Placemaking for Silk Road Cities in Iran: Process & 
Strategies 
 
 
Payam Mahasti 
 
 Submitted to the  
Institute of Graduate Studies and Research  
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of  
 
 
Doctor of Philosophy  
in  
Architecture  
 
 
Eastern Mediterranean University  
September 2013  
Gazimağusa, North Cyprus 
 
 
 
Approval of the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research 
 
 
Prof. Dr. Elvan Yılmaz 
Director 
 
I certify that this thesis satisfies the requirements as a thesis for the degree of Doctor 
of Philosophy in Architecture. 
 
 
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgür Dinçyürek  
Chair, Department of Architecture 
 
We certify that we have read this thesis and that in our opinion it is fully adequate in 
scope and quality as a thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture. 
 
 
Prof. Dr. Şebnem Önal Hoşkara 
Supervisor 
 
Examining Committee 
1. Prof. Dr. Naciye Doratlı 
2. Prof. Dr. Şebnem Hoşkara 
3. Prof. Dr. Aykut Karaman  
4. Prof. Taner Oc 
5. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Beser Oktay Vehbi 
iii 
 
ABSTRACT 
Cities, during their lives are facing various urban challenges including threatening 
economic growth. The manifestation of those challenges is evident in urban spaces 
and places. In view of that, Iranian cities have been experiencing difficulties in 
adopting with economic shift from trading to oil industry economy. Such transferal 
economy has had its impact on Iranian urban places. Although there are many urban 
spaces in contemporary Iranian cities, there are very few urban places among them. 
The traditional Iranian cities, however, have had valuable examples of urban places, 
which especially developed along the main trading routs. Therefore, the aim of this 
study is to explore and rediscover the quality of successful remained urban places 
along the renowned trading route of Silk Road in Iran.  
The main aim of this research is to find out the appropriate approach or method of 
creating a successful urban public space in Silk Road cities. In this way, two 
principal objectives to this main purport were formulated, which includes, finding 
out what are the general and specific characteristics of urban public space for Silk 
Road cities, and secondly; to define particular approaches for placemaking in the 
creation of successful places in Silk Road cities. In correlation with the main 
objectives of this research, two independent or major research question are unfold: 
What should be the strategies for Place Making? How could Place Making improve 
the quality of UPS in SRCS in Iran? 
The research has been started with theoretical investigation about place and 
placemaking. Definitions and main concerns in line with the subject have been 
explained and understood. Consequently, the main criteria of placemaking have been 
iv 
 
investigated and the framework of analysis methodology has been discussed. The 
result of this investigation is the hierarchy and weight of each assessment that make a 
place successful. To achieve the weight of assessments the DELPHI technique and 
SAW method has been used.  
The site survey has been started with documentary survey about Silk Road cities and 
settlements in Iran. Through documentary research, the main Silk Road routes and 
their cities have been introduced. This part includes general information about 
geographical location, climate, economy and population for each city.  
The second part of site survey is for distinguishing Silk Road urban places in cities. 
Through this survey, totally 650 places in 17 cities have been listed. To set the 
limitation for the survey, an eliminated method for selecting places has been used 
and finally twelve places from three cities have been chosen. In this method first 
places which are out of cities have been eliminated. Then places that are not in the 
urban form have been eliminated. Finally places that are in the historic quarters have 
been remained. There are totally 12 places in three cities.  
In analysis part, twelve places have been surveyed and analyzed due to the 
assessments that were found in theoretical investigations. The analysis focused on 
reflecting the influence of placemaking assessments on the quality of places in Silk 
Road cities in Iran.  
The dissertation concludes that “Street life”, “Social network” and “Pedestrian 
activity” have more influences to make the Silk Road Places successful. Also it 
concludes that activities like “Trade” have a strong relation with successfulness of 
v 
 
places, in a way that all three “Bazaars” between cases got the highest rank in the list 
of successful places.  The other finding in this research is the importance or the scale 
of city has less influence for making successful places.  
Keywords: Silk Road, Place, Placemaking, Iran, SAW methodology  
  
vi 
 
ÖZ 
Kentler, yaşam süreleri boyunca, ekonomik gelişmenin tehtid altında kalması da 
dahil pek çok kentsel sorunla mücadele etmek durumunda kalırlar. Bu mücadelelerin 
göstergesi kentsel mekanlarda ve yerlerde belirgindir. Bu bakış açısıyla, İran kentleri, 
ticaretten endüstri ekonomisine geçişe adapte olmada zoluklar yaşamaktadır. Bu 
ekonomik geçiş, İran kentsel alanları üzerinde de etkisini göstermektedir. Güncel 
İran kentlerinde pek çok kentsel alan bulunmasına rağmen, bunların içinde pek az 
sayıda kentsel mekan vardır. Oysa geleneksel İran kentlerinde, özellikle ticaret 
yolları boyunca pek çok değerli kentsel mekan örneğine rastlanmaktadır. Bundan 
dolayı, bu araştırmanın amacı, İran’daki ünlü İpek Yolu üzerinde yer alan başarılı 
kentsel mekanların kalitesini ortaya koymaktır. 
Bu araştırmanın temel amacı İpek Yolu kentlerinde başarılı kentsel kamusal alanlar 
yaratabilmek için en doğru yaklaşımı ya da metodu ortaya çıkarmaktır. Bu yolla, iki 
temel hedef ortaya konmuştur. Bunlardan birincisi İran’da İpek Yolu üzerindeki 
yerleşimlerde kentsle kamusal alanların genel özelliklerinin belirlenmesi; ve diğeri, 
İpek Yolu kentlerindeki kentsel mekanların başarılı olabilmesi için çeşitli yer-
tasarımı yaklaşımlarının ortaya konulmasıdır. Bu amaçlar doğrultusunda iki bağımız 
ancak ilişkili araştırma sorusu belirlenmiştir: Yer-tasarımı için stratejiler neler 
olmalıdır? Yer-tasarımı, İran’daki İpek Yolu kentlerinde yer alan kentsel kamusal 
alanların kalitesini nasıl artırabilir?  
Bu araştırma, yer ve yer-tasarımı konularındaki kuramsal tarama ile başlamıştır. 
Konuyla ilgili temel tanımlar ve alanlar açıklanmış ve anlaşılmıştır. Bağlantılı olarak, 
yer-tasarımı ile ilgili temel kriterler incelenmiş ve analiz metodolojisi ortaya 
vii 
 
konmuştur. Bu inceleme sonucunda bir yeri başarılı kılan özelliklerin hiyerarşisi ve 
ağırlığı ortaya çıkarılmıştır. 
Alan çalışması, İran’daki İpek Yolu kentlerinin ve yerleşimleri ile ilgili doküman 
araştırması ile başlatılmıştır. Ayrıntılı doküman çalışması sonucunda İpek Yolu ve 
üzerindeki yerleşimler tanıtılmıştır. Bu bölüm, İpek Yolu üzerinde yer alan her 
kentin coğrafi konumu, iklimsel özellikler, ekonomik yapısı ve nüfusu ile ilgili 
bilgileri kapsamaktadır. 
Alan çalışmasının ikinci bölümü, İpek Yolu kentlerinşde yer alan kentsel mekanların 
analizini kapsamaktadır. Bu araştırmada, toplamda 17 kentte yer alan 650 yer 
listelenmiştir. Araştırmayı sınırlandırmak üzere, yerlerin seçimi için bir eleme 
metodu kullanılmış ve sonuçta üç kentten oniki yer seçilmiştir. Bu metotda, öncelikle 
kentlein dışında kalan yerler elenmiştir. Daha sonra, kentlerin ana formu dışında 
kalan yerler elenmiş; ve sonunda tarihi kentsel merkezde yer alan yerler seçilmiştir. 
Analiz kısmında, elde kalan 12 yer, kuramsal inceleme sonucunda ortaya konan 
değerlendirme kriterlerine bağlı kalınarak araştırılmıştır. Analiz, yer-tasarımı 
değerlendirmelerinin, İran’daki İpek Yolu üzerindeki kentlerde yer alan yerlerin 
kalitesi üzerine yoğunlaşmıştır. 
Bu tezde yer alan araştırmanın sonuçlarına göre, sokak yaşamı ve yaya aktiviteleri, 
İpek Yolu kentlerinde yer alan mekanlarının başarısı üzerinde en etkili faktörlerdir. 
Araştırma sonuçları ayrıca, ticaret gibi fonkisyonların da yerlerin başarısında önemli 
rol oynadığını; yer olarak seçilmiş olan pazar alanlarının, cami mekanları, kent 
girişleri ve saraylar içinde en başarılı yerler olarak ortaya çıktığını göstermiştir. 
viii 
 
Arştırmanın bir digger bulgusu da, başarılı yer-tasarımında kentlerin ölçeğinin daha 
az önemli olduğudur.  
  
ix 
 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  
This thesis would not have been possible without the help, support and patience of 
my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Sebnem Hoskara, not to mention her advice and knowledge 
of urban design. The good advices, supports and friendship of my thesis jury 
members, Prof. Dr. Naciye Doratli, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Beser Oktay have been 
invaluable on both an academic and a personal level, for which I am extremely 
grateful.  
It would not have been possible to write this doctoral thesis without the help and 
support of the kind people around me, to only some of whom it is possible to give 
particular mention here. Above all, I would like to thank my wife Assist. Prof. Dr. 
Rafooneh Mokhtarshahi for her personal support and great patience at all times. My 
father Pirouz Mahasti and my uncle Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peyman Mahasti have given me 
their unequivocal support throughout, as always, for which my mere expression of 
thanks likewise does not suffice.  
I would like to acknowledge the academic and technical support of the Eastern 
Mediterranean University, and its staff, that provided the necessary support for this 
research, especially, Prof. Dr. Majid Hashemipour, which encourage me to study in 
this university.  
  
x 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. 3 
ÖZ ................................................................................................................................ 6 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................... 9 
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................... 13 
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................... 16 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................... 21 
1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 22 
1.1 Problem Statement ...................................................................................... 27 
1.2 Aim, Objectives and Research Questions ................................................... 29 
1.3 Research Methodology ................................................................................ 33 
1.4 Structure of Thesis ....................................................................................... 36 
2 LITERATURE SURVEY: PLACE & PLACE-MAKING ..................................... 39 
2.1 Place: Definitions and Concepts .................................................................. 41 
2.1.1 Criteria for Successful Urban Public Place .......................................... 50 
2.2 Placemaking: Definitions and concepts....................................................... 70 
2.2.1 Place Making As a Process .................................................................. 74 
2.3 Criteria of Success in Placemaking ............................................................. 80 
2.3.1 Criteria in Creation of Successful Places ............................................. 82 
2.4 Summary ..................................................................................................... 86 
3 METHODOLOGY OF ANALYSIS ....................................................................... 88 
xi 
 
3.1 Multi Criterion Decision Making (MCDM) ................................................ 88 
3.1.1 The AHP Methodology ........................................................................ 93 
3.1.2 The TOPSIS Methodology ................................................................... 95 
3.1.3 SAW Methodology .............................................................................. 98 
3.2 Delphi Technique ...................................................................................... 103 
3.3 Data Collection Techniques for the Case Study ........................................ 105 
3.3.1 Documentary Survey .......................................................................... 105 
3.3.2 Observation Technique ...................................................................... 107 
3.3.3 Site Analysis ...................................................................................... 112 
3.4 Summary ................................................................................................... 116 
3.4.1 Employing of SAW Methodology into Placemaking Theory ............ 117 
3.4.2 Method of Presenting Analysis .......................................................... 127 
4 GENERAL SITE SURVEY: SILK ROAD CITIES AND PLACES IN IRAN ... 129 
4.1 Silk Road in Iran ........................................................................................ 130 
4.2 Iranian Cities & Trading Routes ............................................................... 143 
4.3 Contemporary Silk Road in Iran ............................................................... 149 
4.4 General Information about SRCS in Iran .................................................. 154 
4.5 Summary ................................................................................................... 171 
5 DETAIL SITE SURVEY: URBAN PUBLIC SPACES IN SRCS ....................... 172 
5.1 Method of Selecting Cities from SRCS .................................................... 173 
5.2 Introducing the UPS in SRCS ................................................................... 180 
xii 
 
5.2.1 UPSs in City of Hamedan .................................................................. 181 
5.2.2 UPSs in City of Qazvin ...................................................................... 196 
5.2.3 UPSs in City of Tehran ...................................................................... 208 
5.3 Analyzing UPS in SRCS ........................................................................... 224 
5.3.1 Analyzing UPSs by their type ............................................................ 237 
5.4 Summary ................................................................................................... 245 
6 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................. 246 
6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 246 
6.2 Findings of Research ................................................................................. 249 
6.2.1 Theoretical findings ........................................................................... 249 
6.2.2 Methodological Findings and Recommendations .............................. 250 
6.2.3 Findings about Cases ......................................................................... 252 
6.3 Strategies for Placemaking in SRCS ......................................................... 254 
6.4 Recommendations for Future Studies ....................................................... 258 
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 259 
APPENDIXES ......................................................................................................... 280 
APPENDIX A: Silk Road Places in Iranian Cities and Settlements .................... 281 
APPENDIX B: Questionnaire for analyzing successful placemaking ................. 297 
APPENDIX C: Tables of general information about SRCS in Iran .................... 303 
 
xiii 
 
LIST OF TABLES 
Table 1-Physical Factors Suggested For Successful Place ........................................ 57 
Table 2-Activity Factors Suggested For Successful Place ......................................... 62 
Table 3-Image Factors Suggested For Successful Place ............................................ 68 
Table 4- Measurements for Successful Places According To Their Placemaking 
Process ....................................................................................................................... 82 
Table 5- Criteria of Successful Place According To the Dimension of Place ........... 83 
Table 6- Saaty's 1 To 9 Scale of Pairwise Comparisons (Afshari, Mojahed, & Yusuff, 
2010) .......................................................................................................................... 99 
Table 7 - Average Random Consistency (RI) .......................................................... 100 
Table 8 - The Average Stochastic Uniformity Indexes Target Value of Judgment 
Matrix ....................................................................................................................... 101 
Table 9  - Sources of Background Information (Dawson, 2007) ............................. 106 
Table 10 - Continuum of observer roles (Bøllingtoft, 2007) ................................... 110 
Table 11- Consequence Triangle (White, 2004) ...................................................... 113 
Table 12 - Analysis topics, techniques, methods and tools in an urban environment 
(Hoskara, 2009) ........................................................................................................ 115 
Table 13- Result of Questionnaire Based On Experts Ideas .................................... 118 
Table 14- Criteria’s Name ........................................................................................ 119 
Table 15- Specifying the Scale Value of 1-5 ........................................................... 120 
Table 16- Collected Data Based On Scale Values ................................................... 123 
Table 17- The Weighted Criteria ............................................................................. 124 
Table 18- The Normalized Decision Matrix ............................................................ 125 
Table 19- The Ranked Measurements...................................................................... 126 
Table 20 - Blank inventory table .............................................................................. 128 
xiv 
 
Table 21- Comparison the Silk Road in Iran in Different Periods of History ......... 141 
Table 22- Capitals and Major Cities in Different Periods of Iran’s History ............ 150 
Table 23- Silk Road Cities and Settlements in Iran (Statistical Center of Iran, 2006) 
(Statistical Center of Iran, 2011) .............................................................................. 153 
Table 24- Places in SRCS ........................................................................................ 176 
Table 25- The Status of Selected Places in SCRS ................................................... 179 
Table 26- Assessment Analysis-Bazaar of Hamedan .............................................. 225 
Table 27- Assessment Analysis-Palace of Hamedan ............................................... 226 
Table 28- Assessment Analysis-Caravansary of Hamedan ..................................... 227 
Table 29- Assessment Analysis-Jami Mosque of Hamedan .................................... 228 
Table 30- Assessment Analysis-Bazaar of Qazvin .................................................. 229 
Table 31- Assessment Analysis-Palace of Qazvin ................................................... 230 
Table 32- Assessment Analysis-Gate of Qazvin ...................................................... 231 
Table 33- Assessment Analysis-Jami Mosque of Qazvin ........................................ 232 
Table 34-Assessment Analysis-Bazaar of Tehran ................................................... 233 
Table 35-Assessment Analysis-Palace of Tehran .................................................... 234 
Table 36-Assessment Analysis-Gate of Tehran ....................................................... 235 
Table 37-Assessment Analysis-Jami Mosque of Tehran ......................................... 236 
Table 38- Weight of Assessments in Bazaars .......................................................... 238 
Table 39 - Weight of Assessments in Palaces .......................................................... 239 
Table 40 - Weights of Assessments in Jami Mosques ............................................. 240 
Table 41 - Weights of Assessments in Gates ........................................................... 241 
Table 42 - Weights of Assessments in Caravansary ................................................ 242 
Table 43- Summary of Assessment analysis in UPS ............................................... 243 
Table 44- Total Weight of Each Assessment ........................................................... 251 
xv 
 
Table 45-The Result of Findings in Order of Successfulness of Places .................. 252 
 
  
xvi 
 
LIST OF FIGURES 
Figure 1- The Argument of Research Main Question ................................................ 31 
Figure 2- Methodology of Research .......................................................................... 35 
Figure 3- Meydan-e-topkhane Tehran in 18th & 2008 ............................................... 43 
Figure 4 - Role of Urban Designers to Enhance the Potential Sense of Place 
(Tiesdell, Carmona, Heath, & Oc, 2003) ................................................................... 48 
Figure 5- Dimensions of Places - (Tiesdell, Carmona, Heath, & Oc, 2003) ............. 48 
Figure 6- A Visual Metaphor for the Nature of Places (Canter, 1977) Cited In 
(Montgomery, 1998) .................................................................................................. 50 
Figure 7 - Diagram of urban design theories and six different types of figures 
(Trancik, 1986, pp. 98,101) ........................................................................................ 52 
Figure 8- Giambattista Nolli, Map Of Rome (Trancik, 1986, p. 99) ......................... 53 
Figure 9-Three Urban design theories and three types of Spatial Linkage (Trancik, 
1986, pp. 98,107) ....................................................................................................... 54 
Figure 10- Sketch Of Market Of Many Shops (Left) By (Alexander C. , 1977) And 
Plan Of Istanbul Bazaar (Right) From (Archnet.org) ................................................ 61 
Figure 11- Criteria for Successful Place .................................................................... 69 
Figure 12- Different Aspects of Place Making Related To Place .............................. 74 
Figure 13- Key Qualities of Successful Places Due To the Placemaking Process .... 78 
Figure 14- Place Making As a Process ...................................................................... 79 
Figure 15- The Place Diagram (Project for Public Spaces) ....................................... 81 
Figure 16- A Framework for Comparing To Types of Measurements & Criteria ..... 84 
Figure 17- Criteria for Measuring Success of A Place .............................................. 85 
Figure 18 - Profile of MCDM (Tzeng & Huang, 2011, p. 3) ..................................... 91 
Figure 19 - System Framework (Peiris, Rehan, & Jayakody).................................... 97 
xvii 
 
Figure 20- The Procedure of SAW Methodology .................................................... 102 
Figure 21 - The four observer roles (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2009) ............ 109 
Figure 22  - Development of the observation process (Spradley, 1980) .................. 111 
Figure 23- Weights of Criteria by Comparison Matrix ............................................ 121 
Figure 24 -Iran Climate Categorization in “De Martonne” System (Jamab 
Engineering Consulting Co, 1986) ........................................................................... 131 
Figure 25- Persian Royal Road 475 BC ................................................................... 132 
Figure 26- Silk Road 1st Century ............................................................................. 133 
Figure 27Silk Road in 850 AC ................................................................................. 134 
Figure 28- Silk Road in 900 AC .............................................................................. 135 
Figure 29- Silk Road in 950 AC .............................................................................. 136 
Figure 30- Silk Road in 1050 AC ............................................................................ 137 
Figure 31- Silk Road in 1150 AC ............................................................................ 138 
Figure 32- Silk Road in 1550 AC ............................................................................ 139 
Figure 33- Map of Old Tehran (Rajabi, 2003) ......................................................... 145 
Figure 34- Trade Routes and Iranian Cities during Historical Periods (Habibi, 1995)
 .................................................................................................................................. 147 
Figure 35- Most Common Routes of “Silk Road” In Iran according To Historical 
Periods (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 2001) ........................... 152 
Figure 36- Sarakhs (Google Earth, 2009) ................................................................ 155 
Figure 37- City of Mashhad ..................................................................................... 156 
Figure 38-Map of Neyshabour ................................................................................. 157 
Figure 39-Map of Sabzevar ...................................................................................... 158 
Figure 40-Map of Shahroud ..................................................................................... 159 
Figure 41-Map of Damghan ..................................................................................... 160 
xviii 
 
Figure 42- Map of Semnan ...................................................................................... 161 
Figure 43- Map of Tehran ........................................................................................ 162 
Figure 44- Map of Qazvin ........................................................................................ 163 
Figure 45- Map of Zanjan ........................................................................................ 164 
Figure 46- Miyaneh (Google Earth, 2009) ............................................................... 165 
Figure 47-Map of Tabriz .......................................................................................... 166 
Figure 48- Maku (Google Earth, 2009).................................................................... 167 
Figure 49- Map of Hamedan .................................................................................... 168 
Figure 50- Kermanshah (Google Earth, 2009) ......................................................... 169 
Figure 51-Qasr-e-Shirin ........................................................................................... 170 
Figure 52-The Methodology of Selecting Places In SRCS ...................................... 175 
Figure 53- Map of Hamedan (Parsoumash urban design consulting Co., 2008) ..... 181 
Figure 54- Location of All Places Together in City Center ..................................... 182 
Figure 55-Location of UPSs in Detail ...................................................................... 183 
Figure 56- Entrance of Jami from Main Street ........................................................ 185 
Figure 57-Entrance of Jami from Bazaar ................................................................. 185 
Figure 58 - Entrance of Bazaar from Main Square .................................................. 186 
Figure 59- Accessibility of Jami Mosque to Bazaar and Main Street...................... 188 
Figure 60 - Central Yard of Jami Mosque, Closure with Building .......................... 188 
Figure 61- Location of Palace in City Center of Hamedan ...................................... 190 
Figure 62- - Area of Palace ...................................................................................... 191 
Figure 63 -A Building inside the Palace Area (Museum) ........................................ 191 
Figure 64 –Entrance of Caravansary from Street ..................................................... 193 
Figure 65 -Entrance of Caravansary to Bazaar ........................................................ 193 
Figure 66 –Caravansary ........................................................................................... 194 
xix 
 
