Historical Sources for Studying Urban Morphology in Iran

Abstract

This article examines historical sources for studying the urban morphology of Iranian cities and villages. It considers travelogues, Persian literature, historical maps, surviving buildings, and contemporary research as complementary forms of evidence for understanding the development and spatial organisation of Iranian settlements. It also discusses architectural features, including bazaars, mosques, sabaats, hashtis, and windcatchers, and their relationships with climatic conditions, cultural practices, and social needs. By bringing these sources together, the article outlines the principal types of evidence available for investigating Iran’s urban and rural forms and highlights the importance of interpreting historical texts in conjunction with the surviving built environment.