A Comparative Study on the Evolution of the Architectural Form of Historical Houses in Tabriz During the Qajar Era

Research Problem: The residential architecture of the Qajar period in the city of Tabriz, which is part of the remaining buildings of this period following the 1193 AH earthquake, has always been in a challenge between traditional values and interactions caused by modernity. The impact of this cultural duality in the Qajar houses of Tabriz needs to be recognized.
Research Question: The current research aims to explain the architectural style of the Qajar houses of Tabriz by examining how cultural elements influence physical alterations and seeks to answer this question: What were the distinguishing features of Tabriz's historical residences during the early, middle, and late eras of the Qajar rule, and how were cultural changes reflected in the architecture of these buildings?
Research Method: This research is applied in terms of purpose and is classified as qualitative. The data related to the research's theoretical foundations is gathered through library and documentary studies, and Case studies are examined using observation and field survey methodologies. In this regard, after conducting an extensive study of the first-hand architectural documents, 7 general indicators were extracted as organizing indicators for the architecture of traditional houses, The related components to each of the indicators were also obtained in the same way. Then, the topic of culture and its impact on architecture was examined and then the physical characteristics were refined based on cultural components. The statistical population of the research is the houses built in Tabriz, dating back to the Qajar era. In this regard, a complete list of all the Qajar houses of Tabriz, which are registered in the list of national monuments, was prepared and examined. Based on the originality index and the lack of fundamental changes in the restoration processes, 17 houses were identified, and according to the investigations and questions from experts and responsible people, it was determined that these houses have retained their original status and have not undergone any significant physical changes. In the next stage and after the final refinement, 6 houses were selected as research cases. The criteria for this selection, in addition to paying attention to the physical authenticity, which can guarantee the validity and reliability of the results, were the completeness of the architecture and the availability of the houses for the researchers.
The Most Important Results and Conclusion: The research results indicate the deep roots of Qajar architecture in traditional architecture and its gradual effort to respond to the demands of the modern world. The residential architecture of the Qajar period in Tabriz has distinctive features and a unique identity. However, during the three periods (early, middle, and late) of this dynasty, noticeable and recognizable changes were made in the architecture of the houses, which were caused by cultural shifts and increasing communication with the modern world of the era. The physical alterations in the architecture were most related to the following physical components: spatial organization and elements, facades and decorations, circulation, and the entrance complex.