Figure 67-Location of Qazvin between Two Main Routes (Google Earth, 2009) ... 196 
Figure 68- Map of Qazvin (Google Earth, 2009) ..................................................... 196 
Figure 69- Location of UPSs in the City Center of Qazvin ..................................... 197 
Figure 70 - Entrance of Bazaar ................................................................................ 198 
Figure 71 -Pathway in Bazaar .................................................................................. 198 
Figure 72- Main Bazaar of Qazvin........................................................................... 199 
Figure 73  - Bazaar of Qazvin .................................................................................. 199 
Figure 74- Jami Mosque of Qazvin .......................................................................... 201 
Figure 75 - Entrance of Jami Mosque from Main Street ......................................... 201 
Figure 76 - Central yard of Jami Mosque ................................................................ 202 
Figure 77 - Entrance of Jami Mosque from back side ............................................. 202 
Figure 78- The Palace of Qazvin ............................................................................. 204 
Figure 79 - Gate of Qazvin ...................................................................................... 206 
Figure 80  - Gate of Qazvin ..................................................................................... 206 
Figure 81-Location of Places in Tehran ................................................................... 209 
Figure 82  - Main Entrance of Grand Bazaar Tehran ............................................... 210 
Figure 83- Main Entrance of Grand Bazaar Tehran ................................................. 211 
Figure 84-The Entrance of Jami from Main Street-Tehran ..................................... 213 
Figure 85  - The Entrance of Jami from Main Bazaar ............................................. 214 
Figure 86  - Physical characteristics of Bazaar ........................................................ 214 
Figure 87-Relationship of Jami, Palace and Bazaar in Tehran ................................ 215 
Figure 88-Accessibility of Places to the Main Street ............................................... 216 
Figure 89- Relationship between Bazaar and Jami Mosque Tehran ........................ 217 
Figure 90  - Garden of Palace and the Main Building ............................................. 219 
Figure 91  - Garden of Palace .................................................................................. 220 
xx 
 
Figure 92 - Building in the East side of Palace ........................................................ 220 
Figure 93 - The Gate of Tehran................................................................................ 222 
  
xxi 
 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 
SRCS: Silk Road Cities and Settlements  
SRP: Silk Road Places 
US: Urban Space 
UPS: Urban Public Space 
PPS: Project for public spaces 
DM: Decision Making 
MCDM: Multi Criterion Decision Making 
SAW: Simple Additive Weighting 
CI: Consistency Index 
CR: Consistency Ration 
C1, C2 …: Criteria for placemaking due to place  
PM1, PM2 …: Placemaking measurements  
  
22 
 
Chapter 1 
INTRODUCTION 
In 2005, during a survey for a master plan of a city situated in the south west 
of Iran, which apparently has a hot and humid weather in noon time at the 
beginning of summer days. While walking in the marginal neighborhoods of 
this city, I encountered quite a number or groups of young men. Obviously, it 
was a clear fact that they were out in the streets to while away time due to the 
general unemployment problems in the city. This seems to be the subject of 
contention as they pastime. Although, at first approach, it was a little bit 
tough, but after a while, it became a nice opportunity to talk casually with the 
modern generation of the city. The conversation, seemed informal, freely and 
funny, but suddenly grasped it to be pure painful confabulate. When they 
became cognisant of what I was about doing for their hometown, I pursed 
and curiously asked them “what do you want for the city?” they responded at 
once, “Build a cross road here”, it was the most unexpected answer from the 
respondents. They further explicated that, “When we hang out with friends, 
we want to see fascinating things around us, such as people, cars and better 
urban life. They also elucidate their expectations for the city, since they were 
very frustrated about unemployment and furthering their educational career 
(higher education). From all indication, they needed a place that is adapted 
with their needs, a place they can hang out. Their viewpoints revealed that 
even jobless and frustrated people have needs for a special place in a city 
and on the other hand, we as urban designers have the task to create places 
that accommodate the needs of all kind people. 
The general idea behind the development of first cities is because agriculture had the 
main role in their expansion. However, some scholars have also highlighted the 
importance of trading as one of the major factor that enhances growth of cities. Cities 
grow rapidly if they have good connection with the outside world or other cities. 
Sustaining this connection is crucial for the growth of a city, especially if they could 
deal with the goods that are not available in their region. Therefore, if they could 
trade with people who lived in far distances or neighboring countries, they would 
have a better prospect for development. For instance, a brief look on the history of 
trading in the world would reveal the significance of trading between the West and 
23 
 
East in terms of cities expansion. In view of that, Venice in Italy and Istanbul in 
Turkey are good cited example of trading between the East and West. Consequently, 
trading routes have been pivotal in the formation and development of cities.  
From ancient times, Silk Road is one of the most famous trading routes in history, 
which has undeniable influence in connecting Eastern and Western culture together. 
Conceivably, this route has had various effects on formation and development of 
cities and settlements along the route. This route was the shortest available natural 
way from the East to West, which facilitates caravans’ goods delivering from one 
city to another. 
Throughout history, due to various political and geographical reasons, Silk Road has 
been changed or shifted various times. In view of that, nowadays one cannot 
categorically identify a specific route that was a Silk Road. Some historians believe 
that the area between 32 and 38-degree north latitude can be included as parts of this 
trading route. Therefore, literarily, cities located between these lines of latitude can 
be termed as Silk Road cities.  
Silk Road was just more than a trading route for the reason of its various economic, 
cultural, and political dimensions. Swarbrooke and Horner in “Business travel and 
tourism” considered Silk Road very important from two distinct or main ways. 
Firstly, it stimulates the growth of sophisticated set of support systems for business 
travelers; and secondly, the route was also the way in which scientific inventions and 
ideas, as well as goods moved from Asia to Europe and vice versa (Swarbrooke & 
Horner, 2001).  
24 
 
One of the evident perceptible indications of Silk Road was the existence of 
caravansaries along the roads; however, Silk Road has especially affected cities in 
different ways. For instance, Swarbrooke & Horner (2001) highlights the effect of 
Silk Road on cities in a way that this Route shaped a network of main stopping 
points that have inclined to continue trading as major cities. For example, Istanbul a 
major trading center connecting Asia and Europe was partly established due to the 
Silk Route.  
Apart from the long-familiar place of Caravansaries, which still have the traces of 
Silk Road images, many other developed places were in Silk Road cities. These 
places, although, have been more significant in the formation of Silk Road cities and 
settlements; they have not been amply identified and investigated. Most of these 
places are still alive or active in present cities along this route. Therefore, exploring 
those places or cities with the trails or characteristics of Silk Road is the major 
concern or investigation of this study.  
People, who live in a city or visit it, are mostly interested in the public spaces, the 
areas that are available for all people. These spaces include streets, squares, parks, 
public buildings etc. Some of these public spaces potentially have the ability to be 
effective on visitors’ interpretation. In view of that, place is generally termed as a 
physical space that contains various activities, as well as creating an image for its 
visitors. In other words, a place in an urban area has some activities and when 
combined with physical characteristics of the place can convey an image, which 
differentiates a space from a place.  
25 
 
In a successful place, everything are interrelated, such as physical part, activities, and 
image are tied to each other in a unique manner that forms an unforgettable image of 
the city. According to some scholars such as Hall & Page (2002), there is no priority 
between the functions of cities. As cited below:   
“Towns and cities function as places where the population is concentrated in 
a defined area, and economic activities locate in the same area or nearby, to 
provide the opportunity for the production and consumption of goods and 
services in capitalist societies. Consequently, towns and cities provide the 
context for a diverse range of social, cultural, and economic activities which 
the population engages in, and where tourism, leisure, and entertainment form 
major service activities. These environments also function as meeting places, 
major tourist gateways, accommodation and transportation hubs, and as 
central places to service the needs of visitors.” (Hall & Page, 2002, p. 212)  
The growth of a place depends on prior preparations, and sometimes occurs as time 
glides by. These preparations, which are part of process placemaking is essential in 
the creation and development of a place. This process includes different dimensions 
of place. Some places have become successful during history but on the other hand, 
some places need interventions. However, accomplishing interventions in a place 
required different strategies or schemes, such as revitalization, regeneration, 
renovation, and so on. 
Iran is one of the important country in the Middle East that has long history of 
trading with the East and West. Suchlike many other counties in Middle East, Iran 
has a long history in urbanization, likewise. Cities in Iran established its development 
on trade and business. From that standpoint, in Iranian cities many urban places 
related to trading are distinguishable among other urban places. In these cities, urban 
‘spaces’ such as squares, streets, and districts were developed ascribable to trades. 
Furthermore, cities were equipped for facilitating trade throughout history. ‘Places’ 
26 
 
such as bazaars, caravansaries were created due to trade activities. These cities were 
ready to host caravans and goods trading. Factors related to trades such as money 
transferring, insurance, were significantly located in a particular spot or position in 
the cities.  
With the advent of modernity, the process of trading has changed or transformed. 
These changes have influenced the built and urban environment of Silk Road cities 
excessively. For instance, changing or altering the method of trade, eradicates 
completely the need for caravansaries. In addition, the city population has grown 
rapidly over the years and demand for goods has increasingly gone up as well.  
In the late 1956s, the urban population in Iran constituted 30% of the total population 
while that of the rural area was 70%. Twenty years later, more than half of the 
Iranian populations were still living in the countryside or rural regions. In the mid-
1960s, the agricultural sector was still providing about 25% of total gross national 
income (Jackson P. , 2006).  
The advent of modernity, transformed Iranian cities in accordance to new 
requirements. The patterns of urban areas metamorphosed to new appearances (cars, 
factories…) rapidly. Such changes were in favor to needs of the society, however, 
were not comprehensive. Put differently, most of the modernised or developed 
Iranian cities were only in the scale of urban infrastructures, with less consideration 
to urban places in the cities.  
Places in the urban settings are important elements to demonstrate changes in 
societies. Urban places, when systematically created in cities, may bring specific 
27 
 
characteristics to urban areas. These urban characteristics have close ties with the 
people, their beliefs, traditions, and culture. By exploring, those valuable existed 
places, within the urban context of a city, would possibly open a new horizon for 
further development of city places.  
In certain cases, specific activities could imply meaning and create characteristics of 
a place. Silk Road, for instance, due to its diverse dimensions and activities, 
attributed to have created characteristics to urban public places in Iran. From this 
perspective, investigating those characteristics would help to enhance the quality of 
urban life in Iranian cities.   
1.1 Problem Statement  
In the 17th century, ‘Jean de Thévenot’, widely called ‘the French traveler’ describes 
the Persian cities as, “Along the roads were strung the main towns, their sites 
determined as much by geographical and economic factors as political” (Jackson P. , 
2006, p. 412). This indicates that, roads and /trade routes were very important in 
accessing Iranian governments and Silk Road on the other hand, as one of the most 
popular international trade routes in the world that interconnects many countries and 
cities.  
Delineating from history, Iran is a large country with various types of historical and 
cultural places. Normally, historical parts of cities are special for all citizens. 
Tiesdell, Oc, & Heath (1996), argued that historical parts are often essential part of 
the city’s attraction, and their potentials (visual and functional) are significant basics 
of the city’s identity. However, in Iran after modernization and adopting places, the 
identity of many places in Iranian cities were changed or even lost. This was because 
28 
 
of the excitement to connect the flow of modernism with new buildings construction 
in the heart of cities, especially at the beginning of modern era. Although, these 
modern buildings were marked as a symbol of developed societies. Another reason 
was to change the economy of the society from initial trading to oil and gas industry. 
From that standpoint, the new economy needs new physical frame and old places to 
adapt to the new needs or trends.  
After the discovery of oil in Iran, as well as the increasing needs of this energy in 
developed countries, the face of Iranian cities changed rapidly. However, this 
transformation or shift was not sudden, but initially started with the physical 
changes. Adding of new buildings in old places and destruction of old buildings was 
very common. However, parts of history and heritage was unaltered, they were 
preserved and revitalised, for the modern era to perceive. 
On the other hand, physical changes of the cities by modern intervention contributed 
to some problems in the cities, increasing the urban spaces (US) in number. In 
addition to that, since these changes were executed within a short period, without any 
plan. The new US were completely jeopardised, resulting  to different menace, such 
as lost spaces, safety, accessibility, legibility etc., therefore transforming US into 
places.  
Considering the problems of Iranian cities in modern epoch, in terms of Silk Road, 
augments can spring up that Silk Road Cities and Settlements (SRCS) in Iran 
exhibited no urban characteristics related to Silk Road. Thus, divergence debates can 
arise that Iranian cities wrongly adopted or responded to the needs of modernity.  
29 
 
The transformation from trading to oil industry tremendously influenced on the 
economic condition, and this might have led or contributed to changes in the cities 
significance. Therefore, indicating that SRCS have lost their significance, and US 
situated in them have either deteriorated or lost their characteristics due to 
modernistic interferences.  
Somewhat, this is the life of all old cities during their history. According to Tiesdell, 
Oc, & Heath (1996), based on the changes in values in 1970s, there has to be a need 
for the revitalization of public places as the main functional areas of cities, since they 
cannot become museum environments. Based on the arguments aforementioned in 
the problem statement, the study focuses on two-research arguments on the 
assumption that, Placemaking should be (maybe) a tool or as part of strategy in 
SRCS.  
1.2 Aim, Objectives and Research Questions  
Revitalization is a vast terminology with different dimensions or many aspects. 
Tiesdell, Oc, & Heath (1996) believe that Revitalization emphases on the efforts to 
increase ability of the economic development, deliver the finance essential, conserve, 
maintain, and improve the quarters. In other words, means either the original 
regeneration of the old-style actions of the quarter or a rearrangement of the quarter’s 
economic base. Many historical places have lost their vitality and this deeply affects 
the economy of a place. The destructive effect of physical elements are some other 
attributes or consequences to vitality loss. Tiesdell, Oc, & Heath (1996) argued that 
revitalization attempts have to run within a delicate environment that works as both 
restraint and unrestraint. It is certain that revitalization is about conservation, which 
can include the economy of a place tied with physical landscape, as well as buildings 
30 
 
of the place especially in historical quarters. Therefore, to conserve an entire place, 
quarter or city, physical aspect of revitalization is necessary. Tiesdell, Oc, & Heath 
(1996) asserted that all urban areas experience transformation, but historic quarters 
have to tackle transformations in economic prosperities, while transformation in 
physical lands is limited in the benefits of conservation.  
Place as an important element of the quarters and cities has great role to play in 
urban design. Tiesdell, Oc, & Heath, (1996) stated that nowadays, urban design is 
deliberating on making sense of place and placemaking. For instance, the best urban 
quarters can be good a depiction of urban design. Therefore, placemaking might be 
an update or newly common processes or strategies for accomplishing successful 
historical places.  
As a rule of thumb, it is essential to create successful places for citizens. Within 
recent decades, there has been a kind of competition between urban designers to 
create successful UPS for people. Creating such appropriate public spaces will 
increase the quality of urban life excessively. On the other hand, as aforementioned, 
public spaces in Iranian SRCS are facing identity loss, especially with new erected 
buildings in old places. Silk Road is one of the most famous international trade 
routes in the world, because of its long history and extensive territory. Lately, some 
international institutes have considered partial renewal of Silk Road. Due to the 
increasing attention to the importance of this historical route, many cities in 
developing countries along the Silk Road attempts to change or create places from 
their UPS ascribable to the characteristics of this route. These efforts will help cities 
to be more successful in bringing initial image of their historical places. Therefore, 
31 
 
this study focal point will be on placemaking for SRCS in Iran, and will attempt to 
ascertain solutions for successful placemaking in SRCS.  
Contingent on the analysis, the result will include improvements on placemaking 
process for SRCS in Iran, and some design recommendations likewise. Therefore, 
this research main purport is to find out the most appropriate approach or method of 
creating a successful urban public space (UPS) in SRCS. Furthermore, two principal 
objectives to this main purport were formulated, which includes, finding out what are 
the general and specific characteristics of UPS in SRCS, and secondly; to define 
particular approaches for placemaking in the creation of successful places in SRCS. 
In correlation with the main objectives of this research, two independent or major 
research question are unfold: 
What should be the strategies for Place Making? How could Place Making 
improve the quality of UPS in SRCS in Iran?  
Figure 1- The Argument of Research Main Question 
Place-
Making 
as a tool 
Quality 
of UPS 
in SRCS 
32 
 
To comprehend profoundly the two main research questions, five sub-questions are 
establish:  
1- What are the criteria for successful places?  
2- What are the characteristics of SRCS? 
3- What are the general characteristics of UPS in Iranian cities and in SRCS 
in particular? 
4- What are the existing qualities/measurements in Silk Road cities?  
5- How UPS in SRCS can be redesigned or reused in contemporary times?   
  
33 
 
1.3 Research Methodology  
The research comprises of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, based 
on “Theoretical Investigations” and “Cases Studies examples”. The methodology of 
this study has been divided two distinct parts: 
I. Documentary survey (Theoretical investigations) 
a. Defining criteria and measurements 
b. Selecting the best assessments by using Delphi & SAW method 
II. Case study:  
a. Document survey and site survey observations  
b. Detailed site survey in selected cases  
The theoretical investigation focuses on two basic key words, place and place 
making. The result of this investigation will be “defining the key factors and 
measurements” as well as “selecting the best assessments” for the cases study 
analysis. The Iranian SRCS selected in the cases study aspect as well as its urban 
characteristics were identify categorically. To explore those “examples,” different 
techniques such as, collection of basic materials (including, maps, photos, drawings, 
local reports etc.) were utilised. Furthermore, employed also was site analysis and 
direct observations. Conducted also was a documentary survey to define or 
determine Silk Road and the cities included in Iran. After the initial data collection, 
in second division of this part, two different methods elucidates the criteria used for 
the selection of examples i.e. Delphi and SAW1. In addition to that, a complete and 
                                                 
1 These methods have been explained in Chapter 3 
34 
 
detailed analysis covering once again the selected examples with site survey and 
chosen assessments were analysed for SRCS places.  
In the conclusion, the key design approaches were proposed or suggested. To 
recommend the key design approaches, the results of both the theoretical 
investigation (Assessments) and cases study were utilised.    
35 
 
Figure 2- Methodology of Research  
36 
 
1.4 Structure of Thesis  
The structure of this thesis formulates its base from some certain questions about the 
subject. The interrogative words of this thesis can be utilised for the purposes of 
academics. These questions forms the bases of this research, and with the aid of 
phrases, the research structure is constructed. After the subject is uncovered, these 
questions consequently makes the research complete. Fundamentally, each research 
should have valuable and beneficial questions types to be termed as an academic 
research. Explaining or somehow answering these questions tabled the structure of 
this thesis in a way that question has directed the author to a chapter of the thesis.  
The direct initial question was about the essence of the research. “Why am I doing 
it?” usually this question are often missed or forgotten during the research process, 
and when the author reaches the final point, the results attained seems to have no 
sense or even repeated. In this thesis, this question guides the author in writing the 
introductory part as well as citing the significant of the research.  
The next key question deals with the known and unknown parts of the subject. 
Normally, understanding the situation of knowledge about the subject clarifies the 
lack of knowledge about the subject to everyone. In addition, understanding the part 
of academic realm the research would fulfill, as well as on which data based is also 
of paramount concern. Therefore, “What is known and what is unknown?” 
conduces the author to research and complete the Theoretical investigation of this 
thesis.  
37 
 
Another fundamental question that geared the author to direct the research towards a 
precise point was “What do I hope to discover?” To answer and explicate these 
questions, one at a time, aim and objectives has been developed or formulated.  
Another main question that arises in a research is “How am I going to discover 
this?” in elucidating this question, the author should explicate all the requisite 
measures of the research in a proper way, as well as explaining the analyzing part 
more proper. Therefore, this question interrelates more with the methodology of this 
thesis.  
“So what?” is another fascinating question that springs up or comes to mind 
whenever research and result analysis has been unfolded? In other words, “What 
contribution to the knowledge does it make?” and “What next?” The author has 
attempted to explicate these issues in the Conclusion and Recommendations, 
including the explanation of the results findings, as well as purposing some 
recommendations based on the entire findings. 
Regards to explanations from above this thesis has been structured to have totally six 
chapters. Chapter one, as an introduction to thesis includes problem, aim and 
objectives, methodology and the structure of the thesis. Chapter two, shows the 
outcome of survey in literature about place and placemaking. This chapter includes 
theoretical discussions about place and placemaking in urban area separately, and 
then it defines criteria of creation successful place. Chapter three, is about 
introducing different multi criteria decision making methodologies and selecting the 
proper method for analyzing the cases. After selecting the methodology, in this 
chapter the employing of methodology in to theory has been explained.  
38 
 
Chpater four is presenting general information of Silk Road and explaining the 
places which has been effected by trading, in Iranian cities. Also introducing the 
places which is mostly Iranian cities are based on them. Chapter five, is about the 
analyzing the cases. At the beginning of this chapter the method of selecting cases 
has been explained and after that the cases has been introduced. Then the result of 
employing multi criteria decision making methodology in placemaking theory has 
been applied for the cases. The initial result has been shown in this chapter as a 
summary. Chapter six is about conclusion and recommendations. At the beginning of 
this chapter the findings of the research has been explained in order to the theory, 
methodology and cases.  Then the strategies of placemaking due to the findings has 
been explained and after finally recommendations for future studies has been 
mentioned.  
  
