Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: The transition between the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods in Iran involved significant changes in political, economic, cultural, and social aspects. These changes affected every part of life in the country, including the city of Tabriz. One of the areas deeply influenced by these shifts was architecture, especially the design and layout of residential houses. Houses in Tabriz did not just serve as buildings for shelter; they became spaces that reflected the changing lifestyles and social norms of the people. Despite the importance of this transformation, few studies have closely examined how these social and political changes appeared in the physical form of houses. This research aims to explore how different social factors influenced the evolution of housing architecture in Tabriz during this transitional period. Due to Tabriz’s strategic location near Russia and the Ottoman Empire, and its political significance with the presence of the Crown Prince, the city was especially exposed to modern ideas and cultural interactions. By studying these influences, this research tries to explain how political and social developments affected the structure, space, and function of residential buildings in Tabriz. The primary research question is: How did the form, spatial organization, and function of houses in Tabriz change between the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, and what were the main causes behind these architectural transformations?

Methods: This study employs a qualitative research approach combining field observations and library-based documentary analysis. A total of 40 residential buildings dating from the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, accessible for onsite visits and data collection, were selected as case studies. The research method is descriptive-interpretive, focusing on identifying spatial patterns, architectural elements, and functional changes within these homes. Data collection included visual surveys, photographic documentation, and archival research to gather information on the layout, structural modifications, and use of spaces within these houses. The analysis focused on understanding the progression of architectural transformations and linking them to historical social changes, thereby enabling a comprehensive understanding of the mutual interaction between society and residential architecture in Tabriz.

Findings: The findings reveal that architectural reforms and spatial modifications in Tabriz’s houses began gradually during the mid-Qajar period and intensified in the early Pahlavi era. Initially, these changes influenced the lifestyles of the residents, marking a shift from traditional living patterns. In the early Pahlavi period, significant spatial reorganization took place, where multi-functional spaces traditionally reflecting Iranian cultural and social customs were either removed or repurposed. For example, inner courtyards (Andaruni), transitional entrance spaces such as porches, corridors, and vestibules, as well as other characteristic features like pool rooms (Howzkhaneh), continuous verandas (Iwan), and alcoves (Kalleh’i), gradually disappeared or lost their original forms. Instead, these were replaced by simpler, mono-functional rooms designed primarily for living, sleeping, or resting. This transformation led to the removal of many traditional spaces and a simpler spatial form.

Conclusion: This research concludes that the spatial and architectural transformations observed in the houses of Tabriz during the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods are direct reflections of the broader political, social, and cultural shifts of the era. The transformation from traditional, multi-functional houses to simpler, function-specific residential spaces mirrors the modernization process and changing lifestyles influenced by Iran’s interaction with neighboring powers and internal reforms. Tabriz’s unique geopolitical position accelerated these changes, making it a critical case study for understanding Iran’s architectural evolution during this period. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how architecture serves as a tangible record of social history, embodying the complex interplay between cultural identity, political change, and everyday life. These findings contribute valuable insights into the field of architectural history and urban studies in Iran, highlighting the importance of preserving and studying historical houses as living documents of societal transformation.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Historic sites and museums have drawn individuals’ attention due to their ability to make a connection between the audience and the past. In addition, visiting the historical sites is more significant for the audience as they are at the heart of the artwork and its field of creation. However, the managers’ intellectual concern is the necessity of preserving tangible and intangible heritage, such as natural or historical heritage, while trying to keep the area alive. Therefore, it is essential to answer the two following questions to achieve the research goal (efforts to explain the needs and suitable spatial components for public presence in historic sites in the form of an archeological park). The research questions are: what are the requirements for creating an archeological park on a historic site? What are the main components of creating an archeological park? 
Methods: This investigation has been conducted based on a qualitative approach and historical interpretation strategy, according to studying and researching national and international theories and charters about museums, historical sites, and archeological parks and explaining the features of each one. Then the effective factors, backgrounds for creation and goals of the relevant organizations (UNESCO, ICOM, ICROM, and ICOMOS), and the theorists’ views on museums and archeological parks with logical reasoning strategy about basic topics have been codified. Based on the coded items, the components for transforming a historic site into an archeological park have been introduced and extracted. This research assesses the capacity of the historic sites for transforming them into archeological parks according to the components or the necessary potential for creating them in the vicinity of some historical sites. It also explains the effects of the archaeological park on the sustainable development of the historic site and the local communities associated with it.
Findings: Historical site capacity must be assessed by the components required for making an archeological park according to their location, their adjacency to the residential areas, the access routes, and the availability of infrastructure to local communities. In this research, these components are categorized into two groups: main components and developmental components. These components have been extracted from the relevant organizations’ objectives and the theorists’ views on museums and archaeological parks. The main components are the components for creating an archeological park, including the tangible heritage (historical and natural) and intangible heritage. In contrast, the development components are components that provide the conditions for the survival of an archaeological park. These components include facilities and equipment from the road to energy and their tools and means of transportation. Service refers to all activities that allow people to continue to attend. The existence of efficient staff is another necessity for the survival of the archeological park. The social component indicates the need for the participation of local communities in the area. Finally, security and safety are also basic and influential components in this issue, which considers both tangible and intangible effects on clients, audiences, and employees. 
Conclusion: Historic sites are one of the most important sources for transmitting information from the past until now. They have extraordinary values that require comprehensive protection to transmit these values to the future. The experience of attending historical sites for professionals and the public has a very influential role in recognizing the history and cultural identity of the region. At the moment, the experiences in open museums and museum sites show that archeological parks can strengthen the sense of belonging of the local community and sustainable development of the region by coordinating and integrating management and resolving the needs of researchers and visitors. They can also offer comprehensive and sustainable scientific protection of the heritage of the historical site in the main location instead of transferring the museums to other places. In order to achieve this goal and prevent damages from uncontrolled tourism to historical sites, we need to check the capacity assessment and the conformity or non-conformity of historical sites and their surrounding environment to become an archeological park. As a result, if a historical site has the necessary conditions and components to become an archaeological park in the region, it can provide sustainable protection of the historical site and sustainable development of local communities in the region by integrated management in the form of the archaeological park. It requires two groups of components, including the main components that an archeological park must have (tangible, intangible, and natural heritage), and development components that provide the conditions for its survival (facilities and equipment, services, staff, social participation, security, and safety).