.

The inscription of the caravansary’s portico indicates that its construction was completed

in1719. This building dates back to seventeenth century. However according to the local

populations, a restoration took place here in 1971. The caravansary building constitutes an

80 by 80 meter square with a 38 by 50 meter courtyard at its center. Four eivans(E) stand

at the center of the courtyard’s side and are flanked by a total of twenty-four eivachehs (F)

( Haji Ghasemi,2005:136)

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Isfahan, Koohpayeh caravansary

This caravansary is in Isfahan Na’in road,75th km. It’s in hot and arid climate. According

to the inscription, the construction of this caravansary was ordered by Safavid monarch,

Shah ‘Abbas I. This building was probably built in the last years of the sixteenth century.

This caravansary was temporarily transformed into a gendarmerie outpost in recent times

and most of its parts are almost intact. As in other caravansaries, it’s central courtyard is

encircled by eivanchehs with chambers behind them. Four eivanss tend in the middle of

the four sides of this courtyard (Haji Ghasemi, 2005:130)

Isfahan, Mourche Khourt caravansary

This caravansary is in Isfahan-Delijan road 55th km. It’s in hot and arid climate. Maxime

Sirux attributes this caravansary to the Safavid period and writes MourcheKhourt long

served as a rallying point for outgoing caravans. (Sirux: 1978:24) This building by covering

more than 4500 square meters, ranks among relatively large caravansaries. An almost

square courtyard with chamfered corners occupies its center. Each of the courtyard’s side

consist of a central eivan and three eivanchehs with chambers behind on its either side(

Haji ghasemi,2005:120)

Tehran, Kenar-Gard caravansary

This caravansary is in Tehran. It’s in cold climate area. Some authors attributes this

building to the Safavid period.(Kiyani,1983:105) This caravansary consist of two parts, the

western part of which is recent and appears to have been added to the main building during

the past hundred years. This building is unused today. Covering an area to more than

4400square meters, the main part of the building constitutes a relatively large caravansary.

Each of the four sides of its rectangular courtyard consist of a central eivan flanked by

several eivanchehs.(Haji Ghasemi,2005:108)

Damghan, Qusheh caravansary

This caravansary is in Damghan-Semnan road, 35th km. It’s in hot and arid climate. This

building is one of the Safavid monarch, Shah ‘Abbasi I. After the Qajar Period, the

caravansary was once again restored in 1976 by Iranian National Organization for the

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preservation of Ancient Monuments . The building forms a 52 meter square. It has a small

Hasht-O-Nim-hasht(G) courtyard which covers only 12 percent of the total surface of the

caravansary. In this caravansary, as in most similar buildings. Eivans and eivanchehs are

located around the courtyard. The eivans occupy the middle of the courtyard’s sides and

are flanked, down to the courtyard’s corner, by eivanchehs connected to chambers behind

them. (Haji Ghasemi,2005:102)

Delijan, Do-Dehak caravansary

This caravansary is in Delijan-Qom road, 20𝑡ℎ km. It’s in hot and arid climate. This

building refers to Safavid period. The various parts of this ancient building have remained

intact but are unused today. This caravansary is located on a river bank. An old Safavid

bridge still spans the river, connecting the caravansary to the village of Do-Dehak.

Although its area of less than 3000 square meters puts it in the category of small

caravansaries (Haji Ghasemi, 2005:96)

Semnan, Ahuan caravansary

This caravansary is in Semnan-Damghan road, 40𝑡ℎ km. It’s in hot and arid climate area.