39 
 
Chapter 2 
LITERATURE SURVEY: PLACE & PLACE-MAKING 
In this part at the beginning, it has been tried to understand the definitions and 
concepts of place. What is place? What are the different dimensions of place? 
Moreover, which criteria has more influence to place? After that, the study has 
focused on placemaking. In this part, it has been trying to clarify that placemaking is 
a process and the result of this process is place.  
Since place is the basic of placemaking and many of the characteristics of these are 
tiding together and also initial urban scholars did not named their criteria, it can be 
argued that many scholars like Kevin Lynch or Roger Trancik who are famous in 
other criteria, also have great ideas about the place which are related to placemaking.  
Kevin Andrew Lynch (1918-1984) was an urban planner who is famous for his 
influential book “The image of the city”. In addition, he invents new terminology to 
the vocabulary of urban planning or design. He has used the terms “Legibility” and 
“Imageability” for the first time. He is one of the first scholars who succeed to 
determine indicators for understanding how an image or meaning of a city or place 
remains in memories of citizens.  From this point of view, it is vital that each 
placemaking process can be measured with his ideas.  
Roger Trancik is an urban designer who in his book “Finding lost space” introduced 
three famous urban design theories and described the relation between them. “Figure 
40 
 
ground”, “Linkage” and “Place” are the three urban design theories that have been 
introduced by Trancik. He describes with these three theories, how a place is formed 
from physical aspect of a city that can prepare the background for adding cultural 
elements to give meaning to a place. His book is a useful experienced guide that is 
preparing theoretical background on placemaking. (Trancik, 1986)  
Christopher Wolfgang Alexander (born in 1936) is an architect who believes that 
users know more about the building they need than any architects do. He has many 
writings about user participation in architecture but here it will be mentioned about 
one of his books “Pattern Language”. In this book, Alexander tries to explain the 
way of designing from finding location a shopping mall in a city to properties of 
windows of a villa in a neighborhood. All of these are explained under the name of 
different patterns. Thus many patterns related to the placemaking can be found in this 
book.  
Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urban writer and activist championed new, 
community-based approaches to planning over 40 years. (Project for Public Spaces) 
She is one of the scholars who mentions to urban designers and planners about 
people who are living in cities. Her famous book “The death and life of American 
cities” is about that. From this point of view, her ideas about place from sociology 
and citizens characteristics are very useful for placemaking. She is one of those 
scholars who’s her ideas inspired many generations in urban design.  
There are many other scholars who have some words about placemaking, which can 
be categorized under name of ‘Placemakers’.  
41 
 
Donald Appleyard, Dan Biederman, David Engwicht, Ronald Lee Fleming, Jon 
Jerde, Fred Kent, Jan Gehl, Allan Jacobs, James Howard Kunstler, Enrique Penalosa, 
William H. Whyte are some of them.  
In this research, the ideas of these scholars have been studied through literature in 
order to understand the essence of placemaking. In addition, according to the needs 
of contents, it might have used some quotes from them or other scholars who are less 
known in ‘placemaking’.  
2.1 Place: Definitions and Concepts  
Place might be one of the most popular terminology for all planners and designers. In 
addition, it can be the common subject for urban planners, urban designers and 
architects. Almost each scholar has an idea about place. Generally, all impression 
about human, society and people that needs space or has been done in space has a 
relation with place. Therefore, many philosophers, sociologists and even 
psychologists have their own idea about place.  
There are many definitions for place in a way that each scholar might have a specific 
idea about that. By a simple search in libraries and internet it will be clarified that the 
number of place definitions is somehow more than number of scholars in this field 
because not only scholars but also designers have their own perception about the 
place. Therefore, it can be assumed that it is almost impossible to put all definitions 
about the place together in a research. Therefore, in this investigation it has been 
tried to find the proper definitions that are relative with the theme of research.  
YI-FU Tuan wrote; “The ideas ‘space’ and ‘place’ require each other for definition. 
From the security and stability of place we are aware of the openness, freedom and 
42 
 
threat of space, and vice versa. Furthermore, if we think of space as that which 
allows movement, then place is a pause; each pause of movement makes it possible 
for location to be transformed into place.” (Tuan, Space and Place The perspective 
of experience, 1977, p. 6) There is no simple way or solution to turn space into a 
place. Tuan argued that with only having an architectural picture of an urban area 
never make it a real “place”. “The visual quality of an environment is quickly tallied 
if one has the artist’s eye. But the “feel” of a place takes longer to acquire. It is 
made up of experiences, mostly fleeting and undramatic, repeated day after day and 
over the span of years. It is a unique blend of sights, sounds and smells, a unique 
harmony of natural and artificial rhythms such as times of sunrise and sunset, of 
work and play” (Tuan, Space and Place The perspective of experience, 1977, p. 183)  
According to Dovey (2002), Paulsen (2004), Doratli and Merrifield (1993) it might 
be said that “Place is a particular space which is covered with meaning and values 
by the users” generally scholars agree on this definition of place. (Dovey, 2002), 
(Paulsen, 2004), (Doratli) and (Merrifield, 1993)  
According to the aim and objectives of this research one of the more relevant 
definition for an urban place has been written by (Tuan, Space and Place The 
perspective of experience, 1977, p. 138); “Place is a pause in movement. Animals, 
including human beings, pause at a locality because it satisfies certain biological 
needs. The pause makes it possible for a locality to become a center of felt value.” In 
view of that, this definition of place could reveal the main problem of Iranian cities 
According to the contemporary needs and adaptation of cities to those needs, urban 
spaces in contemporary Iranian cities are more appropriate for movement without 
43 
 
any pause. In the Figure 3 which is taken from an urban space in Tehran (Meydan-e-
topkhane) in two different periods of time (one from around 150 years ago and other 
in 2008), it is clear how this space has changed only to solve the problem of 
transportation. Thus, a public building (in the left side of left photo in Figure 3) 
changes to a bus and taxi terminal (top side of right photo below).  
Figure 3- Meydan-e-topkhane Tehran in 18th & 2008 
While Tuan (1977) talks about pause and movement to define space and place, role 
of time in establishment of place becomes more important. He says; “Permanence is 
an important element in the idea of place. Things and objects endure and are 
dependable in ways that human beings, with their biological weaknesses and shifting 
moods, do not endure and are not dependable” (Tuan, Space and Place The 
perspective of experience, 1977, p. 140) So, if there is no pause in a city, there will 
be any shifting moods.  
As a social point of view to define “Place”, Oldenburg (1989), refers to home and 
work as the first two places in life where we spend the most time, and the third place 
as where we go on a more informal basis to get away from the first two places. He 
believes that the third place is a broad title of public places that crowd the steady, 
unpaid, relaxed, and happily expected assemblies of persons beyond the lands of 
44 
 
home and work. Oldenburg (1989), wrote about historical continuity of urban public 
space from post-war urban changes till recent activities, with coming from rejection 
of urban life to a meaningful public life. (Oldenburg, 1989), in his book “The Great 
Good Place” says in the nonappearance of a casual public life, Americans are 
deprived of those means of dismissing stress that help other cultures so efficiently. 
He has also emphasis on relieving stress can be built into an urban area as those 
specifications that make stress. He explains the third place as a place, which is 
comfort like home but people should come there and go like work place. He also has 
offered the rich and varied association for the neighborhoods, which is their promise 
and their potential. He believes there must be unbiased land for people may gather. 
He mentioned that places must be pleased for people, in a way no one want to be 
host, and all feel at home.  
Oldenburg (1989), like Tuan (1977) point to the lack of language use to describe 
these places, and therefore the third place is often forgotten. The subject seems to 
either be ignored or taken for granted in our descriptions of the physical 
environments in which we live. Very little thought is given to what makes a place 
important to us on an emotional level, which may be the very thing that makes it 
special. (Muriby, 2007) 
Urban designers such as Krier (1979), Peterson (1979), Trancik (1986), Kallus 
(2001) see space as the most important means for the creation of urban 
environments. As indicated by Peterson (1979, p. 76), the space is “the prerequisite 
medium from which the whole fabric of urbanism emerges”. Although the term place 
is often used as a location for memory or nostalgia and therefore interpreted as a 
45 
 
stable concept, we stress its constructive and contingent power. (Heidegger, 1971) 
(Schneekloth & Shibely, 2000, pp. 130-140)  
The `architectural space’ differs from the `social space’, which is “The spatial 
implications of social institutions ... [to which] the physical characteristics of the 
built environment tend to be epiphenomenal” (Colquhoun, 1991, p. 223)  
The urban space, as it is presented in the Nolli plan, is thus a particular and specific 
place, a positive entity having an integrated relationship with its surrounding 
buildings. (Kallus, 2001, pp. 129-151) The urban experience is derived from this 
spatial comprehension of the city, connecting the urban phenomenon to the concept 
of (positive) urban space, so that the city becomes a spatial formation of open spaces, 
such as streets, squares and public buildings, creating a total spatial fabric. (Kallus, 
2001, pp. 129-151) So, as an urban designer it is important how relate these spatial 
elements together. As (Graves, 1979) mentioned about Nolli’s map “the relationships 
of piazza to threshold to internal public room with a sense of Marché or promenade 
that would be unimaginable using other graphic assumptions”.  
When a place in an urban environment is made, initially the physical face of 
environment is changed. However, other changes in the environment will also occur. 
The influences of constructing a place directly reflect to the society. “Thus 
architecture is not just a collection of physical objects, but they are also 
metaphorical, allegoric, and thematic, reliant for effect on the interactions between 
the building, dynamic external environment, and people and their beliefs and values” 
(Champion & Dave, 2002, pp. 87-97). Therefore, the analysis of places is not limited 
to physical aspects of it. On the other hand, the role of a comprehensive analysis of 
46 
 
location and society before design and make a place is important to achieve the 
optimal option. “The highly prescriptive and practical nature of design requires a set 
of information to be assembled, often too quickly due to time limits and be employed 
in a solution-finding exercise” (Madanipour, Design of Urban Space An Inquiry into 
a Socio-spatial Process, 1996, p. 3)  
Place in urban environment is distinctive for urban designers. Many aspects of urban 
design are based on place. Today, many scholars have written about place from 
differents point of view and have defined place from various aspects of urban design. 
They have clarified definition and characteristics of place in urban environment by 
their own. Some are concerned with physicality like Cullen (1971), and some more 
attention about psychology of place and the feeling, which is derive from place to 
people, like Lynch (1960) or Alexander C. (1977). It has been proven that making 
place in a city is something more than putting some physical element together. “To 
be sure, there are many physical elements which, if combined properly (with each 
other and with the psychology of place) produce urban quality: architectural form, 
scale, landmarks, vistas, meeting places, open space, greening and so on.” 
(Montgomery, 1998, pp. 93-116)  
Place has a wide area of meaning and usage. It is one of basic tools for urban 
designers in practical projects. Almost all of urban design projects are evaluating 
with the places that they created. According to this vast usage, definitions have been 
changeable.  
Tiesdell, Oc, & Heath (1996) cited two diagrams from (Montgomery, 1998) and 
(Punter, pp. 7-24) about the role of urban designer in place. One of them shows that 
47 
 
place is an interface between activity, form and image. It shows image is cognition, 
perception and information. The other one presents the dimensions of places as an 
interface of three parts; Physical setting, Activity, and Meaning. (Figure 4 & Figure 
5)  
  
48 
 
 
Figure 4 - Role of Urban Designers to Enhance the Potential Sense of Place 
(Tiesdell, Carmona, Heath, & Oc, 2003) 
Figure 5- Dimensions of Places - (Tiesdell, Carmona, Heath, & Oc, 2003)  
Permeabil
Landm  
pace to building 
Ratios, stock
(Adaptability and
Vertical grain,  
Public realm
 
Cafe, events 
hours, f l o w
base, 
 
 
  
(Cognition, perception and 
information) 
49 
 
Place is not limited only with the physical appearances. Accordingly, it might be 
assumed that for making a place concern to activities and image or meaning of that is 
necessary.  
After studying these definitions and approaches to place, it can be inferred that, place 
is initially composed of physical elements or settings that make a layout, this 
physical layout contains a variety of activities inside, the combination of these 
physical complex, and activities produce a meaning for this set. Moreover, this 
integration gives a sense about itself to the users. In a simple definition; place, 
physicality is an urban environment that includes variety of activities which gives a 
meaning. Some scholars like Kevin Lynch defines this meaning as “image”. Since 
discussion about the terminology is not the issue of this dissertation, thus it can be 
accepted that image and meaning could be in same categorization for place. 
“Environmental images are the result of two-way process between the observer and 
his environment. The environment suggests distinctions and relations, and the 
observer -with great adaptability and in the light of his own purposes- selects, 
organizes, and endows with meaning what he sees.” (Lynch, The Image of The City, 
1960)  
  
50 
 
2.1.1 Criteria for Successful Urban Public Place 
In previous section the definitions of place has been explained and after that 
dimensions of place emerges. At the beginning of this section, it would be better to 
refer again about these dimensions with another diagram. Montgomery (1998) cited 
this diagram from Canter (1977), which is describing a visual metaphor for the 
nature of places. (Figure 6) 
Figure 6- A Visual Metaphor for the Nature of Places (Canter, 1977) Cited In 
(Montgomery, 1998)  
It is clear that if a place is not successful, the problem should be searched for among 
each of these dimensions. Scholars refer to each dimension according to the 
problems or from their point of view. Thus, in this section, it has been attempted to 
collect most of important definitions about place and space. The main aim of this 
collection is to understand; what are the effective factors that make a place successful 
or change a space to a place?   
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A. Physical Setting   
As it mentioned above, physical settings are necessary to create a place. Norberg-
Schulz defines place as “a dynamic unity of architectural elements, inhabitants and 
interactions between/among them.” (Champion & Dave, 2002, pp. 87-97) (Norberg-
Schulz, 2000) (Alexander C. , 1977)    
To achieve any kind of image or meaning, the existence of spatial environment is 
necessary. “Image must include the spatial or pattern relation of the object to the 
observer and to other objects.” (Lynch, The Image of The City, 1960, p. 8) 
It is better to begin this part with Trancik (1986) and his three urban design theories 
(Figure-Ground, Linkage and Place theories). The first step of three urban design 
theories defined by Trancik is based on physical settings however this theory is in 
two-dimensions. He defines figure ground theory and its effects in spatial 
environment. Trancik argues that there should be a logical relationship between 
figures and ground. Although this analysis has been offered for understanding the 
texture and pattern of urban fabric, since place is one of the stressed points in urban 
fabric, analysis can also be focused on that scale. More in Trancik’s book, he argues 
that to develop the culture and social life, people needs a stable system of places, to 
achieve this purpose, manmade space needs emotional contents. “Boundary, or 
definite edge, is important to this presence” (Trancik, 1986)  
  
52 
 
Figure 7 - Diagram of urban design theories and six different types of figures 
(Trancik, 1986, pp. 98,101) 
Trancik also indicates that types of space are based on physical properties. He 
mentioned that however, each place could keep its uniqueness but also it can be 
categorized by the physical characteristics. (Trancik, 1986) According to this idea, to 
make a unique place, defining a proper relationship between figure and ground can 
be an appropriate starting point. At the same, he describes figure ground theory as 
the first step of realizing urban form and its relationships with open space. “In this 
approach, the starting point of understanding urban form is the analysis of 
relationships between building mass and open space. Figure-ground analyses are 
powerful tools for identifying the textures and pattern of the urban fabric as well as 
problems in its spatial order…” (Trancik, 1986) According to this criterion, a 
successful place needs a logical, proportional and explainable relationship between 
its figure and ground. Map of Rome by Giambattista Nolli, is a famous example of 
showing such a relationship in the historical urban tissue.  
53 
 
Figure 8- Giambattista Nolli, Map Of Rome (Trancik, 1986, p. 99) 
As it is clear in the Nolli’s map of Rome semi open spaces are very effective to 
create the better relationship between open area and close areas in places. In addition, 
these semi-open areas can work as a barrier between public and private spaces. 
Trancik argued, “Space is the medium of the urban experience, providing the 
sequence between public, semi-public, and private domains. For these sequences to 
work, circulation barriers and gaps in continuity must be minimized or eliminated. 
Spatial orientation is defined by the configuration of urban blocks that collectively 
form districts and neighborhoods”. (Trancik, 1986)  
Shortly it can be said that, according to the figure-ground theory of Trancik, a 
successful place has a proper Form that has a logical relationship between figures 
and grounds. Therefore, Semi-open spaces are key elements to create such a 
relationship in urban places.  
Trancik define “Linkage theory” as the second theory of three urban design theories 
in the way that almost all activities that have been named above are a part of that. “In 
this approach dynamics of circulation become generators of urban form. The 
emphasis on connection and movement is a significant contribution, but the need for 
spatial definition is sometimes overvalued.” (Trancik, 1986)  
54 
 
Linkage is the most important characteristic of urban open spaces, as Trancik cited 
from Maki. “Linkage simply is the glue of the city. It is the act by which we unite all 
the layers of activity and resulting physical form in the city…” (Maki, 1964) cited in 
(Trancik, 1986)  
Figure 9-Three Urban design theories and three types of Spatial Linkage (Trancik, 
1986, pp. 98,107)  
Therefore, having a reasonable linkage with outside and inside of a place can be 
another factor for successful place.  
The other urban design theory of Trancik has more effects on image. Therefore, 
those theories will be mentioned on the other parts on this chapter.  
Christopher Alexander began a new language for towns and buildings in architecture 
and planning with his entities which he call them patterns. While Alexander 
describes how to use one of his famous books (a pattern language) he has mentioned 
about patterns. “Each pattern describes a problem which occurs over and over again 
in our environment, and then describes the core of solution to that problem, in such a 
55 
 
way that you can use this solution a million times over, without ever doing it the 
same way twice.” (Alexander C. , 1977)  
Alexander considered about building height with a pattern which is brings height 
limitation to urban area (Four-story limit). He believes that this limitation is the first 
principle for “establish community and neighborhood policy to control the character 
of the local environment.” (Alexander C. , 1977)  In addition, he argues that height 
should swing in urban environment. “Within an urban area, the density of building 
fluctuates. It will, in general, be rather higher toward the center and lower the 
edges.” (Alexander C. , 1977)  
Alexander deeply believes that high-rise buildings are harmful for mental health. In 
addition, he argues that high-rise constructions physically make people separate from 
ground. “High-rise living takes people away from the ground, and away from the 
casual, everyday society that occurs on the sidewalks and streets and on the gardens 
and porches. It leaves them alone in their apartments.” (Alexander C. , 1977) He 
seriously argues high-rise buildings make public places become useless. “The 
decision to go out for some public life becomes formal and awkward; and unless 
there is some specific task which brings people out in the world, the tendency is to 
stay home, alone. The forced isolation then causes individual breakdowns.” 
(Alexander C. , 1977)  
Finally, his decision about building height is limiting them to four-story and less. “In 
any urban area, no matter how dense, keep the majority of buildings four stories 
high or less. It is possible that certain buildings should exceed this limit, but they 
should never be buildings for human habitation.” (Alexander C. , 1977)  
56 
 
His idea about high-rise buildings is somehow rigid and intense. However, it can be 
considered as reasonable to have successful place, using height limitation as an 
indicator.  
Boundaries are notable in city, especially for residential area, those elements have a 
great impact on the quality of life. Alexander argues that each housing areas needs to 
be separated by boundaries. He explains that these boundaries can be public land or 
work communities. However, he believes even in these boundaries there should be 
housing with people who are living in them. “Wherever there is a sharp separation 
between residential and nonresidential parts of town, the nonresidential areas will 
quickly turn to slums”. (Alexander C. , 1977) So his solution to avoid from this 
urban disease is building houses in the nonresidential areas. “Build houses into the 
fabric of shops, small industry, schools, public services, universities- all those parts 
of cities which draw people in during the day, but which tend to be ‘nonresidential.’ 
The houses may be in rows or ‘hills’ with shops beneath, or they may be free-
standing, so long as they mix with the other functions, and make the entire area 
‘lived-in’.” (Alexander C. , 1977) So having some residential houses around a place 
can make it successful. Nevertheless, more than that well define boundary is 
necessary for a place.  
  
57 
 
In Table 1 all factors that have been recognizing in this part have been shown.  
Table 1-Physical Factors Suggested For Successful Place  
Physical Factors  
Form 
Relationship between figure and ground  
Linkage  
Semi-Open spaces 
Well define boundary 
Height limitation  
Residential houses 
  
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B. Activity  
Activities are about the land uses in an urban environment and areas in public open 
spaces. Generally, activity has been defined with land use. “Land is the stage on 
which all human activity is being conducted and the source of the materials needed 
for this conduct.” (Briassoulis H. , 2000)  
Usually, activities are containing diversity, vitality, street life, people watching, land 
uses, pedestrian flow etc. All of these activities can be seen on open spaces 
especially streets. Therefore, open space has a certain impact on activities and vice 
versa.  
The most effective pattern or factor on activity of a place is land use. The diversity of 
land uses bring variety to the urban areas as Jacobs (1961) states:  “a mixture of uses, 
if it is to be sufficiently complex to sustain city safety, public contact and cross-use, 
needs an enormous diversity of ingredients.” Moreover, Jacobs argue about the 
reasons that bring diversity to a city “The diversity of whatever kind that is generated 
by cities rests on the fact that in cities so many people are so close together, and 
among them contain so many different tastes, needs, supplies, and bees in their 
bonnets.” (Jacobs, 1961) Then, we can argue that diversity can be another factor to 
increase activities in a place. In other word, a successful place is a place that contains 
a variety of activities.  
Commercial activities are necessary for increasing activities in a place. “Commercial 
diversity is in itself, immensely important for cities, socially as well as 
economically.” (Jacobs, 1961) However, often, when the words “Diversity in city” is 
observed, all attention will shift to commercial activities. Meanwhile, Jacobs knows 
59 
 
the meaning of that more deep than commerce. “But more than this wherever we find 
a city district with an exuberant variety and plenty in its commerce, we are apt to 
find that it contains a good many other kind of diversity also, including variety of 
cultural opportunities, variety of scenes, and a great variety in its population and 
other users.” (Jacobs, 1961)  
Here the role of economy to generate diversity can be argued. Jacobs mentioned the 
role of economy as a “generator of diversity". She argued that “Various efficient 
economic pools of use” could generate diversity in a city; otherwise, there will be no 
difference between a city and small settlements.  
“Although cities may fairly be called natural economic generators of diversity 
and natural economic incubators of new enterprises, this does not mean that 
cities automatically generate diversity just by existing. They generate it because 
of the various efficient economic pools of use that they form. Wherever they fail 
to form such pools of use, they are little better, if any at generating diversity than 
small settlements. And the fact that they need diversity socially, unlike small 
settlements, makes no difference.” (Jacobs, 1961)  
Therefore, various economic uses can also be a factor for successful places.  
Alexander has interesting ideas about commercial places especially shops and their 
locations in cities. “Shops rarely place themselves in those positions which best serve 
the people’s needs, and also guarantee their own stability.” (Alexander C. , 1977) 
Instead of having individual shops scattered in city, he believes on “Market of many 
shops”, “Shopping streets” or “Web of shopping”. As a solution, he offers some steps 
for finding the best location for a shop. One of these steps is emphasizing on “gaps in 
the existing web of shops”. This way is also increasing the diversity of users in a 
place. Although he believes that diversity of shops can generate variety of users -if 
60 
 
they locate in one place- but this diversity should complete with the diversity of shop 
owners.  
“It is natural and convenient to want a market where all the different foods 
and households goods you need can be bought under a single roof. But when 
the market has a single management, like a supermarket, the foods are bland, 
and there is no joy in going there.” (Alexander C. , 1977)  
It can be a good reason to make traditional bazaars more attractive than big malls. So 
having variety of owners or in other word, a web of shopping (as Alexander named 
it) can be another factor to make a place successful.  
“Instead of modern supermarkets, establish frequent marketplaces, each one 
made up of many smaller shops which are autonomous and specialized 
(cheese, meat, grain, fruit, and so on). Build the structure of market as 
minimum, which provides no more than a roof, columns which define aisles, 
and basic services. Within this structure allow the different shops to create 
their own environment, according to their individual taste and needs.” 
(Alexander C. , 1977) 
It seems that he directly describes traditional bazaars in eastern cultures. Additionally 
he puts a sketch to visualize his expression. In the figure below, the sketch of 
Alexander (Left) is compared with the partial plan of Istanbul Bazaar.  
  
