Arg-e Varmal, an Unparalleled Example of Manor Architecture in Qajar Period of Sistan (Study of the spatial organization, structural and functional analysis, and tracing the origins of architectural elements)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Archaeology Department, University of Zabol

2 university of mazandaran

10.22103/jic.2024.22285.1250

Abstract

The works and remains of the ancient architecture of every region can be considered as one of the most important historical evidences reflecting many characteristics of the original culture of that region. Meanwhile, there are usually significant monuments in each period that contain the artistic and cultural characteristics of that period. Arg-e Varmal is one of the most important buildings of the Qajar era in Sistan, which has a special status due to its architectural structure and elements existing in it. Despite its significance, this monument has not been properly studied as it really deserves. This research intended to prepare the plan of this building and study it comprehensively in a scientific manner according to a formal field survey in order to understand and analyze the architectural structure and also to trace the origins of the historical architectural elements of Arg-e Varmal. The results of these studies revealed that the architectural elements in Arg-e Varmal are derived from an architecture dating back to several thousand years ago in Sistan. and application of some of these elements, This building is a unique example in Sistan given the presence of special sections related to religious and production activities, in such a way that for the first time, the builder of Varmal citadel has made a special use of architecture for social control of the people in his region by building a Hussainiya and an Asbad (Persian windmill) to produce the flour required for the region inside the main part of the building.

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