Town square (or Maidan in Farsi) is one of the most important and multifaceted inspirational elements in the traditional urban pattern of Iranian cities. The main function of squares emphases on urban transportation affairs, but it also covers a range of economic, social, military, political and religious activities. Since the Safavid era, due to the particular approach of this dynasty to urban design, the square became a crucial element in the urban structure of Iranian cities. In this regard, Naqsh-e Jahan Square built by the order of Shah Abbas I in the capital city of Safavid dynasty (1501-1736), Isfahan. Since then, this square has had a profound influence on the urban texture of other Iranian cities. In this regard, Khan Square layout in Yazd, which was constructed in the late Zand dynasty (1751-1794) era inspired by the model of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan. The purpose of this article is to introduce and describe the vital components of Yazd’s Khan Square and Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan square. In this article, the inspirational mechanisms in the design of these two outstanding squares are also painstakingly studied.

Keywords: Iran, Khan Square, Yazd, Urban Pattern, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan, Architecture,

Iranian Architecture

Hamid Afshar, Parham Karimia, Iranology Foundation

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