61 
 
Figure 10- Sketch Of Market Of Many Shops (Left) By (Alexander C. , 1977) And 
Plan Of Istanbul Bazaar (Right) From (Archnet.org)  
The other important pattern related to activity that Alexander mentioned about that is 
“night life”. “Most of the cities activities close down at night; those which stay open 
won’t do much for the night life of the city unless they’re together.” (Alexander C. , 
1977) He mentions about seven points that makes nightlife important to a city and 
the reasons that scattered points in a city will not use full for people. He especially 
argues about the safety for pedestrian at night that is an important factor for having 
nightlife. Finally, he offers his advices to generate activities at night.  
“Knit together shops, amusements, and services which are open at night, along 
with hotels, bars and all-night diners to form centers of night life: well-lit, safe, 
and lively places that increase the intensity of pedestrian activity at night by 
drawing all the people who are out at night to the same few spots in the town. 
Encourage those evening centers to distribute themselves evenly across the 
town.” (Alexander C. , 1977) 
Therefore, nightlife can be referred as another factor for successful places. In the 
Table 2 all factors related to activity that have been recognizing in this part have 
been shown. 
  
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Table 2-Activity Factors Suggested For Successful Place  
Activity Factors 
Land use 
Diversity  
Various economic uses 
Night life 
Variety of owners 
Web of shopping 
  
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C. Image   
“If in abstract, physical terms, space is a bounded or purposeful void with the 
potential of physically linking things, it only becomes place when it is given a 
contextual meaning derived from cultural or original content”. (Trancik, 1986)  
Each place has different images to the people according to the two dimensions 
mentioned above. In other words while a place has been formed with physical 
settings and activities have been generated, the image has been visualized by people. 
Since people have different perceptions, this image will be different. Therefore, this 
image is not stabilized according to physical settings or activities. Some other issues 
can effect on perceptions of people. Lynch in his famous imageability was trying to 
measure this image with some elements. He argues that; although spatial analysis is 
one of basic needs for imageability but also this analysis has some limitations by 
itself, which can complete with other dimensions of place.  With Lynch’s words:  
“This analysis limits itself to the effects of physical, perceptible objects. 
There are other influences on imageability, such as the social meaning of an 
area, its function, its history, or even its name. These will be glossed over, 
since the objective here is to uncover the role of form itself. It is taken for 
granted. That in actual design form should be used to reinforce meaning, and 
not to negate it.” (Lynch, 1960) 
Image and meaning for a place are a coverage that can complete the purpose of 
design process. The five famous elements for imageability, introduced by Lynch are 
best examples for this argument. All five imageability elements (Landmark, edge, 
node, district, and path) have physical nature, but meaning or image of people has a 
great influence to determine them. Since those elements are defined for a whole city 
and in order to understand better about the image factors according to this five 
elements it would be better to have a brief look for each of them.  
64 
 
Paths: Lynch defines paths according to the users; “Paths are channels along which 
the observer customarily, occasionally, or potentially moves.” (Lynch, 1960) So, 
from this point of view any place which has capability of moving, potentially is a 
path, but people can choose and use this capability. Lynch has no limitation for this 
element according to pedestrian, car or any types of vehicle access or even water 
channels. Alexander is also has a great emphasis to the transportation and movement 
in a city, he has several patterns which are directly related to movement like 
‘Network of paths and cars’, ‘Pedestrian street’, also he mentioned about the 
importance of pedestrian movement and safety of pedestrian in some other patterns 
like ‘Night life’. Therefore, path can be a factor for successful place.  
Edges: According to the (Lynch, 1960), “edges are the linear elements which are not 
used as paths by observers.” Lynch also mentions that they are boundaries. Proper 
design of Edges can also be a factor for successful places since Lynch argues that 
they are “important organizing features” for the people who are “holding together” 
in a common place.  
Districts: Since this element can only be regarded in city scale, it cannot be taken as a 
factor for a place.  
Nodes: “Nodes are points, the strategic spots in a city into which an observer can 
enter, and which are the intensive foci to and from which he is traveling.” (Lynch, 
1960) According to Lynch, this element is related with paths; “junctions are typically 
the convergence of paths”. Therefore, design of nodes can also be a factor for 
successful place.  
65 
 
Landmarks: Lynch defines landmark as “another point-reference” type; with one 
difference that is “nobody can enter within them”. Although “they are usually a 
rather simply defined physical objects” but there is a wide range of physical elements 
that potentially can be a landmark, which Lynch used the “innumerable signs” for 
describing the signs of a landmark, but the most important issue about them is all the 
landmarks has been chosen by people. Therefore, landmark can be another factor 
for successful place.  
Tuan (1977) asserts that “place” relates to experience, which is difficult to put into 
words and therefore is often ignored and thought to be less important than more 
tangible concepts surrounding the physical environment. He believes that thought is 
only one side of what comprises human experience. “It is a common tendency to 
regard feeling and thought as opposed, the one registering subjective state, the other 
reporting on objective reality. In fact, they lie near the two ends of experiential 
continuum, and both are ways of knowing.” (Tuan, 1977). The human mind 
experiences more than just thoughts, and in order to understand how people respond 
to the design of “place” we have to also look at the way it makes us feel, even though 
this is often less tangible and more difficult to put into words than how we think 
about a place. (Muriby, 2007)“The body responds, as it has always done, to such 
basic features of design as enclosure and exposure, verticality and horizontality, 
mass, volume, interior spaciousness, and light.” (Tuan, 1977) 
Besides, “Place is further an ‘integration of elements of nature and culture…linked to 
other places by circulation.’ (Relph, 1986) The interactions between these objects 
and their setting may be quite complex (Cantor, 1974). Culture is a feedback loop.” 
(Champion & Dave, 2002) So, the cultural features have an important role for image 
66 
 
of a place, but the way of this integration between culture and physical setting is 
complicated. “Culture is a highly interactive dialogue of human ideas transmitted via 
social and individually constructed places”. (Champion & Dave, 2002)  
Champion & Dave (2002) realize that, to create culturally evocative environments, 
there is a need to understand which interactive elements disseminate cultural 
information. Thus, cultural features can increase the successfulness of a place.  
According to Trancik (1986) after specified boundary, or respond to that, enhance 
environmental identity or sense of place is more acceptable. He wrote about Genius 
Loci (protective spirit of place in classical roman religion) as an example. “A place is 
a space with a distinct character. Since ancient times the genius loci, or spirit of 
place, has been recognized, as the concrete reality man has to face and come to terms 
with in his daily life. Architecture means to visualize the genius loci and the task of 
the architect is to create meaningful places where he helps man to dwell” (Norberg-
Schulz, 1980) cited in (Trancik, 1986)  
Sense of place is often discussed in terms of the Latin concept of 'genius loci', which 
suggests that people experience something beyond the physical or sensory properties of 
places, and can feel an attachment to a spirit of place (Jackson J. B., 1994) cited in 
(Tiesdell, Carmona, Heath, & Oc, 2003). The spirit of place retained through such 
changes is 'subtle', 'nebulous', not easily analyzed in 'formal and conceptual terms', but 
nonetheless 'extremely obvious' (Tiesdell, Carmona, Heath, & Oc, 2003) Alexander also 
mentioned about “sacred sites” as an important pattern for people connection to the past. 
“People cannot maintain their spiritual roots and their connections to the past if the 
67 
 
physical world they live in does not also sustain those roots.” (Alexander C. , 1977) 
Therefore, the spirit of place or sacred place can be a factor for successful place.   
Trancik believes that although each place could be categorized according to the 
physical characteristics or geometry, but other characteristics apart from physical, 
which comes from the environment, can change what he calls it “Stimmung” of the 
place and make each that unique.  
“This character consists both of concrete things having material substance, 
shape, texture, and color, and of more intangible cultural association, a 
certain patina given by human use over time.” (Trancik, 1986)  
He defines the role of urban designers such a way that they “create place through a 
synthesis of the components of the total environment, including social” instead of 
“manipulate form to make space” (Trancik, 1986).  
After this through literature survey in the Table 3 all the factors that can make a 
place successful related to image are presented.  
  
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Table 3-Image Factors Suggested For Successful Place 
Image factors  
Path 
Edge 
Node 
Landmark 
Spirit of place or sacred place 
Cultural features 
 
In this stage the criteria for quality of place has been revealed, Figure 11 give us a  
general view to all of them together and it has been shown the relation between these 
criteria. As it is presented in this figure, the place is common part in between all 
these dimensions and of course, the criteria that mentioned in this section have focus 
on each side of place, separately.  
  
69 
 
Figure 11- Criteria for Successful Place 
  
  
IMAGE/MEANING  
• Path 
• Edge  
• Node 
• Landmark 
• Spirit of place/ Scred place 
• cultural features 
ACTIVITY 
• Land use 
• Diversity 
• Various economic uses 
• Night life 
• Variety of owners 
• Web of shopping 
PHYSICAL SETTING 
• Form 
• Relationship between figure 
and ground 
• Linkage/Access  
• Semi-open spaces 
• Well define boundary 
• Height limitation 
• Residential houses 
PLACE 
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2.2 Placemaking: Definitions and concepts 
This section presents a possible investigation on the definition and concepts of place 
making and the different views about place making through introducing famous 
place makers and scholars, who wrote about place making, will also be presented in.  
Placemaking is not a new idea and most of the scholars who have a word in that 
never mention about the name of their idea. Although terminology of ‘placemaking’ 
is newly added to the urban design and planning dictionary, this way of thinking 
existed from decades ago.  
“The Placemaking movement was born over forty years ago, when pioneers 
like Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte published their groundbreaking ideas 
about Americans and the urban experience. Back then there was no name for 
their way of thinking–they simply showed us that cities should be designed 
for people, with walkable streets, welcoming public spaces, and lively 
neighborhoods.” (Project for Public Spaces)   
At the first sight, it seems easy to define place making. With a fast search in any 
dictionary it will be obtained. Place Making has been defined in various different 
ways in literature with certain common aspects. The Oxford dictionary defines 
“place” as; “a particular position, point, or area in space; a location.” (Oxford 
University Press, 2011) Another definition is “a portion of space designated or 
available for or being used by someone.” (Oxford University Press, 2011) In 
addition, this dictionary defines “Making” as; “the act of a person or thing that 
makes.” (Oxford University Press, 2011) According to these dictionary definitions, 
place making can simply be defined as the act to make a particular position or a 
portion of space designated or available. Literally, this definition can be acceptable, 
but place makers believe that place making is something more than this.  
71 
 
Accordingly, some scholars mention place making as a tool for improving urban 
environment.  
“’Place-making’ is both an overarching idea and a hands-on tool for improving a 
neighborhood, city or region. It has the potential to be one of the most 
transformative ideas of this century.” Metropolitan Planning Council of Chicago 
(Project for Public Spaces) 
Some other scholars have a view to place making as a process, which is effectual on 
quality of urban life. They believe that Place Making is also under effect of some 
external factors.  
“Place making: The process of urban and landscape design, taken together with 
the various influences that will inform the creation of successful places 
characterized by quality, both in terms of function and in terms of experience”. 
(ATLAS, 2004)   
One of the most comprehensive and exact definitions about place making has been 
written by (Paulsen, 2004) in “Encyclopedia of urban studies”. “Placemaking 
generally refers to the processes by which a space is made useful and meaningful.” 
(Hutchison, 2009) After this definition, she mentions about possible methods for 
placemaking. “This may include manipulations of the physical landscape, including 
land development and building construction, or the attachment of meanings or 
sentiments to places through shared understandings.” (Hutchison, 2009) According 
to this definition and related to the place as a product of this process there are two 
specified ways for placemakers to be effective on urban environment: One includes 
“manipulating physical settings” and the other is “attachment of meanings”. This 
categorization may lead urban designers to realize that to have a good urban 
environment through placemaking, constructing new buildings can be completed by 
add a specific meaning of a place. On the other hand all places that have been made 
72 
 
by urban designers may not have the same meaning that they want during the time. 
Therefore, adding one building to a place can change meaning of that place. So, if 
that specific place is the most famous place of a city, this new meaning may include 
all society.  
Paulsen (2004) also believes in these possible changes for a society from interesting 
point of view. She mentions about some financial usages behind this process which 
gives enough reason to capitalism for involving (interfering) in placemaking. 
“Placemaking may reflect the work of elites who steer the interpretations and uses of 
a place to support their own financial interests.” (Hutchison, 2009)  
This process is from start to the end but placemaking like other actions in urban 
design has two ways interactions. Residents and users or in general people should be 
involved in the process of placemaking also. Paulsen (2004) mentions that beyond all 
of these methods or processes a “made place” should have been figured it out by 
people. “These more or less tangible processes usually occur in tandem, as 
dimensions of the landscape come to be understood by residents and others who 
interact with a place.” (Hutchison, 2009) However, it is important which type of 
meaning attached to the place or how new physical settings has been made in a place, 
but the interaction of people is another important issue which can totally complete or 
change the direction of placemaking process.  
When people are involved into a place and interaction between people and physical 
elements become important, it will be complicated. Human beings have different 
characteristics with different ideas and different needs. Each of these needs have to 
be covered in place.  
73 
 
According to the scholars which are more related to the place, placemaking has a 
strong relationship with identity and also activity. Conceptualizing place-making as 
an activity beyond, but not exclusive of, the expert cultures in architecture allows us 
to identify common aims with a larger public to which architecture and other expert 
cultures related to building must account. (Schneekloth & Shibely, 2000) Every day 
when we step out of our building for work, study or any other reasons we put 
ourselves in different places which have undeniable influences in our lives. These 
effects give an identity to each place that people involve in it and it can be called 
“Identity of activity”. “Placemaking may also occur more routinely, as individuals 
live, work, and interact in a given locale, shaping its uses and associations through 
everyday activity.” (Hutchison, 2009) The result is each activity in a place brings an 
identity with itself and gives it to that place.  
Briefly, it can be said that placemaking gives meanings to a place during time with 
physical settings or activities. “The degree to which these meanings persist over time 
reflects another element of placemaking, the struggle to associate particular 
memories or identities with a place.” (Hutchison, 2009) 
Figure 12 has many similarities with dimension of place, therefore placemaking can 
cover these dimensions, or it may effects on each dimension directly. However, are 
those all dimensions of placemaking? It seems placemaking should have more to 
write about.  
“Making” is a verb, which shows an action or process. Therefore, if placemaking can 
be a producing process, the output of this procedure will be the “Place”. There are 
some definitions for Place-Making which describe the relation between Place-
74 
 
Making and Place in this way “Place-Making: The creation of place through 
pedestrian orientation and public spaces in the public realm of a district” (Twin 
Cities TOD)  
Figure 12- Different Aspects of Place Making Related To Place 
2.2.1 Place Making As a Process 
Architects, urban planners, geographers and many other scholars can analyze a place, 
talk and write about the strength and weakness of the place, but often the procedure 
of making place, forgotten during the analysis of the product.  
“A principle for the neglect of speech is that geographers and landscape 
historians (and, I believe people in general) tend to see place almost 
exclusively as the result of the material transformation of nature. They can 
see farmers chapping down the wood and putting up fences and they can see 
workers raising the roof beams. What they do not see and hear are the 
discussions and commands crucial to the process of making anything that is 
not so routine as to be almost instinctive”. (Tuan, 1991)  
Nowadays, an urban space has some characteristic especially physical characteristics 
but the method of making place or reforming a space to a place is very different. 
“Place-making derives meaning from the qualities of a location and its surroundings 
as it envisions capitalizing upon the potential of their attributes”. (Max, 2004)  
In history, people believed that making civilized places for societies only happens 
with war. “In 1876, King Leopold II said that his goal for Africa was to bring 
Placemaking 
Manipulation of 
Physical setting 
Attachment of 
Meanings  
Identity of 
Activities 
75 
 
civilization to the only part of this globe where it has not penetrated, to pierce the 
darkness that envelops entire populations … a crusade worthy of this age of 
progress”. (Perkins, 2007) Such an approach to making places in cities which were 
popular in colonial period although was caused of making some urban places but for 
sure recently those are not the appropriate way of Place-Making. Therefore, having a 
nice place alone is not a reason to have accurate Place-Making.  
(Madanipour, 2004) Describes design as an action, he mentioned two types of 
interpretation; subjective, irrational intervention and objective, rational intervention. 
“Indeed design emerged after the medieval period as a rational activity, a careful 
use of designers’ best efforts to predetermine the qualities of a product”. 
(Madanipour, 2004) He argues that city design is objective with involving many 
actors on it.  
For place makers, place making is more than a process or an action.  
“Place making is both a process and a philosophy. It takes root when a 
community expresses needs and desires about places in their lives, even if 
there is not yet a clearly defined plan of action”. (Project for Public Spaces)  
They believe that with place making quality of life will grow up towards a better 
society. “Place making capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and 
potential, ultimately creating good public spaces that promote people’s health, 
happiness, and wellbeing”. (Project for Public Spaces) 
Place making can be a way to show the identity of urban life in the scale of local 
societies. “Place-making is the way all of us as human beings transform the places in 
which we find ourselves into places in which we live.” (Schneekloth & Shibely, 
76 
 
2000) This identity and transformation related to that is somehow unique and 
depended on the local environment. Although the specifics of a good place can be 
similar in anywhere but place making has to concern about cultural issues in local.  
The erasure of place as an idea, activity, and discrete locations on the earth, has had 
an enormous impact on western cultures. Schneekloth & Shibley (1995) believe that 
a same place in other cultures has not any perception “We have not understood the 
importance of places to other cultures, invading and transforming the spaces of their 
inhabitation for our purposes”. And yet, even with the place-resistant worlds of 
modernity—cities, suburbs, malls, agribusinesses— we still experience the condition 
of humans working to make a place for themselves on the earth, transforming 
specific localities into particular, inhabited regions in which to live, work, and play. 
(Schneekloth & Shibely, 2000) 
Place, both as a concept and as a discrete space on the earth, are a contested terrain. 
placemaking, the act of creating and maintaining places, is active, conflicted cultural 
work that allows for multiple standpoints and momentary meanings that facilitate or 
hinder daily life.  
Everything will be more complicated when the human being specifics mixed with 
them. If we assume an UPS with culture and identity, the other issues revealed. 
Schneekloth & Shibley (1995) argued about “Querencia”, the Spanish word which 
“embodies the sensibility of place-making—having and loving a place not because it 
is abstractly or universally understood as unique or even supportive, but because it is 
yours. It is intimate and known, cared for and argued about.” (Schneekloth & 
Shibley, 1995) Lopez defines this Spanish word as; “refers to a place on the ground 
77 
 
where one feels secure, a place from which one’s strength of character is drawn”. 
(Lopez, 1991) (Schneekloth & Shibley, 1995) describe place-making as a daily 
activity and social practice.  
“It is a fundamental human activity that is sometimes almost invisible and 
sometimes dramatic. Place-making consists both of daily acts of renovating, 
maintaining, and representing the places that sustain us, and of special, 
celebratory one-time events such as designing a new church building or 
moving into a new facility.” (Schneekloth & Shibley, 1995)  
Project for public spaces has done an evaluation for thousands of public spaces 
around the world and has found four key qualities for successful spaces. These key 
qualities are  
“They are accessible, people are engaged activities there, the space is 
comfortable and has a good image; and finally, it is a sociable place: one 
where people meet each other and take people when they come to visit.” 
(Project for Public Spaces)  
  
78 
 
 
Figure 13- Key Qualities of Successful Places Due To the Placemaking Process  
Place Making can be regarded as an action and/or as a process. We may argue that, 
in both aspects of place making, local values can act as external factors whereas the 
output of place making will be the place.  
  
