Comparative comparison of historical textures (bridges) of the cities of Ardabil and Isfahan and the effect of geographical features on their construction

Shahbazi Shiran, Habib; Jabbarpour, Shadi

Comparative comparison of historical textures (bridges) of the cities of Ardabil and Isfahan and the effect of geographical features on their construction

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Habib Shahbazi Shiran ¹

Shadi Jabbarpour ² ^¶

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Archeology, Faculty of social sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

² MSc Student, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective: This research presents a comparative study of the historical bridges of Ardabil and Isfahan during the Safavid era, focusing on the influence of each region’s geographical features on the architecture and construction of these bridges. During the Safavid period, both Ardabil and Isfahan were recognized as significant political, cultural, and economic centers of Iran. Bridges of this era, beyond their function as crossings, played a crucial role in enhancing communication, facilitating economic exchanges, and even serving military purposes. The design and construction of these bridges were influenced by geographical, climatic, topographic conditions, and available local resources. In this context, examining how architects and engineers responded to natural challenges reveals the degree of architectural adaptation to the environmental context. The findings of the study indicate that geographical differences have led to variations in the design, construction, and functions of the bridges. Bridges in Ardabil, suited to mountainous conditions and variable rivers, exhibit more robust structures, while bridges in Isfahan, influenced by the urban setting and the Zayandeh Roud River, feature more open, decorative designs with multifunctional roles.
Methodology: The research methodology is descriptive-analytical, and data has been collected through library sources, historical texts, architectural documents, and geographical analyses. The core of this analysis consists of a comparison of design, structural types, materials used, and the functions of the bridges.
Findings and Conclusion: The main objective of this study is to compare the architecture and structure of prominent historical bridges in Ardabil and Isfahan and to analyze the impact of geographical factors such as climate, topography, and water resources on the formation of their form, materials, and functions. This research aims to identify architectural patterns adapted to environmental conditions through the study of selected examples.

Keywords

Historical Bridges

Ardabil

Isfahan

Safavid Era

Regional Geography

Subjects

Urban Tourism

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