The inscription adorning the caravansary’s portico included Shah Solayman’s name and

it’s date 1718 corresponds to the region of the Safavid monarch Solayman I; however , the

Abjad-encoded date of 1664 dates back to Shah Safi.( E’temad,1983:311) This

caravansary by covering an area of more than 5200 square meters, rank among large

caravansaries. Its large central courtyard, measuring approximately 44 by 38 meters,

occupies more than 32 percent of its surface. Rows to eivanchehs and eivans encircle this

courtyard and the caravansaries chamber are located behind the eivanchehs. (Haji-

Ghasemi, 2005:84)

Shahreza, Amin-Abad caravansary

Sirux refers to this building as Amin-Abad. It’s in hot and arid climate area of Shahreza

city near Isfahan. This building was built in Safavid. In his description of this building,

Tavernier mentions a beautiful garden near it. Which does not exist today. (Tavernier,

1957,p:630) This building is one of the rare caravansaries design and built on an octagonal

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base. It covers approximately 2800 square meters and an octagonal courtyard occupies a

considerable area at its center. Regardless of courtyard design, the four eivan model has

been retained by existence of central eivans opposed two by two on four of the courtyard’s

side. Each of the secondary sides (without eivans) consist of six eivanchehs with chambers

behind them. And each of the main sides comprises a central Eivan flanked by two

chambers and eivanchehs. Thus, the man and secondary facades have totally different

appearance. (Haji Ghasemi, 2005:68)

Qom, Pasangan caravansary

This caravansary is in Qom-Kashan road, 70th km. It’s in hot and arid climate. The

building was built in Safavid. Covering more than six thousand square meters, this square

caravansary ranks among large caravansaries. Its courtyard is a44 meter square surrounded

by four eivans and numerous eivanchehs. In this caravansary, since no chambers exist

behind the eivanchehs, these don’t lead into any closed area. On each side of the courtyard,

a central eivan is flanked by two eivanchehs. The eivan’s tall silhouettes interrupt the

continuity of the sly-line around the court yard at the centers of its side, which gives the

eivans greater prominence. (Haji Ghasemi, 2005:64)

Qom, Sadr-Abad caravansary

This caravansary is in 35𝑡ℎ north-east of Qom. It’s in hot and arid climate. The original

building of this caravansary dates back to the Safavid period and parts were added to it in

Qajar period. This caravansary has two courtyard surrounded by differnet areas. The

second, smaller, courtyard has a Hash-O-Nim-Hasht base and is encircled by eivanchehs.

The eastern and western sides’ eivanchehs are deep, but have no chambers behind them.

(Haji Ghasemi, 2005:58)

Nayshabor, Shah ‘Abbasi caravansary

This caravansary is in Emam Khomeini Street in Nayshabor. It’s in hot and Semi-arid

climate. This caravansary was built in Safavid period.(Kiani,1983:137) covering an area of

approximately 4900 square meters, this caravansary ranks among relatively large

caravansaries. The Building’s square central courtyard with chamfered corners is encircled

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by four eivans and twenty-four eivanchehs. Each of which has a chamber behind it. The

stables of the ensemble from a second ring around the building. They consists of pillared

areas located at the corners of the courtyard and connected to each other by long pathways


Kermanshah, Mahidasht caravansary

This caravansary is in Kermanshah-Eslamabad road, 25th . It’s in hot and Semi-arid

climate. As existing sources indicate, this building was erected during the region of the

Safavid monarch, Shah ‘Abbasi II, (Kiani, 1983:22) But its commissioner has remained

unknown. Covering more than 4500 square meters, this building ranks among relatively

medium caravansaries. The courtyard is surrounded by eivans and chambers fronted by

eivanchehs. The eivans of its northern, eastern and western sides are only slightly taller

than their flanking facades, creating an almost monotonous skyline on these three sides.


8- Morphology

Talking about morphology of Iran classical architecture will be an unfinished category

without analyzing the layers, spaces and structure of its geometric progress. The indigents

and physical and geometric particulars will have irrevocable effect on final result of total

volume. In this regard, the beginning of classical architectural morphology is done via basic

and standard motion in space (Mojabi, 2007:52). The basic element in Iran's classical

architecture is brick. Brick and manner of its arrangement causes module and create

different proportions and realize it in Iran's architecture.