Successful 
place 
Accessible 
Activities 
Sociable 
Comfortable 
79 
 
According to the diagram below, relation between place making as an action and 
place as an output is clear. On the other hand local values like external factors have 
effects on the process and for sure to the product also. The terminologies which are 
derived from the process have relation to the types of indicators about output. 
Therefore the result of analysis from each or some indicators, leads the research to 
value terminologies.  
Figure 14- Place Making As a Process 
  
80 
 
2.3 Criteria of Success in Placemaking  
Website of project for public places (PPS) cited from Metropolitan planning council 
of Chicago about definition of placemaking;  
“Placemaking is both an overarching an idea and a hands-on tool for 
improving a neighborhood, city or region. It has the potential to be one of the 
most transformative ideas of this century.” (Project for Public Spaces)  
As it is clear this process naturally has both “tool and idea” essence. But the effect of 
this process can cover all city or region. Placemaking is an interdisciplinary approach 
between planning, design and management, with a triangle cycle between 
government or investors, experts and people. It is capable to rise up and transform 
heart of a community.  
“Placemaking capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and 
potential, ultimately creating good public spaces that promote people’s 
health, happiness, and well-being.” (Project for Public Spaces)  
Many problems in a society can be distinguished on the places. So, the process of 
placemaking should be within first priorities for a society. Place is coming from heart 
of a community with strong identity and culture. If in a city, there are many places 
which are not successful, means that the society is struggling with problems.  
(Project for Public Spaces) Defines placemaking with some terminology in two 
groups;  
“Placemaking IS: Community-driven, Visionary, Function before form, 
Adaptable, Inclusive, Focused on creating destinations, Flexible, Culturally 
aware, Ever changing, Multi-disciplinary, Transformative, Context-sensitive, 
Inspiring, Collaborative, Sociable and Placemaking IS NOT: Imposed from 
above, Reactive, Design-driven, A blanket solution, Exclusionary, Monolithic 
81 
 
development, Overly accommodating of the car, One-size-fits-all, Static, 
Discipline-driven, Privatized, One-dimensional, Dependent on regulatory 
controls, A cost/benefit analysis, Project-focused, A quick fix.” (Project for 
Public Spaces)  
Therefore, PPS provide a diagram (Figure 15) to show the key attribute, intangibles 
and measurements for key qualities in public spaces. According to this diagram, 
placemaking includes four key attributes, which can affect place. Each of these key 
attributes has separate influence on place. To be able to measure the effects on place, 
key attributes should be measurable. For this reason there are some intangibles 
derived from key attributes to direct perception towards reality. These intangibles 
have been shown in second ring in Figure 15. In the last ring of Figure 15 there are 
measurements, which can describe intangibles in numerical way. With these 
measurements, it might be said that measuring the quality of placemaking is possible.  
Figure 15- The Place Diagram (Project for Public Spaces)  
82 
 
2.3.1 Criteria in Creation of Successful Places  
As it mentioned before in this chapter until here, place has been investigated 
theoretically and a group of criteria due has been found. On the other hand 
placemaking is also investigated theoretically and some measurements has been 
found. Table 4 includes measurements for successful places, which are more related 
with the aim of this thesis. In addition, Table 5 shows the criteria that has been found 
for place in theoretical investigation.  
Table 4- Measurements for Successful Places According To Their Placemaking 
Process  
Key Attributes Measurements 
Uses & Activities Local business ownership 
Land use patterns  
Property values 
Rent Levels 
Retail Sales 
Comfort & Image Crime statistics  
Sanitation rating 
Environmental data 
Building conditions 
Sociability Social networks 
Volunteerism 
Number of women, children & elderly  
Evening use 
Street life 
Access & Linkage Pedestrian activity 
Traffic data 
Transit usage 
Mode splits  
Parking usage pattern 
  
83 
 
Table 5- Criteria of Successful Place According To the Dimension of Place 
Dimension Criteria 
Physical attributes Well define boundary 
Figure-Ground Relationship 
Existence of Residential houses 
Linkage/access 
Semi open spaces  
Height limitation 
Activities Variety of owners 
Web of shopping 
Diversity of economic uses 
Night life 
Image/Meaning  Sacred place 
Spirit of place 
Path 
Node 
Cultural features 
 
As it has been mentioned in (Figure 14- Place Making As a Process), place making is 
a process, which has a two directions relationship with place. It can be assumed that 
the criteria of place (Table 5) have a relationship with placemaking measurements 
(Table 4) and this is a two directions relationship. Understanding the quality of this 
relationship is the focus of this section.  
84 
 
Firstly, it has been decided to amalgamate them together, so the diagram below 
compares them.  
Figure 16- A Framework for Comparing To Types of Measurements & Criteria 
Since there are differences between the view of these two groups (criteria and 
measurements), it seems impossible to directly amalgamate some of those together. 
As an example, there is a possibility to have a relationship between property value 
and linkage but the combination of these two to create one index or measurement or 
any other kind of criteria seems not logical. Therefore, it has been tried to have a 
proper analysis in other way to by comparing them separately. Then the next diagram 
shows the way of such comparison. (Figure 17)  
  
85 
 
Figure 17- Criteria for Measuring Success of A Place  
In this way, it is possible to assess the amount of relationship between the key words 
and compare them together. As it was written before, each of these key words 
includes some measurements therefore, in a way the intersection between each row 
and column can be another comparing system between these measurements. 
Therefore, there is a matrix that each parcel is derived from another matrix.  To 
realize the relationship between placemaking measurements with the criteria of 
place, two separate but somehow integrated research methodologies have been used, 
these methods are generally named as multi criteria decision-making methods, which 
explained in detail within the next chapter.  
86 
 
2.4 Summary  
In this chapter, initially the definitions of place introduced and discussed. In this 
introducing, the dimensions of place that presented by different scholars, explained. 
Therefore, three dimensions of place revealed, Physical attributes, image and 
activities. Then by using the primary sources about place from scholars, some criteria 
for each dimension found out (Table 1, Table 2, Table 3 and Figure 11).  
After digging about place and its dimensions, this chapter concerned about 
placemaking. The section of placemaking started with definitions and concepts like 
place. During investigation about placemaking it found out there are different 
approaches to placemaking. One of them has the same view like place, with the same 
dimensions. In this view, placemaking has a role like tool (Figure 12). With this tool 
place is built. The other view, which is more concern in this research, believes that 
placemaking is a process, with internal and external factors (Figure 14). With this 
view to placemaking, dimensions and attributes have another meaning. With this 
approach, key attributes of placemaking are; access and linkage, sociability, uses and 
activities, comfort and image (Figure 15).  
The main aim of this chapter is identifying the criteria and assessments to make 
successful place, from literature. Next chapter tries to explain about the methodology 
of analyzing these assessments, with the criteria.  
In continuation of summary for this chapter, since the key attributes of placemaking 
did not explain in the chapter, it would be better to describe them briefly as will be 
used in this research.   
87 
 
Access and linkage  
It can assume from the name of this key attribute that access and linkage relates to 
the connections of the place with the surrounding. These connections are visible from 
both top and inside of place. In this point of view the role of car parks are important. 
Accessible spaces have a high parking turnover and ideally, are convenient to public 
transport. (Project for Public Spaces)  
Comfort and image 
This key attribute more related to the cleanliness, safety and availability of sitting 
area. Due to the (Project for Public Spaces) presence and discriminating of women 
are important to understand the successfulness of place in this key attributes. Access 
to urban sitting furniture is another key element for assessment of this attribute.  
Uses and activities  
Activities are the basic of successfulness in a place and it is the important attribute 
for successfulness of a place. People need to find a reason to come to place and 
activity gives them this reason. (Project for Public Spaces) People need to do 
something in a place and a reason to come back again. Activities make a place 
useful.  
Sociability  
It is not easy to bring this attribute to a place. Meet with friends and neighborhood is 
one of the issues to make a place more safe and comfortable. “This is a difficult 
quality for a place to achieve, but once attained it becomes an unmistakable feature.” 
(Project for Public Spaces)   
88 
 
Chapter 3 
METHODOLOGY OF ANALYSIS 
As it was mentioned in previous chapter since the number of criteria, which 
theoretically involved in placemaking and place, are too many therefore, it has been 
decided to introduce some methodologies related to analyze criteria and choose one 
of them. However, It has been understood that measuring placemaking has other 
ways. Therefore, measurements of placemaking are revealed. Then, it has been 
decided to use some of these measurements with the combination of criteria that has 
found. By using SAW methodology and DELPHI technique, all of these 
measurements and criteria are combined. According to the methodology has been 
used, each measurement get its’ own weight due to their influences by criteria of 
place. The result of this process is a table (Table 19) which indicates placemaking 
measurements in order of their weights. By this result, theoretical investigation of 
this thesis has been done and everything is ready for the next step (case study).  
Generally the methodologies, which have been introduced in this chapter can be 
divided in three parts. First group belong to the multi criterion decision making 
(MCDM), which is going to introduce methodologies to analyze with big amount of 
criteria. The second is Delphi technique, which explains how can collect the data for 
(MCDM). Third part is for data collection which has been used for cases.  
3.1 Multi Criterion Decision Making (MCDM) 
Almost all problems in urban areas are complicate and for discussing about these 
problems, a proper methodology is needed. (Niksa, Snjezana, & Zoran, 2010) 
introduced “multi-disciplinarily, lots of participants, huge quantity of information, 
89 
 
limited budget, conflict goals and criteria” as reasons for this complexity. Therefore, 
these problems usually will discuss under Multi Criterion Decision Making 
(MCDM).  This will help decision makers to analyze different criteria and choose the 
best solution for solving problems.  
MCDM is a set of methods to select best decision for achieving the specific aim. 
(Tzeng & Huang, 2011) argued that “MCDM is a discipline aimed at supporting 
decision makers who are faced with numerous and conflicting alternatives to make 
an optimal decision.”  
Generally, the process of Decision Making has series of steps which all the 
methodology under these discipline have those. These steps are: identifying the 
problems, constructing the preferences, evaluating the alternatives, and determining 
the best alternatives (Simon, 1977), (Kleindorfer, Kunreuther, & Schoemaker, 1993), 
(Keeney & Raiffa, 1976) and (Tzeng & Huang, 2011, p. 1) Usually the DM will be 
used while the problems are dealing with more criteria and weights.  
“Decision making is extremely intuitive when considering single criterion 
problems, since we only need to choose the alternative with the highest 
preference rating. However, when DM evaluate alternatives with multiple 
criteria, many problems, such as weights of criteria, preference dependence, 
and conflicts among criteria, seem to complicate the problems and need to be 
overcome by more sophisticated methods.” (Tzeng & Huang, 2011, p. 1) 
In the first step, the criteria of the problems are going to be known. The next step is 
collecting the proper information about the criteria. After tis step the method is going 
to build a set of possible alternatives or strategies to achieve the goal. The next step 
is selecting the appropriate method for evaluating and improving the possible 
90 
 
alternatives. Figure 18 shows the general process in all types of MCDM 
methodologies.  
The Figure 18 shows that for each step there are different ways to employ, depends 
on aim, data or criteria the methodology will select. The data has different types with 
a variety of methods for collecting that. Depending on the data and aim, setting up 
the problem and criteria can be done by different methods. MCDM problems 
classified in two categories; Multiple Objective Decision Making (MODM) and 
Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) are based on different purposes and 
different data types (Tzeng & Huang, 2011). After this step, the evaluating process 
has different methods, which is based on all criteria and data. There are weighting 
methods like AHP or ANP, additive types like SAW, TOPSIS, VIKOR etc. non-
additive types and fuzzy integral. Each of these methods includes several 
calculations. Therefore, to have a reliable result and appropriate analysis selecting 
methodology is considered.  
91 
 
 
 Figure 18 - Profile of MCDM (Tzeng & Huang, 2011, p. 3) 
The problem in urban area are dealing with many issues therefore analyzing this and 
solving them needs a comprehensive methods, which needs proper information and 
many calculations. However, by using these methods decision makers are almost 
sure about their decisions, which includes all conditions.  
92 
 
“The main advantage of an application of multi criteria analysis is that all 
stakeholders could be objectively included into decision process. Therefore, 
setting up of criteria weights involves opinions from all stakeholders’ groups” 
(Niksa, Snjezana, & Zoran, 2010)   
Among all of these process and methods in MCDM, three method shown to be 
popular and widely used by researchers SAW (Simple Additive Weighting), TOPSIS 
(Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution) and AHP 
(Analytic Hierarchy Process). Each one has different approach to select the best 
alternative due to criteria. All of these methods can be applied on alternatives that 
have been selected before by using a set of performance criteria (attributes). (Janic & 
Reggiani, 2002)  
These methods selected as the first stage of selecting proper methodology for 
analyzing data. Since these methods have discrete approach for choosing best 
alternatives therefore, it might be included all variety of methods in MCDM. 
However, finally one method or the combination of two methods will choose.  
“The SAW method is selected as the simplest and clearest method. It is often 
used as a benchmark to compare the results obtained from this and other 
discrete MCDM methods when applied to the same problem. The TOPSIS 
method is selected because of its unique (specific) but also very logical way 
of approaching the discrete MCDM problems. However, it is computationally 
more complex than SAW. The AHP method is selected for its specificity, 
which offers a certain freedom to a DM to express his preferences for 
particular attributes (criteria) by using the original AHP measurement scale.” 
(Janic & Reggiani, 2002)  
SAW and TOPSIS need criteria for analyzing the alternatives in these methods the 
weights express the relative importance of criteria. Decision makers can specify 
these weights, analytically or empirically.  
93 
 
“AHP, does not require such explicit quantification of attributes (criteria), but 
it needs specific hierarchical structuring of the MCDM problem. The method 
itself then generates the weights of the criteria by using the AHP 
measurement scale according to a specified procedure.” (Janic & Reggiani, 
2002)  
These three methods are comprehensive and capable to combine. However, there are 
some other methods, which might select for these analyze.  
“Al-Najjar and Alsyouf (2002) further provide three types of models used for 
multiple criteria decision making: Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), 
Multiplicative Exponential Weighting (MEW), and Technique for Order 
Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Analytical 
Hierarchy Process (AHP). The following section will evaluate each model in 
order to identify the most suitable model to be applied to the solution.” 
(Peiris, Rehan, & Jayakody)  
3.1.1 The AHP Methodology  
The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method consists of three steps: 
decomposition of the problem, comparative judgment, and synthesis of priorities 
(Saaty, 1980; Winston, 1994). Decomposition of the problem deals with a 
hierarchical schematic representation of the overall objective and the decision 
alternatives.  
Comparative judgment includes the formation of the pairwise matrices and their 
comparison at two levels: i) the level at which all alternatives are compared with 
respect to each criterion, and ii) the level at which the criteria are compared with 
respect to the overall objective.  
The following sub-steps are performed: 
At level i), a pairwise comparison matrix with quadratic shape 𝐀𝑁𝑋𝑁 is formed where 
N corresponds to the number of alternatives. The number of matrices of type A is 
94 
 
equivalent to the number of criteria M. An element of matrix A, 𝑎𝑖𝑗  may be assigned 
any value from the AHP original measurement scale containing the integers from one 
to nine. The particular number, usually selected by a DM, is used to express the 
relative importance of a particular criterion when compared across different 
alternatives. The following condition should always be fulfilled: 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = 1 𝑎𝑖𝑗�  if 𝑖 ≠ 𝑗 
and otherwise 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = 1.  
Then, the normalized matrix 𝐴𝑁𝑂𝑅𝑀 is obtained by dividing each element of matrix 
A in column i by the sum of all elements in the same column i as follows: 𝑟𝑖𝑗 =
𝑎𝑖𝑗
∑ 𝑎𝑖𝑗
𝑁
𝑖=1
�  where i= 1, 2,.., N. Next, the matrix of weights, w is computed. For 
example, the weight for the 𝑖𝑡ℎ row of the matrix w, 𝑤𝑖 is determined as the average of 
elements in row i of the matrix 𝐴𝑁𝑂𝑅𝑀 as follows: 𝑤𝑖 = �1 𝑁� �∑ 𝑟𝑖𝑗
𝑁
𝑗=1  for i = 1, 
2,..,N.  
A similar procedure is carried out at level ii) with the matrix of criteria C, which has 
dimensions equivalent to the number of criteria.  
At level i) the consistency of the DM’s comparisons is checked by computing the 
matrix 𝑩 = 𝑨𝒘𝑻 and the value 𝑃 = �1 𝑁� �∑
𝑏𝑖
𝑤𝑖
𝑇�
𝑁
𝑖=1 , where 𝑏𝑖 is the 𝑖
𝑡ℎ element of 
matrix B and 𝑤𝑖
𝑇
 is the 𝑖𝑡ℎ element of matrix 𝑤𝑇. Then, the Consistency Index CI is 
computed as CI = (P-N)/(N-1) and compared with the Random Index RI. The 
Random Index RI for a given N is provided by the AHP method.  
95 
 
At level ii) matrix C instead of matrix A is used to perform the above calculations. If 
the condition CI/RI δ 0.10 is fulfilled, the synthesis of priorities is carried out by 
computing the overall score for each alternative Si as follows (Saaty, 1980) (Winston, 
1994):  
𝑆𝑖 = ∑ 𝑤𝑗𝑣𝑖𝑗
𝑀
𝑗=1  for i=1,2,…, N  
Where 𝑣𝑖𝑗  is the element of a priority vector of the 𝑖
𝑡ℎ alternative with the 𝑗𝑡ℎ criterion. 
Finally, the alternative with the highest overall score is selected as the prefered one. 
Otherwise, if the required condition is not fulfilled, the procedure of forming the 
related pairwise comparison matrices should be repeated. 
3.1.2 The TOPSIS Methodology 
The TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution) 
method, at the first stage, consists of the composition of the Decision Matrix A with 
the values of attributes (criteria), and the construction of the normalised Decision 
Matrix R based upon matrix A. The elements of matrix R are computed as 𝑟𝑖𝑗 =
𝑥𝑖𝑗 (∑ 𝑥𝑖𝑗
2 )𝑀𝑖=1
1
2�⁄  where 𝑥𝑖𝑗 is the value of the 𝑗
𝑡ℎ criterion for the 𝑖𝑡ℎ alternative, and 
is, as in equation 𝑆𝑖 = ∑ 𝑤𝑗𝑟𝑖𝑗
𝑀
𝑗=1  , an element of Decision Matrix A. The weighted 
normalized decision matrix is obtained by using the normalized decision matrix R 
and weights assigned to criteria as V[vij]= [wj* rij]. At the second stage, the ideal 
(fictitious best) solution 𝐴+ and the negative-ideal (fictitious worst) solution 𝐴−, are 
determined, respectively, as follows:  
𝐴+ = ��𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑗�𝑗 ∈ 𝐽2�; �𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑗�𝑗 ∈  𝐽2��𝑖 = 1,2, … ,𝑁� = �𝑣1
+, 𝑣2
+, … , 𝑣𝑗
+, … , 𝑣𝑀
+� 
96 
 
𝐴− = ��𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑗�𝑗 ∈ 𝐽2�; �𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑗�𝑗 ∈  𝐽2��𝑖 = 1,2, … ,𝑁� = �𝑣1
−, 𝑣2
−, … , 𝑣𝑗
−, … , 𝑣𝑀
−� 
where J1 is associated with the benefit and J2 with the cost criteria. Consequently, the 
Euclidean distance of each alternative from the overall ideal and negative ideal 
solution is determined, respectively, as follows:  
𝑆𝑖
+ = �∑ (𝑣𝑖𝑗 − 𝑣𝑗
+)𝑀𝑗=1 �
1
2� and 𝑆𝑖
− = �∑ (𝑣𝑖𝑗 − 𝑣𝑗
−)2𝑀𝑗=1 �
1
2�  for i= 1,2, …, N  
Where all symbols are as above. The relative closeness of each alternative to the 
ideal solution is computed as ratio 𝐶𝑖
+ = 𝑆𝑖
− (𝑆𝑖
+ + 𝑆𝑖
−)⁄  for i=1, 2, …, N. Finally, the 
alternative with the highest value of 𝐶𝑖
+
 is selected as the preferable (best) one 
(Hwang & Yoon, 1981).  
 
Peiris, Rehan, & Jayakody made a sample test of these methods for the same 
problem, then they analyzed the result and compared these methods with each other.  
“It must also be noted that the identification of the ideal candidate for the 
TOPSIS calculation is entirely subjective, thus introducing biasness to the 
overall result. The main purpose of this project is to reduce the overall bias in 
candidate selection and to speed up the process. Taking these factors into 
consideration SAW was selected as the preferred weighted model. Zanakis et 
al (1998 cited Chou, Chang & Shen, 2008) discusses the evaluation of eight 
MADM methods, based on this investigation it was concluded that SAW 
performed better than MEW, TOPSIS and AHP. Furthermore Chang and Yeh 
(2001 cited Chou, Chang & Shen, 2008) discuss the superiority of SAW in an 
empirical study of SAW, weighted product and TOPSIS. In conclusion Chou, 
Chang & Shen (2008) state a simpler evaluation technique is often superior to 
other complex techniques.”  (Peiris, Rehan, & Jayakody)  
97 
 
Peiris, Rehan, & Jayakody conclude that the major benefits of SAW methodology is 
about the weights, which they can establish subjectively. This can be overcome by 
adopting AHP to establish the weights as illustrated in Figure 19.  
Figure 19 - System Framework (Peiris, Rehan, & Jayakody) 
 Therefore, the SAW methodology has been selected for these research to apply for 
choosing the weight of alternatives.  
  
98 
 
3.1.3 SAW Methodology  
The method that has been used for the analysis is Simple Additive Weighting 
(SAW). As (Afshari, Mojahed, & Yusuff, 2010) explains, Simple Additive 
Weighting (SAW), is also known as weighted linear combination, or scoring 
methods. This method is based on weighted average.  
“An evaluation score is calculated for each alternative by multiplying the 
scaled value given to the alternative of that attribute with the weights of 
relative importance directly assigned by decision maker followed by 
summing of the products for all criteria. The advantage of this method is that 
it is a proportional linear transformation of the raw data which means that the 
relative order of magnitude of the standardized scores remains equal (Afshari, 
Mojahed, & Yusuff, 2010, pp. 511-515)”.  
Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method based on Afshari, Mojahed, & Yusuff, 
(2010) description includes three major steps:  
First; primary step contains process to set up the basic essential material for 
analysis. The procedure has nine stages;  
Creating pair-wise comparison matrix (n × n) with respect to objectives by using 
“SAATY’s 1-9 scale of pairwise comparisons” for criteria.(Table 6)  
  
99 
 
Table 6- Saaty's 1 To 9 Scale of Pairwise Comparisons (Afshari, Mojahed, & Yusuff, 
2010)  
Intensity of 
importance  
Definition  Explanation  
1 
Equal 
Importance  
Two activities contribute equally to the 
objective  
2 
Weak or 
Slight  
  
3 
Moderate 
Importance  
Experience and judgment slightly favor 
one activity over another  
4 
Moderate 
Plus  
  
5 
Strong 
Importance  
Experience and judgment strongly favor 
one activity over another  
6 Strong Plus    
7 Very Strong  
An activity is favored very strongly over 
another  
8 
Very, very 
Strong  
  
9 
Extreme 
Importance  
The evidence favoring one activity over 
another is of the highest possible order of 
affirmation  
 
1- Deciding about which of two criteria is most important and score them.  
2- Calculating the comparison matrix by its columns and evaluating the priority 
vector by finding the row average.  
3- Weighted sum matrix will be calculated by multiplying the pairwise 
comparison and priority vector.  
4- Dividing all elements of the matrix in step 4 by their priority vector elements.  
5- Computing the average of this value to obtain𝜆𝑚𝑎𝑥.  
6- Finding the consistency index (CI)  
Equation 1- Consistency Index (CI) 
𝐶𝐼 =
𝜆𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑛
𝑛 − 1
 
100 
 
7- Calculating the consistency ratio (CR)  
Equation 2- Consistency Ratio (CR)  
𝐶𝑅 =
𝐶𝐼
𝑅𝐼
 
8- Consistency can be checked by taking the consistency ratio (CR) of CI with 
the appropriate value in Table 7. The CR is acceptable, if it does not exceed 
0.10. If it is more, the matrix is inconsistent. Therefore, to have a consistent 
matrix, decisions should be revised.  
Table 7 - Average Random Consistency (RI) 
Size of 
matrix 
Random 
consistency 
1 0 
2 0 
3 0.58 
4 0.9 
5 1.12 
6 1.24 
7 1.32 
8 1.41 
9 1.45 
10 1.49 
 
Second: In this step normalized Decision matrix (m × n) will be calculated.  
  
