Re-examining the transformation of urban public spaces in post-Islamic Iran (From the Safavid Era to the Present)

Document Type : Original Research Articles

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Islamic Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

The city reflects the culture, values, and social structures of its inhabitants, and public spaces- as fundamental urban elements- play a critical role in shaping social relations, urban identity, and spatial justice. These spaces foster human interaction and reinforce a sense of social cohesion. Since cities are shaped and given meaning by their human creators, they are inherently connected to the cultural and religious characteristics of a society. This study, using a descriptive-analytical approach and comparative analysis, investigates the historical transformation of public spaces in Iran after the advent of Islam. Data collection was conducted through documentary research. The analysis focuses on four historical periods- the Safavid, Qajar, Pahlavi, and post-Islamic Revolution- and examines key public spaces from an Islamic perspective in terms of their physical, functional, and semantic transformations. The findings reveal that Islamic teachings emphasize the social nature of public space and consider accessibility for all as a key criterion of desirability. Spaces such as Tekyehs, Hosseiniehs, and Mosallas are among the manifestations of the Islamic worldview in Iran, reflecting the growing religious expression of society. The study concludes that the Safavid era shows the highest alignment with Islamic public space principles— such as universal access, ritual integration, and participatory function— while the Pahlavi period, influenced by modernist models, witnessed a decline in the social and cultural functions of public spaces. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need to revitalize public spaces based on Islamic-Iranian identity, address contemporary urban needs, and thoughtfully integrate indigenous principles with global urban transformations.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Geography and Regional Future Studies
Volume 3, Issue 4 - Serial Number 12
Winter
December 2026
Pages 20-39

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