Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
PhD student in Iranian history after Islam, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
3
Professor of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
10.22103/jic.2025.25452.1445
Abstract
Urban squares, as multifunctional public spaces, play a critical role in shaping the spatial structure and social dynamics of cities.In the context of Iranian urban history, these spaces have functioned not only as areas for practical use but also as platforms for religious rituals, social interactions, and political events.Baharestan Square in Tehran, during the Qajar era, is a prominent example that reflects the socio-political transformations of its time. Initially influenced by the recreational and ceremonial functions of nearby gardens such as Negarestan, the square gradually evolved—especially during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah—into a center for political and social activities with the establishment of governmental institutions, including the National Consultative Assembly.
This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing historical documents, travelogues, and urban studies literature to explore the spatial and functional transformation of Baharestan Square throughout the Qajar period.The findings reveal that the square served three major roles—recreational, religious, and political—and became emblematic of Tehran’s emerging modern public spaces. During the Constitutional Movement, Baharestan Square emerged as a stage for demonstrations, public discourse, and the shaping of new socio-political identities.
The research argues that Baharestan Square should be viewed as a key element in analyzing the relationship between power, society, and urban space in late Qajar Tehran. It explores the reasons behind its emergence as a political-social hub and the spatial and functional factors that enabled this transformation. The hypothesis holds that the square both reflected and facilitated interaction between state power and the public, contributing to urban identity formation.
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