101 
 
Equation 3- Calculation for Normalized Decision Matrix  
𝑛𝑖𝑗 =
𝑟𝑖𝑗
𝑟𝑗
∗   r= 1, 2 … m,  j=1, 2 … n 
𝑟𝑗
∗ Is a maximum number of r in the column of j  
Third: This step belongs to Evaluation of placemaking measurements based on 
decision matrix.  
Equation 4- Calculation for Evaluation of Alternatives  
𝐴𝑖 =  �𝑤𝑗 . 𝑥𝑖𝑗 
Table 8 - The Average Stochastic Uniformity Indexes Target Value of Judgment 
Matrix  
n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
RI 0 0 0.85 0.9 1.12 1.24 1.32 1.41 1.45 1.51 
 
This method has been designed in order to select suitable criteria and measurement in 
placemaking. The procedure of this methodology has been shown in Figure 20.  
102 
 
Figure 20- The Procedure of SAW Methodology 
  
103 
 
3.2 Delphi Technique  
Delphi has more technique characteristics rather than a methodology. To define this 
technique very briefly, we may refer to some noticeable reference:  
“Delphi may be characterized as a method for structuring a group 
communication process so that the process is effective in allowing a group of 
individuals, as a whole, to deal with a complex problem.” (Linstone, Turoff, 
& Helmer, 2002, p. 3)  
Basic of this technique is upon “structured communication” which is setting up due 
to this definition.  
“some feedback of individual contributions of information and knowledge; 
some assessment of the group judgment or' view; some opportunity for 
individuals to revise views; and some degree of anonymity for the individual 
responses, As the reader will discover, there are many different views on 
what are the "proper," "appropriate," "best," and/or "useful" procedures for 
accomplishing the various specific aspects of Delphi.” (Linstone, Turoff, & 
Helmer, 2002, p. 3)  
There are varieties of application areas which can be developed by this technique:  
“Gathering current and historical data not accurately known or available, 
examining the significance of historical events, evaluating possible budget 
allocations, exploring urban and regional planning options, planning 
university campus and curriculum development, putting together the structure 
of a model, delineating the pros and cons associated with potential policy 
options, developing causal relationships in complex economic or social 
phenomena, distinguishing and clarifying real and perceived human 
motivations, exposing priorities of personal values, social goals.” (Linstone, 
Turoff, & Helmer, 2002, p. 4) 
 As it is mentioned this technique is appropriate for researches in urban areas that are 
includes this dissertation.  
104 
 
However, when this technique has been employed? On the other hand, for what kind 
of properties leads to the need of this technique?  
“The problem does not lend itself to precise analytical techniques but cart 
benefit from subjective judgments on a collective basis, the individuals 
needed to contribute to the examination of a broad or complex problem have 
no history of adequate communication and may represent diverse 
backgrounds with respect to experience or expertise, more individuals are 
needed than can effectively interact in a face-to-face exchange, time and cost 
make frequent group meetings infeasible, the efficiency of face-to-face 
meetings can be increased by a supplemental group communication process, 
disagreements among individuals are so severe or politically unpalatable that 
the communication process must be refereed and/or anonymity assured, the 
heterogeneity of the participants must be preserved to assure validity of the 
results, i.e., avoidance of domination by quantity or by strength of personality 
("bandwagon effect")” (Linstone, Turoff, & Helmer, 2002, p. 4)  
The Delphi technique that has been used in this thesis is based on the method which 
is commonly known as “Delphi exercise”. “In this situation a small monitor team 
designs a questionnaire which is sent to a larger respondent group, after the 
questionnaire is returned the monitor team summarizes the results and, based upon 
the results, develops a new questionnaire for the respondent group.” (Linstone, 
Turoff, & Helmer, 2002, p. 5) 
  
  
105 
 
3.3 Data Collection Techniques for the Case Study 
According to the characteristics and aim of the research, there are two types of data 
that needs to be collected. First type is the data, that related to distinguish Silk Road 
cities and places. To collect these data “documentary survey” was necessary. Second 
type includes the data about the cases, which needs observation for collecting.  
3.3.1 Documentary Survey  
Recently, by using technology and facilities, especially electronic devices 
documentary survey has been less concerned. However, it is still the basic method of 
research.  
“ Documentary Research covers everything you need to know to make 
effective use of this important research technique and will be a valuable 
resource for all students, researchers and academics carrying out extensive 
research, particularly in the areas of education, history and the social 
sciences” (McCulloch, 2004)  
As (Scott, 1990) mentions, the handling of documentary sources—government 
papers, diaries, newspapers and so on—is widely seen as the hallmark of the 
professional historian, whereas the sociologist has generally been identified with the 
use of questionnaires and interview techniques. Therefore, it makes sense to have a 
look on how historians approaches to types of documents, and especially the 
distinguish between “primary” and “secondary” sources.  
Primary and Secondary Sources 
As Marwick (1970) explains, primary sources constitute ‘the basic, raw, imperfect 
evidence’, which is often fragmentary, scattered and difficult to use Secondary 
sources are the books and articles of other historians.  
“At a common-sense level the distinction between a primary and a secondary 
source is obvious enough: the primary source is the raw material, more 
106 
 
meaningful to the expert historian than to the layman; the secondary source is 
the coherent work of history, article, dissertation or book, in which both the 
intelligent layman and the historian who is venturing upon a new research 
topic, or keeping in touch with new discoveries in his chosen field, or seeking 
to widen his general historical knowledge, will look for what they want.” 
(Marwick, 1970, p. 131)  
In other words, Dawson (2007) defines primary researches in a way that they involve 
the study of a subject through firsthand observation and investigation. In addition, 
(Dawson, 2007) refers secondary researches as collection of information from studies 
that other researches have made of subject also she mentions the secondary sources 
need to assess for their accuracy and relevance information. In Table 9 the primary 
and secondary researches compared.  
Table 9  - Sources of Background Information (Dawson, 2007)  
PRIMARY SECONDARY 
Relevant people Research books 
Researcher observation Research reports 
Researcher experience Journal articles 
Historical records/texts Articles reproduced online 
Company/organization records Scientific debates 
Personal documents (diaries, 
 
Critiques of literary works 
Statistical data Critiques of art 
Works of literature Analyses of historical events 
Works of art  
Film/video  
Laboratory experiments  
 
There are many way for collecting primary data, Kothari (2004) mentions about 
these methods as such;  
• observation method 
• interview method 
107 
 
• thorough questionnaires  
• thorough schedules 
• other methods which include  
o warranty cards 
o distributor audits 
o pantry audits 
o consumer panels 
o using mechanical devices 
o through projective techniques 
o depth interviews 
o content analysis  
According to all mentioned about methods of collecting data and types of sources, in 
this study the observation method and questionnaires have been used.  
3.3.2 Observation Technique  
Observation is a research methodology with a long history in knowledge. Almost all 
the researchers know and use that. Although, it is not easy to find a comprehensive 
definition for observation, however, some scholars tried to define that as much as 
possible. Some scholar emphasis on recording characteristics of observation, 
“Involve the systematic recording of observable phenomena or behavior in a natural 
setting.” (Gorman & Clayton, 2005) Some believes on ethnographic quality of 
observation, “leads to an ethnographic description” (Spradley, 1980).  
Therefore, this method totally depends on the role of observer in a way that how is 
s/he participate to the environment. Some scholars take this as a weakness but this is 
not the only limitation of this method. To avoid of this Kothari (2004) argues that 
108 
 
observer should keep in mind about what s/he is doing. However, Kothari mentions 
about other limitations for this method.   
“Firstly, it is an expensive method. Secondly, the information provided by 
this method is very limited. Thirdly, sometimes unforeseen factors may 
interfere with the observational task. At times, the fact that some people are 
rarely accessible to direct observation creates obstacle for this method to 
collect data effectively.” (Kothari, 2004, p. 96)  
Role of Observer  
People generally are observing their environment but this cannot be an academic 
method. “Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection for 
the researcher, when it serves a formulated research purpose, is systematically 
planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and controls on validity and 
reliability.” Kothari (2004) In order to equip a research with systematic observation 
needs inscription or roles for the observer.  
“ (Gold, 1958) credited, and expanded on, Buford Junker’s typology of four 
roles researchers can play in their efforts to study and develop relationships 
with insiders, including complete observer, observer-as-participant, 
participant-as-observer, and complete participant.” (Baker, 2006)  
This role illustrated in the Figure 21 to show the four categories of observers’ role. 
Also (Bøllingtoft, 2007) compare these four roles together as a table (Table 10).  
Figure 21 clearly show the situation of four roles of observation and relation between 
them, Table 10 compares the characteristics, visibility, advantages and dis 
advantages of these four roles.  
109 
 
Figure 21 - The four observer roles (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2009)  
In addition, Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill (2009) mention the factors that will 
determine the choice of participant observer role, which are;  
• The purpose of your research  
• The time you have to devote to your research 
• The degree to which you feel suited to participant observation 
• Organizational access 
• Ethical considerations 
 
 
110 
 
Table 10 - Continuum of observer roles (Bøllingtoft, 2007)  
 Complete insider Complete outsider 
Complete 
participant 
Participant as 
observer 
Observer as 
participant 
Complete observer 
Role Interacts 
with field 
as naturally 
as possible, 
and 
becomes a 
member of 
the group 
Participates 
fully with the 
group under 
study, but 
researcher 
makes it clear 
that he is also 
undertaking 
research 
Identifies himself as 
a researcher and 
attempts to interact 
with the group. Does 
not participate in 
group activities and 
relies mostly on 
informants 
Observing from a 
distance. Is 
isolated from 
phenomena, 
allowed no direct 
contact or 
interplay 
Visibility Covert Overt Overt Overt 
Advantage(s) Informants 
more 
honest and 
natural 
Able to 
assume a 
stranger’s role 
and ask 
questions from 
a position of 
ignorance. 
Ability to 
establish an 
insider’s 
identity – from 
a researcher’s 
point of view 
Able to assume a 
stranger’s role and 
ask questions from a 
position of 
ignorance 
Most closely 
approximates the 
traditional ideal of 
the ‘objective’ 
observer 
Disadvantage(s) Risk of 
going 
native. The 
researcher 
might 
affect the 
area of 
study 
Risk of going 
native. 
Informants 
may shift 
attention to the 
research 
project itself 
rather than 
carrying on 
with their 
natural 
behaviour. 
Friendship 
between 
researcher and 
informant(s) 
Risk of going native 
(albeit to a lesser 
extent than the two 
former roles). 
Informants may shift 
attention to the 
research project 
itself rather than 
carrying on with 
their natural 
behaviour. 
Possibility of 
misunderstanding 
the informant  
Possibility of 
ethnocentrism. 
Lack of richness 
and detail. 
Potential for 
misunderstanding 
and inaccuracy  
  
111 
 
In other view, (Bøllingtoft, 2007) mentions about the development of observation 
within time, which can be useful for this research. Figure 22 shows the development 
of observation during the time.  
Figure 22  - Development of the observation process (Spradley, 1980) 
Types of Observations  
In other point of view, Kothari (2004) mentions categorization of observations. This 
categorization is based on the type of data collection in observation. He generally 
categorizes observations in two main groups “Structured Observation” and 
“Unstructured Observation”.  
“In case the observation is characterised by a careful definition of the units to 
be observed, the style of recording the observed information, standardised 
conditions of observation and the selection of pertinent data of observation, 
then the observation is called as structured observation. But when observation 
is to take place without these characteristics to be thought of in advance, the 
same is termed as unstructured observation.” (Kothari, 2004, p. 96)  
In this point Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill (2009) are mentioned about structural 
observation in a way that “If you use this method in your data collection strategy you 
will be adopting a more detached stance.” They believe that structural observation is 
systematic and has a high level of predetermined structure. It is possible that a part of 
data collection done by structural observation. They also argued about the “time and 
112 
 
motion” study expert that is the most powerful image that occurs to many people 
when they think of structured observation.  
In addition, Cross (2007) describe other categorization of observation. Although he 
uses different terminology to describe this categorization, but the meaning has not 
much change with other categorizations that mentioned above.   
“There are many different types of procedures that have been used to observe 
children, but most of them can be grouped into one of three groups: Informal 
Observations, Indirect Observations, and Formal Observations.” (Cross, 
2007)  
In a general view (Delbridge & Kirkpatrick, 1994) categorize the data generates by 
participant observation in three parts: Primary observations, secondary observations, 
and experiential data. They describe the process of collecting data in three steps in a 
way that by primary observation data has the characteristics of a diary in a good way. 
Secondary observations are statements by observers of what happened. Experiential 
data are those data on perception of observer and feeling as experience of the 
process, that observer is researching.  
3.3.3 Site Analysis  
Site analysis literally is first step of design process. Some scholars believe that this 
step is virtual (Zimmerman, 2000). However, this step includes a framework with 
separate steps, which in design process usually is under responsibility of urban 
planners.  
Although, this process mostly is for usage of urban designers but researchers and 
scholars in the field of urban design are also using site analysis to have a better 
understanding about urban problems. “Chief among the concerns and underlying the 
113 
 
analysis of a site is coming to an understanding of the environmental functions of the 
site.” (Russ, 2009, p. 48)  
As White (2004) mentioned the proper usual site analysis includes a consequence 
triangle which shows the relation between three groups; users, buildings and content.  
Table 11- Consequence Triangle (White, 2004)  
Therefore, White (2004) mentioned to have a comprehensive site analysis, these 
elements should be concerned:  
• Location 
• Neighborhood context 
• Size and zoning 
• Infrastructure, social, and political boundaries 
• Legal 
• Natural physical features 
114 
 
• Manmade features 
• Circulation 
• Utilities 
• Sensory 
• Human and cultural 
• Climate 
Hoskara, et.al. (2009) with a comprehensive view introduce all topics, methods, and 
tools for an urban environment, which is necessary for site analysis in urban design. 
Table 12 shows these topics, methods, and tools in a brief view. They divided 
analysis in to three main categorizations.  Analysis of natural environment, analysis 
of the Man-made (built) environment, and analysis of socio-economic environment. 
For each analysis, there are some specific techniques, which part of them has been 
mentioned during the chapter two, like figure-ground analysis, lynch analysis. By 
choosing any techniques for each analysis, the type data, which is necessary for that 
technique is also mentioned in the Table 12 as tools.  
This research has been more focused on the fabricated environment therefore the 
analysis of cases has more concern about built environment. Since the process of 
placemaking relates with some socio-economic aspects like activities, land use, etc. 
in the analysis of cases it has been tried to cover all informations by surveying 
techniques.  
115 
 
Table 12 - Analysis topics, techniques, methods and tools in an urban environment 
(Hoskara, 2009) 
 
  
TECHNIQUES & METHODS TOOLS
Maps
Tables
Charts 
Diagrams
Documentary research Maps
Solid-void relations Maps
Street silhouettes
3D proportionate or scaled sketch drawings
Photographs
Maps
Photographs
3D sketch drawings
Maps
Photographs
Site surveying
With sketch and measured drawings and 
photographing; information gathered on 
tables, inventory forms for all buildings
Documentary research Maps and reports
Traffic and transportation survey Maps
Landuse survey
Maps presented with appropriate coloring 
and technique
Tables
Graphs
Bar-charts
Interviews Questionnaire survey Tables Graphs Bar-charts
Questionnaire survey Interviews
Documents Laws, regulations
Locational analysis
Street pattern; Urban 
spaces in terms of their 
quality, enclosure, 
character, activities
Linkage theory
Figure – Ground analysis
Maps 3D drawings
Accessibility / Permeability / Traffic 
Circulation
Functional distribution
Urban 
pattern 
analysis
Historical analysis Documentary research
Data collected from books, maps, 
documents; Inventory forms can also be 
used to document buildings, streets, etc. of 
historic value
A
na
ly
si
s 
of
 th
e 
M
an
-m
ad
e 
(B
ui
lt
) E
nv
ir
on
m
en
t
Surveying techniques
P
hy
si
ca
l a
na
ly
si
s
Functional 
analysis
A
na
ly
si
s 
of
 th
e 
So
ci
o-
ec
on
om
ic
 E
nv
ir
on
m
en
t Demographic structure of the citizens, users of / 
within the area
The existing economic activities and employment 
pattern
The existing laws and regulations 
Documentary research
The current local authority/government policies
The official and non-official stakeholders in 
conservation activities
Architectural evaluation
Technical infrastructure
Elements of the area such 
as paths, nodes, edges, 
landmarks and districts
Lynch analysis
The gap sites and vacant 
plots of land, streets or 
spaces requiring definition 
or redefinition
Lost space analysis
Form of development Morphological analysis
ANALYSIS TOPICS
A
na
ly
si
s 
of
 th
e 
N
at
ur
al
 
E
nv
ir
on
m
en
t Topographical features
Soil
Landscape - Vegetation Plantation – Flora / Fauna
Water
Climatical Features
116 
 
This research is dedicated to UPS, and placemaking process. According to what it 
has mentioned in chapter two, a part of these element will be selected for the analyze 
of cases.  
On the other point of view, urban design projects are using some techniques to 
analyze an urban area. These techniques are based on the theories in urban design by 
famous scholars like Lynch, (1960), Trancik (1986), etc. These analysis are; 
accessibility, permeability and figure-ground.  
3.4 Summary  
This chapter started with a brief review about the multi criterion decision making 
(MCDM) methodologies, which explains the most three popular methods of MCDM, 
AHP, SAW and TOPSIS. After studying these three methodologies, since the 
number of criteria that is using for this research is too much, therefore the best 
method to employ is “SAW”. Thus, in the following of of this section, employing of 
SAW methodology in placemaking theory will explain.  
After the explanation of MCDM methodologies the methods of collecting data, 
observation and site analysis explained. As it is clear on the Table 10, the only role 
that make observer to be covert is “Complete Participant”, which helps to interacts as 
naturally as possible and collect information. Since in this thesis some places are too 
crowded and because of local issue the reaction of people about the observation is 
unpredictable, and because of economic benefits the decision makers are sensitive 
about these type of observations therefore this role of observer for this research has 
been considered.  
117 
 
3.4.1 Employing of SAW Methodology into Placemaking Theory  
In previous section, the methodology of analyzing data has been explained. In this 
section, data is going to be analyzed according to the explained methodologies. At 
the beginning for collecting the basic information and understanding the main 
relationship between measurements and criteria due to the DELPHI technique, a 
questionnaire has been prepared. Around 30 experts have been chosen. All the 
chosen experts at least have PhD. degree in the field of urban design, urban planning 
or architecture and all of them at least have a published paper or they have done a 
research, or a project related to place. The questionnaire has been adjusted in the 
scale of 1-5 for each relationship and zero is for no relationship. This questionnaire 
has been adopted with DELPHI technique, which has been explained on previous 
section. For more information, the original of questionnaire is available in the 
appendix. The results of the questionnaire survey have been shown in Table 13.After 
the results have been revealed, to select the best measurements, SAW method has 
been employed. The method has also been explained in the previous 
section.According to the needs of the SAW method, a small group of experts out of 
first group has been selected. This group includes ten experts among the first group 
who are more specific about place.  
These measurements are compatible for analyzing places. Since collecting 
information for all of these assessments need time and some of this information is 
not available at all. On the other hand, some measurements are not in line with the 
aim and objectives of this thesis or it might be better to say that they do not exist in 
the Eastern cities. Therefore, some of these assessments have been abandoned: traffic 
data, mode splits, transit usage, sanitation rating, environmental data, volunteerism, 
and number of women children & elderly.  
 
 
Table 13- Result of Questionnaire Based On Experts Ideas 
 
Well defined 
boundary
Figure-
Ground 
Relationship
Existance of 
Residential 
houses
Linkage/access
Semi open 
spaces 
Height 
limitation
Variety of 
owners
Web of 
shopping
Diversity of 
economic 
uses
Night life Sacred place Spirit of place Path Node
Cultural 
features
Local business ownership 2 1 3 3 3 2 4 5 4 3 3 3 4 3 3
Land use patterns 3 3 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Property values 3 3 4 5 3 3 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Rent Levels 3 2 4 5 3 3 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 4
Retail Sales 2 2 4 4 3 2 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 4
Crime statistics 4 3 4 4 2 2 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 3
Building conditions 2 2 3 2 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3
Social networks 4 3 5 5 4 3 4 5 4 5 4 4 4 4 4
Evening use 4 3 4 5 4 2 3 4 4 5 3 4 4 4 4
Street life 5 4 4 5 4 3 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 5 4
Pedestrian activity 5 4 4 5 5 2 3 5 4 5 4 4 5 4 4
Parking usage pattern 3 3 4 5 2 1 3 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 2
Co
m
fo
rt
 &
 
Im
ag
e
So
ci
ab
ili
ty
A
cc
es
s 
&
 
Li
nk
ag
e
Activities Conceptions
U
se
s 
&
 A
ct
iv
iti
es
Physical attributes
119 
 
Numerical Analysis  
As it has been discussed the criteria of placemaking measurements for successful 
place are has been shown in Table 14.   
Table 14- Criteria’s Name 
Explanation Criteria 
P
h
ys
ic
al
 a
tt
ri
b
u
te
s Well defined boundary C1 
Figure-Ground Relationship C2 
Existence of Residential houses C3 
Linkage/access C4 
Semi open spaces  C5 
Height limitation C6 
A
ct
iv
it
ie
s Variety of owners C7 
Web of shopping C8 
Diversity of economic uses C9 
Night life C10 
Im
ag
e/
M
ea
n
in
g Sacred place C11 
Spirit of place C12 
Path C13 
Node C14 
Cultural features C15 
 
The weights of these criteria have been computed by comparison matrix. Data has 
been collected from ten expert’s opinion with questionnaire by using scale values of 
1-5 as shown in Table 15.  
  