Humanism in Islamic architecture is the heed of human proportion between building

elements and human body and his physical and emotional needs. Humanism in Iranian

architecture is obvious when we have a look at spaces and its details. (Hosseini, 2012:318)

On the other hand brick is the common material for constructing elements in most of the

regions of Iran. (Ahmadkhani, 2011:86)

Brick in history of Iran's classical architecture create a wide range of shapes using its

standard body and causes maximum of diversity. It is enough to consider the diversity of

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brick building, constructional elements and their decorations in history of Islamic

Architecture to consider the theory of minimum elements and maximum diversity for

which the mankind for first time experience it via brick (Mojabi, 2004).

Anyway, using brick Module includes creating structure in surface, volume and combining

structures to each other (Mojabi, 2007:59). For example, a transom of caravansary is

composed of many bricks.

Figure 20. Transom with brick of Iranian caravansary

For studying morphology, the caravansaries of Safavid era are considered layer studying,

structure studying, and space studying. In analyzing the layers, studying the horizontal cut

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was being considered and the vertical cut has less importance due to its semi fixed height

in all the suburban caravansaries. For understanding the spatial structure, we studied the

main spaces, spaces dimensions, plan shape, occupied area and related issues.

Figure 21. Morphology Diagram

The studying is done in 4 tables. In first table main spaces are analyzed, in the second table

caravansaries are classifying by regarding area, total area, climate, plan shape, central yard

shape, in the third table particulars related to applying are studied and finally in forth table

the four available layers in caravansary are analyzed.

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En

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10 * * * * * - * - - * * - - - 11 * * * - * - * - - * * - - - 12 * * * - * - * * - * * - - -

Table 2. Analyzing of being main spaces

According to table, 100% of studying caravansaries have central yard, chamber, stable

porch and stoop. The availability of central yard is a reason for importance of introversion

(H) at Safavid architecture. On the other hand, it causes fresh air conditioning in summer

and benefiting from maximum sunshine in winter. The availability of chamber and stables

in all caravansaries is a reason for meeting the pedestrian's requirements.

75 percent of caravansaries have octangular. The caravansaries which do not have

octangular are mostly located around Qom. Non-availability of octangular in about 15

percent of caravansaries around Qom is maybe due to changing the architectural styles in

previous eras and the native architects reach on a proper method for resuscitation of

octangular.

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58 percent of caravansaries have royal seat (10). These caravansaries mostly are considered

as big caravansaries in classification. This scattering is probably due to the important of

road and passing of grand caravans. The Safavid kings lodged in these caravansaries during

travel to other cities or when they went to hunting. Yet, in a wide area which is supported

with tight fence, there are two yards which are connected to each other while each has

separated opening. Therefore, it was possible that one of the yards is allocated to traders

and the other passengers. It may also possible that during king stay or governmental official

boards' stay, to separate one of the yards from the other. The upper rooms of yard were

special for domicile of traders and important persons and form of these separate rooms are

like platform. This uncoordinated appearance is considered at many of the buildings of

Safavid era. Cistern, Chaharsoogh (J), spring house was not in any of the samples. In most

of Iran's regions, the amount of rainfall is lower than global mean. Great parts of Iran

suffered from lacking water. The ancient architects for solve the common water problems

made decisions in any region, one of these decisions are constructing water storage and

spring house (Farrokhyar, 2007). The non-availability of water storage and spring house

represents relatively favorable conditions for rainfall and used waters.

