The typology of traditional houses in Tabriz

Abstract

Traditional houses are the most important places to represent the life style of the past. The lack of recognition and appreciation of these buildings on the part of authorities, and the public too, will gradually lead to their destruction and replacement by contemporary buildings. This research aims to introduce specific architectural features of traditional houses in Tabriz. Preserving the features of these houses helps in maintaining the architectural heritage and culture of the region. Most of the old houses of Tabriz were reconstructed at the beginning of the Qajar era after the devastating earthquake of 1780. The existing houses from the past are those that have survived from the modern age invasions. The destruction caused by contemporary constructions, in the chaos of the modern period, makes it difficult for researches to gather information about the principles of traditional buildings and to identify their typology. This survey is a compilation of the typology of 52 traditional houses of Qajar (1779-1925) and Pahlavi (1921-1978) periods in Tabriz. © 2011 WIT Press.