120 
 
Table 15- Specifying the Scale Value of 1-5  
Intensity of importance Definition 
1 Equal importance 
2 Moderate importance 
3 Strong importance 
4 Very strong 
5 Extreme importance 
 
Figure 23 shows the comparison matrix based on criteria, which are introduced 
before, and indicating the relative importance of the criterion in the columns 
compared to the criterion of rows. 
  
 
 
  C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13 C14 C15 Weights 
C1 1.00 0.71 0.56 0.36 0.71 0.71 0.45 0.33 0.45 0.28 0.29 0.28 0.26 0.31 0.31 0.026 
C2 1.40 1.00 0.83 0.45 0.45 0.83 0.83 0.38 0.83 0.83 0.56 0.31 0.21 0.21 0.45 0.032 
C3 1.80 1.20 1.00 0.45 0.83 0.56 0.56 0.83 0.83 0.63 0.56 0.45 0.29 0.31 0.31 0.037 
C4 2.80 2.20 2.20 1.00 0.56 0.83 0.45 0.26 0.33 0.26 0.45 0.45 0.23 0.24 0.25 0.029 
C5 1.40 2.20 1.20 1.80 1.00 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.56 0.31 0.29 0.31 0.045 
C6 1.40 1.20 1.80 1.20 1.20 1.00 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.049 
C7 2.20 1.20 1.80 2.20 1.20 1.20 1.00 0.24 0.24 0.56 0.83 0.83 0.63 0.36 0.42 0.041 
C8 3.00 2.60 1.20 3.80 1.20 1.20 4.10 1.00 0.83 0.83 0.56 0.31 0.26 0.26 0.45 0.046 
C9 2.20 1.20 1.20 3.00 1.20 1.20 4.20 1.20 1.00 0.45 0.83 0.56 0.26 0.26 0.33 0.045 
C10 3.60 1.20 1.60 3.80 1.20 1.20 1.80 1.20 2.20 1.00 0.42 0.45 0.31 0.28 0.28 0.046 
C11 3.40 1.80 1.80 2.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.80 1.20 2.40 1.00 0.83 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.054 
C12 3.60 3.20 2.20 2.20 1.80 1.20 1.20 3.20 1.80 2.20 1.20 1.00 0.26 0.26 0.24 0.054 
C13 3.80 4.80 3.40 4.40 3.20 2.80 1.60 3.80 3.80 3.20 4.20 3.80 1.00 0.24 0.26 0.079 
C14 3.20 4.80 3.20 4.20 3.40 2.80 2.80 3.80 3.80 3.60 3.20 3.80 4.20 1.00 0.26 0.118 
C15 3.20 2.20 3.20 4.00 3.20 2.80 2.40 2.20 3.00 3.60 2.60 4.20 3.80 3.80 1.00 0.178 
Total 38.00 31.51 27.19 35.07 22.36 20.37 24.26 21.93 21.99 21.51 18.37 18.68 12.63 8.50 5.63   
Figure 23- Weights of Criteria by Comparison Matrix   
 
122 
 
The Consistency rate has been calculated and that is 0.091 which is less than 0.1 this 
means that the opinion of experts is sufficient. After this step, the procedure of SAW 
method will start with following steps.  
As it has been mentioned the result of questionnaire were shown on Table 13, now 
Table 16 shows one more time the acceptable results (those who got relationship 
level 3 and more) with the names of criteria and measurements as a preparation for 
normalizing the numbers. Now the data are ready for normalization.  
Table 18 shows the normalized data. After preparing normalize decision matrix, 
Simple Additive Weighting method is ready to evaluate each measurement. On Table 
19 the result of this evaluation is revealed.  
 
 
 
Table 16- Collected Data Based On Scale Values  
  C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13 C14 C15 
PM1 2 1 3 3 3 2 4 5 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 
PM2 3 3 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 
PM3 3 3 4 5 3 3 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 
PM4 3 2 4 5 3 3 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 
PM5 2 2 4 4 3 2 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 
PM6 4 3 4 4 2 2 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 
PM7 2 2 3 2 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 
PM8 4 3 5 5 4 3 4 5 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 
PM9 4 3 4 5 4 2 3 4 4 5 3 4 4 4 4 
PM10 5 4 4 5 4 3 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 5 4 
PM11 5 4 4 5 5 2 3 5 4 5 4 4 5 4 4 
PM12 3 3 4 5 2 1 3 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 2 
  C means criteria and PM means placemaking assessment 
  
 
 
Table 17- The Weighted Criteria  
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13 C14 C15 
0.026 0.032 0.037 0.029 0.045 0.049 0.041 0.046 0.045 0.046 0.054 0.054 0.079 0.118 0.178 
 
  
 
 
Table 18- The Normalized Decision Matrix  
  C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13 C14 C15 
PM1 0.47826 0.31667 0.62857 0.64384 0.55882 0.71154 0.85714 0.90667 0.86111 0.62162 0.66102 0.71875 0.80000 0.73239 0.69355 
PM2 0.68116 0.85000 0.77143 0.91781 0.72059 0.96154 0.94286 0.89333 0.88889 0.82432 0.96610 0.93750 0.94286 0.85915 0.88710 
PM3 0.65217 0.71667 0.78571 0.98630 0.61765 1.00000 1.00000 0.82667 0.90278 0.75676 0.96610 0.85938 0.92857 0.94366 0.88710 
PM4 0.57971 0.58333 0.84286 0.98630 0.67647 0.94231 0.88571 0.86667 1.00000 0.77027 0.89831 0.85938 0.92857 0.90141 0.96774 
PM5 0.53623 0.60000 0.75714 0.83562 0.60294 0.67308 0.87143 0.77333 0.88889 0.66216 0.79661 0.76563 0.84286 0.84507 0.90323 
PM6 0.88406 0.75000 0.90000 0.79452 0.50000 0.55769 0.78571 0.73333 0.62500 0.87838 0.77966 0.78125 0.74286 0.74648 0.74194 
PM7 0.52174 0.38333 0.55714 0.50685 0.64706 0.71154 0.77143 0.60000 0.68056 0.52703 0.76271 0.81250 0.50000 0.53521 0.75806 
PM8 0.82609 0.85000 1.00000 0.94521 0.97059 0.80769 0.80000 0.92000 0.77778 0.94595 0.93220 0.96875 0.91429 0.84507 1.00000 
PM9 0.85507 0.80000 0.92857 0.94521 0.82353 0.69231 0.71429 0.78667 0.73611 1.00000 0.84746 0.90625 0.95714 0.90141 0.90323 
PM10 1.00000 1.00000 0.90000 0.97260 0.91176 0.78846 0.92857 1.00000 0.81944 1.00000 0.93220 1.00000 0.97143 1.00000 0.98387 
PM11 0.98551 0.95000 0.88571 1.00000 1.00000 0.53846 0.68571 0.96000 0.81944 0.93243 1.00000 0.87500 1.00000 0.91549 0.90323 
PM12 0.68116 0.73333 0.84286 1.00000 0.51471 0.32692 0.71429 0.89333 0.69444 0.74324 0.86441 0.73438 0.80000 0.71831 0.59677 
 
 
126 
 
Table 19- The Ranked Measurements 
Rank Key Attributes Assessment Weight 
1 Sociability Street life 0.8396490 
2 Sociability Social networks 0.8018634 
3 Access & Linkage Pedestrian activity 0.7896301 
4 Uses & Activities Land use patterns  0.7733420 
5 Uses & Activities Rent Levels 0.7731310 
6 Uses & Activities Property values 0.7695461 
7 Sociability Evening use 0.7620508 
8 Uses & Activities Retail Sales 0.6982034 
9 Comfort & Image Crime statistics  0.6503731 
10 Access & Linkage Parking usage pattern 0.6163545 
11 Uses & Activities Local business ownership 0.6159633 
12 Comfort & Image Building conditions 0.5615617 
 
As it is clear, in this table the weight of each (previous) measurement has been 
calculated. Since they have been weighted for the purpose of this thesis and it is 
supposed to use these measurements with their weights for the case studies therefore, 
it would have been more proper to name them “Assessment” rather than 
“Measurement”, as they have been named for this table.  
This table shows that for analyzing a placemaking process due to the criteria of 
place, which are defined for this dissertation “Street Life” is the best assessment with 
weight of 0.84 the second best assessment is “Social networks” with the weight of 
0.80 and the third best assessment is “Pedestrian Activity” with the weight of 0.79. In 
another point of view, due to the key attributes, it can be said “Sociability” has the 
most effect on the process of placemaking and then, “Uses and Activities” could 
have impressive effect for making a place successful. However, “Pedestrian 
127 
 
Activities” is one of the third effective assessments but the other assessment in this 
key attribute, “Parking Usage Pattern” located on tenth between twelve assessments.  
In the following chapters after introducing and choosing steps, the cases will be 
analyzed according to this hierarchy of assessments, in order of Table 19.  
3.4.2 Method of Presenting Analysis  
In this research, the number of assessments for analyzing is high. Therefore, there is 
a need to find a specific way to present the result of analysis. In this case, decision 
made to create an inventory table. The information that an inventory table for each 
case study need are: 
• Name of city 
• Name and type of place 
• Location of place in area  
• Map of place (Figure-ground is preferred)  
• Brief explanation of each assessment for the place  
• The weights of assessments that each place can get 
• Photos of place, which can show the situation of those assessments that are 
dominant in place  
Table 20 shows a blank inventory table, which includes all necessary information 
about the analysis.  
 
 Name & Type of Place – Name of City 
Map of Place Location Map of Place Rank in SRP  
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in Place Weight 
Street life   
Social networks   
Pedestrian activity   
 Land use patterns   
Brief explanation of assessments Rent Levels   
Property values   
Evening use   
Parking usage pattern   
Local business ownership   
Building conditions   
  Total weight   
Photo of 
Dominant 
assessment 
Photo of Dominant 
assessment 
Photo of Dominant assessment Photo of Dominant assessment Photo of Dominant assessment 
     
Table 20 - Blank inventory table 
129 
Chapter 4 
GENERAL SITE SURVEY: SILK ROAD CITIES AND 
PLACES IN IRAN 
Nowadays, around two centuries Middle East has been known as its oil and gas 
resources. We rarely have a day without any news related to the oil and gas in this 
region in media. It is interesting to understand that Middle East was not like this 
before. At least two centuries ago life in this area was different. It had been based on 
trade. There were civilizations that were living there for many times. People were 
finishing their days by trade. All of big cities were developed in each civilization 
according to the trading routes. Therefore, these routes had an important role for 
urban life and its development. Huge civilizations were founded and developed by 
trading between eastern and western parts of the world. (Beckwith, 2009) argues that 
this economy could be called as a kind of pattern for western civilizations.  
“The Portuguese and the Spanish as well, were still essentially medieval in 
most respects and, as such, followed a Central Eurasian model of the 
commercial imperative practically identical to the model followed by the 
Scythians and other early Iranians in their establishment of the Silk Road 
economy.” (Beckwith, 2009)  
In this chapter initially, it has been tried by having a brief look to history of Silk 
Road in Iran, gives a general view to readers, since the route has been moved due to 
the political and geographical reasons. After that the Iranian cities has been 
introduced. How was their structure according to the trading routes? Moreover, what 
are the main urban elements in Iranian cities? After this short introduction for Iranian 
130 
cities, in this chapter, the contemporary way for Silk Road has been selected and the 
cities which are located in this road has been introduced.  
4.1 Silk Road in Iran  
Silk Road was one of the most well-known trading routes in the world. The 
importance of this network has been highlighted once more during the contemporary 
time. Along the international efforts to revitalize the value of the Silk Road, many 
academic and practical projects have been exemplified various potentials of this 
route. Since, the Silk Road was mainly a network of interactions, among different 
revival capabilities; tourist regeneration has been one of the most important roles of 
this route at present time. Since, Iran is a vast territory with different climates; it is 
beneficial to learn generally about ‘geography’ of the immediate environment along 
the route in Iran. Geography of Silk Road in Iran contains mountains, deserts, rivers, 
valleys, and other types of geographical features. Figure 24 shows the geographical 
characteristics of different areas in Iran. As it is clear in this figure, the variety of 
climates is vast. While there is ultra-hot and dry climate in the center of the country, 
in the north and south part of the country there are very humid climate. On the other 
hand, regardless of Caspian Sea (in the North) and Persian Gulf (In South) and one 
lake in the North West (Urmia) there is no notable water inside the country. Instead 
of that, there are two main deserts in the center of country, which are surrounded 
horizontally and vertically by mountains from north and west. Silk Road caravans 
always were trying to reach from West to East part of the country and vice versa.   
131 
 
Figure 24 -Iran Climate Categorization in “De Martonne” System (Jamab 
Engineering Consulting Co, 1986) 
  
132 
Considering the fact that Silk Road has been one of the oldest international routes in 
the world, it is necessary to have an inclusive view to its history.  
4.1.1 Silk Road During Different Historical Periods In Iran2 “From Beginning 
Until The End (1550 AC)” 
In fact, Silk Road was not a single defined route along the history. This route has 
been under constant changes from 3000 BC until around 100 years ago. The history 
of Silk Road included 23 different historical periods. In the coming pages, some 
general historical information about the Silk Road has been presented.   
Figure 25- Persian Royal Road 475 BC (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting 
Co., 2001) 
The Persian Royal Road was an ancient highway reorganized and rebuilt by the 
Persian king Darius the Great (Darius I) of the Achaemenid Empire in the 5th 
century BC. This road was a road with 12 meter width that was used by army and 
war chariots. 
                                                 
2 This part has been written based on the historical part of “National Silk Road project” that has been 
done by (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 2001)  
 
 
Figure 26- Silk Road 1st Century (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 2001) 
134 
 
Figure 27Silk Road in 850 AC (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 
2001)  
The “Taherian” territory was in the eastern part of the land that now is known as Iran 
plateau. The most important usage of the Silk Road during this time was for trading 
slaves. They transported slave from Central Asia to Islamic region and Byzantine 
Empire. The important city of the Silk Road in this period was “Neyshabour”.  
  
135 
 
Figure 28- Silk Road in 900 AC (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 
2001)  
The capital of “Saffarian” was in the south east of Iran, thus, at that time we can 
recognize another branch of Silk Road which passed from south east to south west 
and west. But they could expand their authority over the Silk Road in eastern part of 
Iranian land. They took power from “Taherian” through conquering city 
of Neyshabour in northeast.  
  
136 
 
Figure 29- Silk Road in 950 AC (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 
2001)  
“Samanid” was known as first Iranian daynasty after Islam. They extended their 
emirate by capturing the main Silk Road cities one by one from east to center of Iran 
plateau. During this period, the importance of silk Road was still because of trading 
slaves from Turkic reigions in Central Asia to Islamic regions. “Samanids”  were 
getting road tax from slaves traders and their carvans. Also they had an educational 
system for young slaves in their military bases, to learn fighting technics. The price 
of these educated slaves were higher than normal slaves. ‘Bukhara’ was their capital 
city. The increasing number of muslim societies in central Asia had huge influence 
on the economy of the “Samanid” dynasty. According to an Islamic law it was 
prohibited to make muslims slaves, therefore the ‘Samanid’ emirates gradually 
dispeared.   
137 
 
Figure 30- Silk Road in 1050 AC (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 
2001) 
The “Ghaznavids” were a Persian Muslim dynasty of Turkic slave origin. They 
continued their governance with the same process from “Samanid”. Just only, they 
changed their slave sources from Central Asia to India. Thus, their territory was 
developed to southeast close to India. Because of this, on that period the “Spice 
Road” was important along Silk Road. In addition, “Spice Trade” was added to the 
economy of these Empire. They also shifted their capital city from “Ghazni” to 
“Lahour”. On the other hand, since the most important trade center during this period 
was “Baghdad” they wanted to be recognized as an Islamic state,  
  
138 
 
Figure 31- Silk Road in 1150 AC (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 
2001) 
The Great Seljuq Empire was a medieval Turkic Sunni Muslim empire, originating 
from the Qynyq branch of Oghuz Turks. The first capital of this Empire was 
“Neyshabour” and after that, it changed to “Rayy”, two most important cities of Silk 
Road. In the period of “Malik shah”, the Land of Seljuq Empire was expanded in 
various directions. It bordered with China from east to Byzantines in the west. That 
rout was covering almost all parts of the Silk Road. In that period, the important of 
business and thereinafter trade routes (Silk Road and Spice Road) were increased. 
During the crusades in Europe, almost all other countries in the rest of the world 
were in tradable relationship. Therefore, in Saljuq dynasty there was a vast network 
of trade routes, which was highly protected. According to many scholars during this 
period, “Rabz” (business part of the old cities like Bazaar) were growing 
increasingly. Domestic disputes and Mongols were two main reasons for vanishing 
of Saljuq Empire.  
  
139 
 
Figure 32- Silk Road in 1550 AC (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 
2001) 
Before “Safavid”, because of renaissance, economical, and social changes in Europe, 
European people had life that was more luxurious. Thus, Silk as a luxury fabric was 
highly demanded in European societies. During this period, the Portuguese navy was 
ruling all the water routes to east. Therefore, the other European countries and 
specially British were trying to find a land road towards east. Relation between two 
Empires “Safavid” and “Ottoman” always has been faced with some difficulties. 
Therefore, few traders could travel and make business between this two Empires. 
The special concern of “Safavid” to provide safety of roads helped them to take the 
most economical advantages from road trade. They could develop the road network, 
which was remained from Saljuq dynasty in their territory. In addition, they made 
plenty caravansaries in these networks. Because of huge amount of trades between 
Iran and Europe, the importance of Tabriz in the North West of Iran was increased 
during this time.  
140 
 
As it has been mentioned, the road has been moved during history due to the many 
reasons. However, for many centuries, the road was active and caravans had been 
transfer goods between cities within this route. The other important issue is Silk 
Road in its blooming period (1550 AC) developed as a network and the diagram has 
been shown the main trading roads, and after that until the death of this road the main 
roads has been remained and was active. With a high percentage of confidence, it can 
be said that the death of Silk Road was at the same time with finding oil in Iran (19th 
century) and changing the economy from trade to exporting oil. However, many 
years before that time with expansion of sea roads, ships had done the majority of 
trading especially in long distances, but the road was weakly active. Briefly, Table 
21 has been presented the situation of main road in different historical periods in 
Iran.  
Today the road is symbolically existed, without any majority of trading. Usually 
societies use this symbol for cultural connections between people and mostly it has 
touristic benefits. Therefore, it has some effects on cities. As a summary, in this 
thesis has been decided to choose the road from its blooming period (Safavid 
dynesty-1550 AC) as a main area for the case studies.  
  
141 
 
Table 21- Comparison the Silk Road in Iran in Different Periods of History 
Period Route 
Taherian - 850 AC 
 
Saffarian – 900 AC 
 
Samani – 950 AC 
 
Ghaznavids – 1050 AC 
 
142 
 
Period Route 
Seljuq – 1150 AC 
 
Safavid – 1550 AC 
 
 
  
143 
 
4.2 Iranian Cities & Trading Routes  
Habibi (1995) describes Iranian urbanization in different historical periods. He 
believes that urbanization in Iran can be divided generally in three major periods:  
• Ancient cities (Before Islam) from 9 BC until 7 AC 
• Cities after Islam from 7 AC until 1876 AC  
• Modern era from 1876 AC  
Then he describes about the characteristics of Iranian cities in each period. The 
common physical elements that he named in all periods are:  
• Palace (Arg)  
• Bazaar 
• Quarters (Mahalle) 
• Jami mosque  
He also mentions about the importance of security, access to water resources and 
climate, as an important issues of formation of Iranian cities. (Habibi, 1995) 
 Generally, according to the soil and water resources, it can be said that Iran is a dry 
country and because of shortage of water resources, most of the lands in Iran are dry 
and infertile. Hence, most of Iranian cities had been developed based on trades rather 
than agriculture. Therefore, urban places related to trade and dealing had been active 
in Iranian cities for long time.  
144 
 
Perhaps in all books that have been written on history of Iran, it was noticed about 
Iranian and their special attention to roads and the buildings related to them, and the 
most famous one is caravansary (Pirnia, 1993). According to the location of 
caravansaries, two main types could be recognized. The main reason for 
caravansaries was having a safe place for caravans within their traveling. Therefore, 
the location of caravansaries was setting up due to the distance. This means the 
distance that each caravan can move in the daytime, and at night, a caravansary is 
needed to be settled in for resting. Since morphologically the land has different 
characteristic during a long distance, like mountains and desert etc. Therefore, the 
between two caravansaries was not equal in measuring. Hence, there was different 
measurement system which were depends on the distance that each person can move 
by walk in a certain time. (Mostowfi, 1340)  
Generally, there are two types of caravansary due to their location. One, is located 
inside the urban area and the other, is outside of towns. Most all of caravansaries, 
which are located inside cities, are behind of main road of bazaars. This location 
helped them to get services for shops in bazaar. Firstly, caravans arrived to 
caravansaries outside of cities, then, a part of traders was divided from caravan and 
getting inside the cities and settled in these caravansaries. In fact, there were a link 
between caravansaries outside of cities and those, which were inside of towns. It 
means that there is a relation between caravansaries and bazaar in Iranian cities. 
“Caravansaries were counted as a quiet house and home to convoy and passengers. 
On the other hand caravansaries in the cities are still working as a business places.” 
(Kiani, 1987)  
145 
 
The important urban element among the link between caravansaries and bazaar from 
outside to inside of cities is gate. Each city depends on the scale and population had 
many gates, but the important one was the one who opened to the trade route. The 
gate which is also locates close to bazaar. Unfortunately, nowadays most of the gates 
are ruined. Therefore, there are few, of them exist in the SRCS.  
Figure 33- Map of Old Tehran (Rajabi, 2003) 
Bazaar, the most important urban public place in Middle East and also Iranian cities, 
and it has been existed in all cities in this region with different scales. This public 
place has many influences on economic, culture and even politic. There are many 
evidences in Iranian history about those dynasties that couldn’t control the power of 
bazaar and they collapsed. “I could not stop building supermarkets. I wanted a 
modern country. Moving against the bazaars was typical of the political and social 
risks I had to take in my drive for modernization.” (Pahlavi, 1980) Even in 
contemporary period bazaar has a great role in economic and political issues in Iran.  
146 
 
“Iranians say that the Tehran Bazaar is the “pulse of the city” or “the pulse of the 
economy.” The metaphor is appropriate, for it evokes a sense that the circulation of 
commodities, credit, and information in the Bazaar’s networks is a palpable effect of 
the workings of Iran’s urban life and political economy.” (Keshavarzian, 2007) 
In addition, all of urban places that have a short description of them above, have a 
relation with the SRCS, and it could be possible to select from them for case study. 
Figure 34 can clearly show the location of trade routes and these urban places in 
Iranian cities, during the periods in history. As it can be seen, the location of bazaar 
in cities always has been parallel or along the trading routes out of cities. Moreover, 
from location and shape of bazaar in towns, it could have been inferred that bazaar 
had acted as a communicating place between people from outside and inside of the 
city.  
  
