A New Look at Unique Characteristics of Iran's Rock-Cut Architecture Settlements (Case Study: The World Heritage Site of Meymand Village, Shahre Babak)

Subject Areas : Urban and Regional Planning Studies

M. Mangeli ¹ ( phd student in restoration and rehabilitation of monuments and historical fabrics, Isfahan Art University )
R. Abouei ² ( Associate professor, Conservation and Restoration school, Art University of Isfahan )
F. Mehdizadeh Saradj ³ ( Associate professor, Architecture an Urbanism school, Iran University of Science and Technology )

Received: 2017-03-04 Accepted : 2017-04-10 Published : 2018-02-20

Keywords: village, vernacular architecture, rock-cut settlements, architectural framework, village of Meymand,

Abstract :

the rock-cut architecture settlement is an essential yet little known type of vernacular architecture whose nature is different from what we understand by the term “architecture”. Since common building materials are not used in this architecture and it enjoys a different process of creation, rock-cut architecture seems rather contradictory compared to other types of vernacular architecture. Building space through hollowing out solid rock is the most essential skill used in this architecture. Iran hosts valuable examples of rock-cut architecture with religious, funeral, service, and residential functions. Cold regions of the country host the majority of rock-cut houses and settlements since their architectural framework is compatible with harsh climatic conditions. This research seeks to answer the question what differentiates the rock-cut architecture from other types of vernacular architecture. To recognize the unique characteristics of rock-cut architecture, the researchers chose Meymand village as the largest complex of rock-cut houses. A total number of 60 buildings were selected in an experimental process, and their lesser-studied characteristics, including design, livelihood and environmental ones were studied. A comparison of these characteristics with similar characteristics of traditional architecture reveals dramatic differences between them. The findings in the area of special climatic design standards and technologies not only give us a better insight into the rock-cut architecture but also contribute to set some standards for design and construction of rock-cut buildings in the present era.

References:

Asadabadi, R. (1995). Study and archeological assessment of Meymand region. Cultural  heritage, handy craft and tourism organization of Iran. Kerman. Iran. (In Persian)

Ashrafi, M. (2011).  A study about rock-cut architecture typology.  journal of architecture and urban planning. 7 (4). 25-47.(In Persian)

Burry, E., & Petitta, M. (2005). Runoff drainage, groundwater exploitation and irrigation with underground channels in Cappadocia: Meskendir Valley case-study. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 6, 191-197

Cultural heritage, handy craft and tourism organization of Iran. (2001-2006). Documentin reports of Meymand Study. Meymand bureau. Kerman. Iran. (In Persian)

Durant. W. (1999). The history of civilization. Translated by Aram, A. scientific and cultural publication. Sixth edition. Tehran.Iran.

Erdem, A. (2008). Subterranean space use in Cappadocia: The Uchisar example. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 23, 492-499

Geographic center of defense ministry. (2003). Geographic encyclopedia of Kerman province villages, Shahre Babak city. First edition, Tehran, Iran. (In Persian)

Heydari, A. (2000). Study of rock-cut temples in Parthian and Sassanid period in Zagros region. Master of archeology thesis,Tehran University, Tehran. Iran. (In Persian)

Heydari, A. (2004). Taqe Bostan Rock-cut grave-shrine. Asar journal, 33 (1), 33-44. (In Persian)

Homayoun, G, A. (1975). A research about Meymand historic village. Historical studies journal, 7 (6), 120-140.  (In Persian)

Homayoun, G, A. (1976). The wider cognition of Meymand historic village. Historical studies journal, 8 (5), 17-45.  (In Persian)

Homayoun, G, A. (1979). Kandovan Village. Historical studies journal, 12 (1), 55-80,  (In Persian)

Hoseini, Z. (2001). Shahre Babak the land of turquoise. Kermanology center, First edition, Kerman. (In Persian)

Karimi, F. (2007). The new look at rock paintings in Iran base on ancient research field studies. Iranology journal, New periods, 2 (3), 20-25. (In Persian)

Kalas, V. (2000). Rock-cut architecture of the Peristrema Valley: Society and settlement in Byzantine Cappadocia. Ph.D thesis Institute of fine arts new York university.

Mangeli, M. (2005). Revitalization of Meymand rock-cut village. Master thesis in restoration of monuments and historic fabrics, Islamic Azad University, Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran. (In Persian)

Mangeli, M. (2008). Form creation in Meymand rock-cut village. First conference of vernacular architecture, 123-138. Islamic Azad University Aliabad Katol, Iran. (In Persian)

Mangeli, M. (2009). Cognition of architectural elements in Meymand historic Village. First conference of Iranian House. 225-237. Islamic Azad University. Gonbad Kavoos. Iran. (In Persian)

 

Mangeli, M., & Sattaripour, A. (2009). A report on potentials of restoration and revitalization of Meymand historical village. 4th international conference of sustainable development and planning, WIT press. (In Persian)

Ozturk, F, G. (2010). A comparative architectural investigation of middle byzantine courtyard complexes in Aciksaray Cappadocia: Question of monastic and secular settlement. Ph.D  thesis in history of architecture,  Middle East Technical University, Turkey.

Ozturk, F, G. (2013). Negotiating between the Independent and Groups of Courtyard Complexes in Cappadocia. 30th Annual Conference of the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, July 2-5.

Rabah, S. (2010). Factors Determining the Choice of the Construction Techniques in Petra, Jordan. International Journal of Architectural Heritage: Conservation, Analysis, and Restoration, 7 (1). 62-85.

Shahshahani, S. (2003). Meymand house. Cultural heritage, handy craft and tourism organization of Iran, Tehran: First edition, Iran. (In Persian)

Shekari Niri, J., & Mirfatah, A,S. (1995). Abazar rock-cut village. Asar journal, 26 (1) & 27 (1), 65-85. (In Persian)

Varjavand, P. (1973). Qadamgh Shrine a sign of a Mithraism temple. Art and people journal, 5 (1), 75-99. (In Persian)