Cla

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chamfered

rectangle

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184

4 Small Cold

4400𝑚2 Rectangular chamfered

rectangle

5 Small Hot and


chamfered

square

6 Small Hot and


chamfered

square

7 Big Hot and


chamfered

rectangle

8 Small Hot and

arid 2800𝑚2 Octangular Octagon

9 Big Hot and


chamfered

square

10 Small Hot and


chamfered

rectangle

11 Small

Hot and

Semi-

arid

4900𝑚2 Quadrangular chamfered

square

12 Small

Hot and

Semi-

arid

4500𝑚2 Quadrangular chamfered

square

Table 3. Classification in terms of Area, Climate and Plan Shape

The results of table 3 show that half of the studied caravansaries are in big classification

with minimum area of 4900 square meters and maximum area of 7216 square meters and

50 percent are located in average and small classifications with minimum area of 2800

square meters and maximum area of 4500 square meters. Caravansaries with big

classification have more importance in Safavid era due to its location which is mainly in

center of country and near to the capital of Safavid Era. I.e. Isfahan. On the other hand,

along the Silk Road and trade boom with Europe, the caravansaries gradually increased.

The plans shape is built on square base except one case. One of the important characteristics

of caravansaries is square or rectangular plan with a highlighted, great and long opening

which is usually simple and without image (Keyvanlou, 2013). Regarding the compliance

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185

of the structures of Iran's classical architecture, brick with proper composition of cubic

shape in total scale is created from physical shackles and not enough resistance of

traditional material against types of the applied forces. This is the main reason for creating

cubic forms in Safavid caravansaries and Iran's traditional architecture. Contrary to other

caravansaries, Amin Abad Caravansary of Shahrza is created from a plan with octagonal

rule which shows the defensive state of these caravansaries.

According to table 3, 90 percent of caravansaries are located in dry and hot climate or hot

and semi-dry climates. Such distribution is due to climatic particulars though for political

issues such as being near to Safavid capital geographical issue like centrality distribution

of important cities in plateau of Iran and economic issues such as caravan's passing to

Europe and economical path of the Silk Road.

Kar

ban

d

Ty

pe

Kar

ban

di

bac

kg

rou

nd

1 - Octagon

2 - -

3 - Octagon

4 - -

5 - -

6 - -

7 - -

8 - -

9 - -

10 - -

11 - -

12 - -

Table 4. Used Applications

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186

According to table 4, application and showing it in vaults is considered as decorations (11).

In Safavid era and contrary to further eras, from Qajar to Pahlavi, decorations have less

importance in Iran's architecture. After Safavid era and in Qajar architecture and upon

influence of European style to Iran's architecture, the decorations find a status for

themselves, therefore, in studying application by end of Safavid era, we do not come to

remarkable results (Amirkhani, A, Baghaei, P. Bemanian, M. 2009)

Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 3 Layer 4

Sp

ace

s

Per

cen

t o

f occ

up

ied

are

a

Sp

ace

s

Per

cen

t o

f occ

up

ied

are

a

Sp

ace

s

Per

cen

t o

f occ

up

ied

are

a

Sp

ace

s

Per

cen

t o

f occ

up

ied

are

a

1 𝑆1 5.82 𝑆4-

𝑆10

03815 𝑆9

𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7

3285. 𝑆3 528.0

2 𝑆1-

𝑆8

2825 𝑆10 1.882 𝑆2

𝑆9

𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7-

𝑆15

58865 𝑆3 50800

3 𝑆1 0808 𝑆10 538.6 𝑆2

𝑆9

𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7

1288. 𝑆3 23820

4 𝑆1 1820 𝑆10 3.810 𝑆2

𝑆8

𝑆14

32800 𝑆3 5.81.

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187

𝑆6

𝑆7

𝑆15

5 𝑆1 328.8 𝑆10 58858 𝑆2-

𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7-

𝑆15

018.. 𝑆3 30830

6 𝑆1 328.. 𝑆10-

𝑆14

308.. 𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7

𝑆14

𝑆15

50855 𝑆3 3.811

7 𝑆1 12 𝑆10 3082 𝑆2

𝑆4

𝑆5

𝑆9

𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7

10830 𝑆3 118.1

8 𝑆1 52882 𝑆10 50886 𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7

𝑆9

10852 𝑆3 3.820

9 𝑆1 358.5 𝑆10 38820 𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7

𝑆9

50806 𝑆3 13803

10 𝑆1 . 𝑆10 16 𝑆2

𝑆4

𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7

16 𝑆3 15

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188

11 𝑆1 36 𝑆10 06 𝑆2

𝑆8

𝑆6

𝑆7

56 𝑆3 16

12 𝑆1 0 𝑆4-

𝑆10

10 𝑆2

𝑆6

𝑆7

𝑆8

𝑆9

12 𝑆3 52

Table 5. Layer analyzing by study of layers and percent of occupied area

Iran's caravansaries are built on four-layer base. First layer has defensive aspect, second

