The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

The Impact of Shifting Trade Routes During the Safavid Period on the Transformation of Caravanserais in Central and Southern Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2024.420245.5466
Volume 21, Issue 138
December 2024
Pages 29-40
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Zahra Hasibi 1
Reza Afhami 1, 2
Jaleh Sabernejad 3

1 Department of Architecture, Kish international Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kish Island, Iran.

2 Department of Art studies, Faculty of Art, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Caravanserais of the Safavid period underwent significant changes in their typology and architectural structure from the beginning to the end of the dynasty. These typological shifts were likely influenced by a variety of factors, and identifying and examining these influential factors is of paramount importance.
Research objective: The aim of this research is to examine the changes in various architectural elements of caravanserais during the Safavid era, focusing on how shifts in distance and trade volume along routes leading from land to sea affected this architectural type. The research question posed here is: how did changes in trade routes during the Safavid period impact the typology and structure of caravanserais of this era?
Research method: This research, grounded in the theory of evolutionary typology, adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data. It investigates the impact of shifting trade routes on the physical characteristics of 15 major caravanserais built along these routes during the Safavid period. These caravanserais were purposefully selected to allow the examination of various relevant variables.
Conclusion: The research found that the shift from land to sea trade routes changed the design of caravanserais. Caravanserais along the Silk Road were built for large caravans and long stays, while those along maritime routes were smaller and designed for shorter stays and more goods.

Keywords

Trade Routes
Safavid Period
Caravanserais
physical Structure
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