“Hosseiniyeh”; İran Geleneksel Kentlerinde Bir Ara Mekan

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the socio-spatial roles of Hosseiniyeh, a neighborhood square in traditional Iranian cities. The hypothesis of the research is that Hosseiniyeh acted as an in-between space within the hierarchical urban structure. The notion of in-betweenness reveals architectural qualities that support the reciprocal states of separation and connection between conflicting realms. In-between spaces are the key elements to preserve the integration of urban areas. When these intermediate spaces disappeared as a result of modernist planning, their importance was revealed. It is useful to reconsider in-between spaces in the real context. In the organic urban fabric of Iranian historic cities, “Hosseiniyeh” was configured as a transitional space between the public (Bazaar) and the semi-public realms (neighborhood). With its unique urban location, this neighborhood square can be an appropriate case of the in-between space. Developed during the Shiite Safavid government (1501 to 1736), the main function of Hosseiniyeh was to serve as a venue for Ta'ziyeh, the only indigenous theater engendered by the world of Islam. The present study aims to evaluate the architectural qualities of Hosseiniyeh based on the theoretical framework of the in-between space. The spatial characteristics of the square and its architectural components are compared with the various states of the in-between space. The findings illustrate that the historic square meets the qualities of an in-between space. Connecting the two socially and functionally different areas, Hosseiniyeh was an intermediate urban space that indicated the end of a public realm and the beginning of a residential district. With its specific socio-political character, the square protected the Shiite identity and reinforced the urban unity. The present study contributes to an understanding of how an in-between space acted in a real urban context.