layer are for keeping carrying and riding animals, third layers have repose rooms of

caravansary and core of caravansary and finally the forth layer is the place of discharging

and central core of caravansary. For abbreviation, the spaces of entry, octangular,

courtyard, auxiliary yard, booth, porch, stoop, chamber, royal seat, stable, water storage,

spring house, c, warehouse, animal's room are name as S1 to S15 respectively.

In studying layer, the spaces available in each layer and percent of the occupied area are

defined. The computation of occupied area's percent for each layer is done via standard

deviation (SD) at reliability of 95%.

For computing the standard deviation and reliability, the following formula is being used.

Formula for standard deviation

SD=√1

𝑁−1∑ 𝐼𝑛

𝑖=1 (𝑥𝑖 − �̅�) 2

𝑆𝑒=𝑆𝐷

√𝑛

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189

According to this table, mean of occupied percent in case studies were 15 %for first layer,

27% for second layer, 28% for third layer and 30% for forth layer. This statistics show the

applied importance of each layer in this architectural era. 15% Occupation of first layer

which has mostly defensive aspect is a reason for establishing immunity in Safavid era. On

the other hand, mean percent of occupied area of second layer (place of keeping animals)

is 27 percent and mean percent of occupied area of third layer (repose rooms of caravansary

such as porch, chamber and royal seat) are 28 percent and mean percent of occupied area

of forth layer (place of storing goods or trading) are 30 percent. The closeness of obtained

results from second, third and fourth layers show the applied importance of these three

layers to each other and preference of this applications for establishing immunity in

caravansaries of Safavid era which is remarkable characteristic of this architectural era.

Graph at figure 23 represents the number of available spaces in case studies. According to

the graph, the spaces which meet the primary requirements of passengers such as courtyard,

porch, vault, chamber and stable are available at all caravansaries. The royal seat room is

available in 58 percent of caravansaries. Scattering of caravansaries which has royal seat

are in Kermanshah, Qom, Isfahan and Semnan. This scattering is probably due to the

importance of roads and paths of luxurious caravansaries or residing place of Safavid kings

with traders.

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Figure 22. Mean percent of layers' occupied area

Figure 23. Number of available spaces in case studies

Layer 115%

Layer 227%

Layer 328%

Layer 430%

Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 3 Layer 4

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15

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9- Conclusion:

By studying the Caravansaries of Safavid era (1501-1736) from the space, structure and

layer viewpoints, caravansaries can be classified into 4 types:

Type I, Are four porches Caravansaries that 75 percent of them are in a big classification

in the minimum area of 4900 square meters and maximum area of 7140 square meters.

The occupied area in the second and third layers, form the most occupied area in these

caravansaries. Nearly 66 percent of caravansaries are in this type. All of these

caravansaries are located in arid and semiarid climates.

Type II, Are caravansaries that have two central yards. All of these caravansaries are in the

mean categories with minimum area of 4000 square meters and maximum area of 4300

square meters. In none of these caravansaries there is no Shahneshin (I). The occupied area

in the yard is more than 1, 2 and 3 layers of caravansary. Almost 16 percent of caravansaries

are in this type. There are samples of these caravansaries in mountainous and dry regions.

Type III: Are two porches caravansaries which are in the small category. In these

caravansaries because of less area, the importance of meeting passengers' needs was at the

priority. Therefore the occupied area of third layer is more than occupied layers in other

layers. Almost 8 percent of caravansaries are in this type. Samples of these caravansaries

are in dry climate.

Type IV: Are caravansaries with eight angles. These caravansaries have defensive aspect

because of the form of plan. The occupied area in layer one is more than other layers. 8

percent of caravansaries are in this category. They are considered small in terms of area.

There are samples of these caravansaries in dry regions.

In addition to 4 different types of caravansaries, there is a common point in all

caravansaries. There is geometrical symmetry in all samples. By studying different types,

caravansary with two central yards can be added to the morphology study of caravansary

based on climate. This kind of study has not done before and the result is the combination

of two caravansaries with central yard.

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10- End Notes:

A) Safavid: The Safavid dynasty was one of the most significant ruling dynasties of Iran, and is

often considered the beginning of modern Persian history. They ruled one of the greatest Persian

empires after the Muslim conquest of Persia and established the twelve school of Shi'a Islam]as

the official religion of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in Muslim

history.

B) Sara: It is one of the Islamic architectural characteristics. Mosques, schools,

Caravansaries and houses had central yards. Middle Sara had two main roles in Islamic

era: First, it provided The Muslim's need to a place of cleaning in mosques and schools and

their need to a place for relaxation and loading in the yard of caravansary.

Second, it was separating the structure from the noise of material and daily life activity,

by centralizing the internal space. In general, the shape of middle sara was square and

rectangle. But sometimes polygon and circle plans were used. The Middle Sara

determined a way to access the shabestan and related structures like staircases and rooms.

And had a porch in one, two or different sides. The Middle Sara with its Golden Iranian

Proportion and its imperative orientation, have prepared a suitable hygienic environment

and has used and prepared the sun light, for its surrounding rooms in a best way during

the whole year.

C) Transforming square to circle in Iranian domes: Making Corbel: Is a kind of

architectural structure similar to a hollow hemisphere. The history of construction of

dome with different materials is prehistoric. Corbel can be seen in buildings and tombs of

ancient Middle East. The construction of first advanced technical domes in Europe was

begun in Roman Architectural Revolution, when Romans were constructing the large

internal spaces and public buildings.

D) Karbandi: It is a phenomenon which its structure is one of the necessities of traditional

architecture and is rooted in historical, aesthetic and Iranian Insight and exclusively is

Iranian. The simple and common method to change the square of background to the circle

of dome and arch is Karbandi. The Karbandi of structure, is a kind of covering consisting

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of doublet arch with certain arcs that cut each other under geometrical rules and make the

main shape of the coverage. Mostly is in the form of the skeleton of second coverage and

shorter than the main ceiling. And sometimes is used based on the main ceiling. Usually

Karbandi is divided into two parts: Vertical frame and strong frame. (Sattari, 2011:39)

Selecting the numbers of sides of Karbandi is not determined just by architect's

preference. But it is determined by the type of different dimensions of surfaces which

should be classified. So if there is a rectangle with the length of a, and width of b, so the

formula will be as follow:

Number of Karbandi sides= 2 (a+b-2)

E) Eivan: Covered outdoor area supported by columns, usually bounded by a wall on one

or more sides

F) Eivancheh: Small Eivan

G) Hash-O-Nim-hasht: In Iranian architectural geometry a square that its corners folded

into a bezel size.

H) introversion: Basically people beliefs had a great impact on establishing unified

features in Iranian traditional architecture. The most stable and sturdy point about Iranian

Islamic architecture is the issue of tendency to the inside and in general introversion. The

main aim of the introspection is to divert the attention to the inside and refuse outside.

(Hosseini, B. Zand Karimi, A.2012.p:320)

I) Predominant, Shahneshin, Royal Seat, Is an indented space with a semi-dome ceiling

with a space like a deep shelf. It is also called sitting room and sometimes is a part of

saloon which is higher than the other parts

J) Chaharsoogh: Is equivalent of a four-way, “Soogh” singly means traditional place .by

adding “Chahar” means four in Persian make it a four way path in Iranian architecture.

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