147 
 
  
Median 728 BC – 549 BC Achaemenid 550 BC – 330 BC 
  
Parthian 247 BC – 224 BC Sassanid 224 BC – 651 AC 
  
Seljuk 1037 AC – 1194 AC 
 
Safavid 1501 AC – 1722 AC 
Figure 34- Trade Routes and Iranian Cities during Historical Periods (Habibi, 1995) 
  
148 
 
As it mentioned before the structure of Iranian cities throughout history especially 
during their economic growth, included; “Bazaar” as a trade place, “Arg” as place of 
power, “Mosque” as place of religious and “quarters” as place of life.  
These physical elements have been distinguished as structure of almost all Iranian 
cities with different urban patterns. The use of this layout has been stable during 
centuries before arrival of modernity to the country. “Arg” or palace as a place of 
power, “Bazaar” place of trade and economy of the city, “Jami mosque” place of 
religion or belief and also main place for public gatherings, finally “quarters” place 
for citizens residing. 
For choosing type of places in this research, three urban places from these urban 
elements could be chosen, also as it was written above about the importance of 
caravansaries and the link between caravansaries which are located outside and 
inside of cities and the importance of gate for this link, caravansary and gate could be 
add to the cases. So, the group of cases for that could be chosen in this research 
includes:  
• Arg (palace) 
• Bazaar 
• Mosque  
• Caravansary and/or Gate  
  
149 
 
4.3 Contemporary Silk Road in Iran 
Business and trade always has played an important role on the Middle East.   For 
centuries, any link between East and West has been doing through this region. The 
most famous trade route that connected the East and West of the world is “Silk 
Road”. Cities in Iran as one of the largest regions in the Middle 
East have influenced of the Silk Road. Historical analysis in "National Project of Silk 
Road in Iran" highlights some issues which have some interesting points. (Vaspoor 
tourism & urban design consulting Co., 2001)   
1. The peaks of historical periods in Iranian civilization   are consistent 
with the flow of trade and travel Silk Road.  
2. Iranian civilization though drawdown periods coincide with those periods that 
Silk Road due to wars and political conflicts or any other cause, has been 
closed 
3. Each of the cities along the Silk Road in historical periods of  Iranian 
history  were capital of country or region or major commercial city,  and 
nowadays each of those cities manifest the characteristics of a specific 
historical period.  
4. Since, during the colonialism period, maritime trade routes have been opened, 
Silk Road and some other trade routes (like Spice route) have been 
obstructed.   
As it mentioned above there is a direct relation between the location of Silk Road and 
major cities and capitals in Iran. Therefore, for realizing about these cities, Table 22 
150 
 
shows some information about capitals and major cities in different periods of Iran’s 
history.  
Table 22- Capitals and Major Cities in Different Periods of Iran’s History 
Historical 
Period 
Date Duration 
(year) 
Capital(s)  Major City(s) 
The Median 708-550 
BC 
150 Hamedan 
(Hagmataneh) 
Rey 
Achaemenid 550-330 
BC 
220 Hamedan 
(Hagmataneh) 
Takht-e-
Jamshid 
(Perspolis) 
Estakhr   
 
Parthians 250 
BC-227 
AC 
477 Sad-darvazeh 
(damghan)  
Ganjak  
Sasanian 224-652 
AC  
428 Tisphon 
(Baghdad) 
Rey 
Amad 
Antakya  
Umayyads 661-749 
AC 
88 Sham Rey 
Ghormasin 
(Kermanshah)  
Abbasid  749-
1256 
AC 
509 Baghdad Rey 
Marv  
Taherian  821-872 
AC 
51 Neyshabour Harat  
Saffarian 861-
1002 
AC 
141 Zeranj Neyshabour  
Dialameh (Al-
Ziar)  
928-
1043 
AC 
115 Esfehan Rey 
Gorgan 
Samanian 892-998 
AC 
106 Bokhara Samarghand  
Al-bouye 932-
1056 
AC 
124 Rey Shiraz 
Hamedan 
Esfehan 
Ghaznavian 962-
1186 
AC 
224 Ghazneyn Balkh 
Harat 
Neyshabour 
Rey 
Esfehan  
Lahour 
151 
 
Historical 
Period 
Date Duration 
(year) 
Capital(s)  Major City(s) 
Seljuk 1037-
1193 
AC 
156 Samarghand Bokhara 
Balkh 
Marv 
Neyshabour 
Rey 
Trabouzan 
Antakya  
Atabakan 
(Azarbayjan) 
1146-
1278 
AC 
82 Tabriz  
Kharazmshahi 1096-
1230 
AC 
134 Samarghand Bokhara 
Balkh 
Marv 
Owrganj  
Ilkhanan 
Mongol 
1264-
1355 
AC 
91 Zanjan Tabriz 
Sarbedaran 1335-
1386 
AC 
51 Sabzevar Harat 
Toghateymorieh 1336-
1409 
AC 
73 Gorgan Neyshabour 
Sabzevar  
Teymourian  1369-
1505 
AC 
136 Harat Bokhara 
Samarghand 
Tabriz 
Ghoyounloo 
(Agh-
ghoyounloo & 
Ghara-
ghoyounloo)  
1407-
1502 
AC 
95 Tabriz Rey 
Safavid 1499-
1735 
AC 
236 Esfehan Tabriz 
Qazvin 
Afshari 1735-
1803 
AC 
68 Mashhad  
Zandiyeh  1749-
1794 
AC 
45 Shiraz Tehran 
Qajaar 1785-
1924 
AC 
139 Tehran Tabriz  
This table shows that in historical periods the major cities of the Silk Road 
in Iran certainly having majority of political power and service centers. Naturally, 
152 
 
each of the dynasties that ruled in Iran, have their capitals to consider, these cities 
have been centers of civilization of their era, the best cultural and artistic aspects of 
each, can be sought in the capital during the same period.  
Although Silk Road was a changeable route during the historical periods according 
to political issues, environmental limitations, climate changes and other reasons, 
there were two main routes in Iran, which can be recognized as main routes for Silk 
Road. One of them comes from North West to the north east the other comes from 
West then it joins to the other one at the center.   
Figure 35- Most Common Routes of “Silk Road” In Iran according To Historical 
Periods (Vaspoor tourism & urban design consulting Co., 2001) 
As it is shown on the map above, totally there are 16 cities and settlements in these 
two routes, which contains 13 cities for the first route and 3 other cities for the 
second one. Name and population of Silk Road cities have been presented in the 
Table 23.  
  
153 
 
Table 23- Silk Road Cities and Settlements in Iran (Statistical Center of Iran, 2006) 
(Statistical Center of Iran, 2011) 
  
Population 
census 2006 Rank in Country (2006) Census 2011 
Sarakhs 33,571 208 37162 
Mashhad 2,410,800 2 2749374 
Neyshabour 205,972 37 239185 
Sabzevar 208,172 35 231557 
Shahroud 126,916 59 140474 
Damghan 57,331 127 58770 
Semnan 124,999 63 153680 
Tehran 7,705,036 1 8154051 
Qazvin 349,821 20 381598 
Zanjan 341,801 21 386851 
Mianeh 87,385 88 95505 
Tabriz 1,378,935 4 1494998 
Maku 41,865 181 42751 
Kermanshah 784,602 9 851405 
Hamedan 473,149 14 525794 
Qasr-e-Shirin 15,437  ------- 17959 
 
Iran cultural heritage handcrafts and tourism organization (ICHTO) has introduced 
around 650 places among all parts of these two main routes of Silk Road in Iran 
(Table in appendix). Before choosing cases, it would be better to understand more 
about Silk Road places in SRCS. 
  
154 
 
4.4 General Information about SRCS in Iran 
To create basic reference data about Silk Road cities in Iran, related general 
information have been presented in coming pages. This information has been 
collected based on table format offered by Prof. Kemal Ahmet ARU in his famous 
book “TURK KENTI”. Because of lack of information, these tables have not been 
completed fully, but still can give a general view of Silk Road cities. Tables are in 
appendix based on (ARU , 1998).  
However, by the information that has been collected during this process the SRCS 
cities in Iran can be introduced in other way. Therefore, in this section it has been 
tried to present these information of cities briefly. Considering their location, 
population, geographical situation, morphology and importance.  
  
155 
 
Sarakhs 
The city of Sarakhs is located in the North East of Iran, with a population of 37162 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city has a flat layout wıth 281m altıtude. 
It has mainly grid pattern. This is a border city with a newly free business zone.  
Figure 36- Sarakhs (Google Earth, 2009)  
  
156 
 
Mashhad 
The city of Mashhad is located in the North East of Iran, with a population of 
2749374 in 2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city has a flat layout with 
985m altitude, which is surrounded by mountains. The pattern of city is mixed but 
mostly has grid pattern. The mausoleum of the eighth Imam of Shia is located in this 
city therefore, the city is very important for pilgrim.  
Figure 37- City of Mashhad (Gita Shenasi, 2010)  
  
157 
 
Neyshabour 
The city of Neyshabour is located in the North East of Iran, with a population of 
239185 in 2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in foothills with 
1250m altitude, which is surrounded by mountains. The pattern of city is mostly grid. 
City has a great history due to the Silk Road, but it has been ruined several times in 
history by many reasons (Natural disaster, War, etc.) unfortunately nothing has been 
remained from those periods.  
Figure 38-Map of Neyshabour (Gita Shenasi, 2010)  
  
158 
 
Sabzevar 
The city of Sabzevar is located in the North East of Iran, with a population of 231557 
in 2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in foothills with 950m 
altitude. The pattern of city is grid. City has a great history due to the Silk Road, in 
fact it is known in Iran because of Silk Road. 
Figure 39-Map of Sabzevar (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
  
159 
 
Shahroud 
The city of Shahroud is located in the North East of Iran, with a population of 
140474 in 2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in foothills with 
1345m altitude. The pattern of city is mostly grid. The existing City has been built 
after Silk Road period, it was a merely village before 1800 AC.  
Figure 40-Map of Shahroud (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
  
160 
 
Damghan  
The city of Damghan is located in the North of Iran, with a population of 58770 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in foothills with 1250m 
altitude. The pattern of city is mixed by tendency to circular form. Damghan was an 
important city in the Middle Ages, but was destroyed by the Afghans in 1723. Few 
remnants of that time remain, such as the ruined Tari-khaneh mosque with a number 
of massive columns and woodcarvings and two minarets of the 11th century  
Figure 41-Map of Damghan (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
  
161 
 
Semnan  
The city of Semnan is located in the North of Iran, with a population of 153680 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in flat area with 1130m 
altitude. The pattern of city is mostly grid. City has an old history but as a small 
village. The most influence for development of this city in contemporary period was 
happened after promoted by the capital of Semnan province. 
Figure 42- Map of Semnan (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
 
162 
 
Tehran  
The city of Tehran is located in the North of Iran, with a population of 8154051 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in foothills, altitude in range 
between 1050m to 1800m. The pattern of city is mixed and mostly grid. Tehran was 
well known as a village in the 9th century, but was less well-known than the city of 
Rhages (Ray) which was flourishing nearby in the early era.  
Figure 43- Map of Tehran (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
  
163 
 
Qazvin  
The city of Qazvin is located in the North of Iran, with a population of 381598 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in flat area with 1278m 
altitude. The pattern of city is mostly grid. The city today known as Qazvin is 
thought to have been founded by Shapur II, King of Persia in 250 CE, under the 
name Shah Shahpur, when he built a fortification there to control regional tensions.  
Figure 44- Map of Qazvin (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
  
164 
 
Zanjan  
The city of Zanjan is located in the North of Iran, with a population of 386851 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in foothılls with 1638m 
altitude. The pattern of city is mıxed but it can be assumed as grid and linear. The 
city has been built in ancient era, but not very famous in history of Silk Road.  
Figure 45- Map of Zanjan (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
  
165 
 
Miyaneh  
The city of Miyaneh is located in the North West of Iran, with a population of 95505 
in 2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in valley with 1100m 
altitude. The pattern of city is mostly grid. Most of the architecture in Miyaneh was 
built during the reign of the Mongols (13th-14th centuries)  
Figure 46- Miyaneh (Google Earth, 2009) 
  
166 
 
Tabriz  
The city of Tabriz is located in the North West of Iran, with a population of 1494998 
in 2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in foothılls with 1100m 
altitude. The pattern of city is mostly grid. The city can be named as important city in 
the North West of Iran. It was former capital of Iran and the second city in Qajar 
dynasty (18th century).  
Figure 47-Map of Tabriz (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
  
167 
 
Maku  
The city of Maku is located in the North West of Iran, with a population of 42751 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in mountains with 1632m 
altitude. The pattern of city is linear.It is a border city between Iran and Turkey. 
Figure 48- Maku (Google Earth, 2009) 
  
168 
 
Hamedan  
The city of Hamedan is located in the West of Iran, with a population of 525794 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in foothills with 1876m 
altitude. The pattern of city is cirular. The first capital of Iran, one of the important 
cities in the west region of Iran. A modern designed by Karl Firitsch (1929)  
Figure 49- Map of Hamedan (Gita Shenasi, 2010) 
  
169 
 
Kermanshah  
The city of Kermanshah is located in the West of Iran, with a population of 851405 
in 2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in mountain with 1350m 
altitude. The pattern of city is mixed but it can be said that it is mostly grid. The city 
has attractive landscapes and people have rich culture.  
Figure 50- Kermanshah (Google Earth, 2009) 
  
170 
 
Qasr-e-Shirin  
The city of Qasr-e-Shirin is located in the West of Iran, with a population of 17959 in 
2011 (Statistical Center of Iran, 2011). The city locates in flat area with 333m 
altitude. The pattern of city is mostly grid. This is a border city between Iran and 
Iraq. It has been known as city of love.  
Figure 51-Qasr-e-Shirin (Google Earth, 2009) 
  
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4.5 Summary 
As it might be seen, the variety of cities that located in Silk Road is notable. The 
cities are in different size and population. There are located in different area, 
mountain, desert, and foothill. They have different morphology, linear, grid and 
circular. Therefore, hardly can say there is a common characteristic between these 17 
cities. However, they are common in the Silk Road but there are some other 
characteristics, which these cities have in common.  
Never meet water: These cities were capable to have caravans, and caravans cannot 
pass through the sea. Therefore, the most common characteristics of Silk Road cities 
can be this. However, there are some cities, which have some river inside, or there 
are some lakes in the road but those are not notable.  
Accessible for Caravans: It does not matter the city located in mountain or desert. It 
does not matter it is flat or in valley. The important issue for SRCS is it should be 
accessible for caravans. This means that one small road or a pathway is not enough 
for caravans. They need gate or a proper entrance for caravans or they need a 
caravansary close to the city.  
  
172 
 
Chapter 5 
DETAIL SITE SURVEY: URBAN PUBLIC SPACES IN 
SRCS 
This chapter, dedicated to case study in detail. As it has been noticed in chapter two 
by investigating in theoretical issues, criteria for place and measurements of 
placemaking has been concluded and by use of SAW methodology these two has 
been combined and at the end of chapter two the assessments for successful places 
has been found. Now the main aim of this chapter is analyzing these assessments in 
the cases. To achieve this aim at the beginning, it has been tried to select the proper 
cities from the cities that has been introduced in chapter three. After selecting part, 
the cities and their places have been introduced in detail. In this part it has been tried 
to give a proper image of places within the cities. After this step the cases have been 
analyzed by the assessments that have been found. Results and initial findings have 
been written after that and the research is ready for the conclusions (to be presented 
in chapter six).  
  
173 
 
5.1 Method of Selecting Cities from SRCS  
As it mentioned in chapter three, ICHTO (Iran cultural heritage handcrafts and 
tourism organization) introduced around 660 different places along the two main 
routes of Silk Road in Iran. In the appendix, all of places have been presented 
(APPENDIX A: Silk Road Places in Iranian Cities and Settlements). This list is 
including all places from different parts of the road. In addition, in the last chapter 17 
cities has been introduced as SRCS in Iran. It is somehow obvious that analyzing 
these amounts of places and cities is out of scale of one thesis. Therefore, the section 
ahead has been explained the logical way of selecting the proper places and cities. 
For this purpose, an elimination method based on the characteristics of Silk Road and 
SRCS has been chosen. In view of that the conditions has been introduced step by 
step and by each step places has been eliminated.  For better information Figure 52 
has been shown the method and the number of remain places and cities.  
Silk Road in Iran 
As it was mentioned before, there are around 660 places and 17 cities in two main 
routes of Silk Road, which means the total number in these sets (SRCS & UPS). The 
elimination method has to be done between these two sets. (APPENDIX A: Silk 
Road Places in Iranian Cities and Settlements)  
Focus On City Scale  
Trade has been established for centuries in Silk Road, during historical periods, for 
many reasons some cities collapsed or moved, some new cities has been established. 
It means that today, there are some places from this list which have been located out 
of cities. These places cannot be selected for this research. After this step around 330 
places and 17 cities has been remained.  
174 
 
Focus On Urban Form  
Some of these places are presented as a combination of places, like different 
buildings in one palace or different mosques in holy shrine. Since this thesis has been 
focused on urban environment, therefore, it would be better if these places have been 
known as one complex. All of these places have been considered as one name.  
Focus On Historic Quarters  
As it has been mentioned in  4.2 and  4.3 of this thesis. Silk Road places have 
historical characteristics and these places usually located in historical center of cities. 
Therefore, in this stage, those places that have been located out of historical quarters 
eliminated. In this step around 122 places in 17 cities have been remained. Table 24 
presents these places.  
Covers All Types of Places  
As it was mentioned before (section  4.2), types of places that can be analyzed in this 
research have been introduced. Therefore, in this step only cities, which all of these 
four types have been located in together, can be selected.  Thus, in this step, 12 
places in three cities have been selected. Table 25 shows the types of places which 
each city has and the selected cities have been marked there.   
  
175 
 
Figure 52-The Methodology of Selecting Places In SRCS 
  
176 
 
Table 24- Places in SRCS 
No City Type Name Century 
1 Mashhad holy shrine  Imam Riza 11 
2 Sabzevar Caravansary Sabzevar 18 & 19 
3 Tomb Molla Hadi Sabzevari 18 & 19 
4 Mosque Jami Sabzevar 15 
5 Shahroud Mosque Shahroud 19 
6 Mosque Imam Mojtaba   
7 Caravansary Shahroud   
8 Caravansary Tomanians 18 & 19 
9 Semnan Bazaar Semnan 18 & 19 
10 Bath Nasar 16 & 17 
11 Tomb Yahya-ibn-Mousa 14 
12 Mosque Jami Semnan 14 
13 Timche Soltani 18 & 19 
14 Castle Semnan 18 & 19 
15 North to South Gate Arg Semnan 18 & 19 
16 Caravansary Nasar 18 & 19 
17 Caravansary Sheikh-Ala-ol-Dowleh   
18 Caravansary Soltan Housein 15 
19 Caravansary Shah-Abbasi 16 & 17 
20 Castle Pakhpar 9 
21 Castle Kang-Dezh BC 
22 Castle Jonbondan 14 
23 Castle Narenj BC 
24 Castle Berkeh   
25 Fire Temple  Semnan BC 
26 Castle Barache   
27 Castle Shir-ghazi   
28 Tehran Square  Arg 16 & 17 
29 Square  Topkhaneh 19 
30 Bazaar Tehran 18 & 19 
31 Mosque Seyed-Aziz-Allah 19 
32 Gate Bagh Melli 18 
33 Mosque & School Sheikh-Abdol-Housein 19 
34 Mosque & School Imam-Khomeini (Shah) 19 
35 Castle Teirak 9 
36 Tower Naghareh Khaneh (Drum House) 11 
37 Ancient Hill  Gabri 10 
38 Timche Sadr-e-Azam 19 
39 Timche Ketab Foroushan 19 
40 Bazaar Beyn-ol-Harameyn 19 
41 Timche Alla-dowleh 19 
42 Timche Gheysarieh 19 
177 
 
No City Type Name Century 
43 Timche Mahdiyeh 19 
44 Timche Amin Ghods 19 
45 Bazaar Amir  19 
46   Chahr Sogh-e- Bozorg 19 
47 Square  Sabze Meydan   
48 Water House Nowroz Khan   
49 Qazvin Palace Ali Ghapo 16 & 17 
50 Cistern Sardar Bozorg 18 
51 Cistern Sardar Kochak   
52 Mosque Jami 11 
53 Mosque Niche-Ali 16 & 17 
54 Mosque Salehiye 19 
55 Mosque Masoudiye 19 
56 Tomb Peyghambariye   
57 Bazaar Great Bazaar 17 
58 Bazaar Small Bazaar 10 
59 Gate Koushk 18 & 19 
60 Gate Old Tehran 18 & 19 
61 Mosque Shah 19 
62 Religious Club Amini  19 
63 Zanjan Palace Zolfaghari 18 & 19 
64 Castle Zanjan 11 
65 Mianeh Tomb Holy Tomb 19 
66 Tabriz Bazaar Tabriz 16 & 17 
67 Timche Amir  18 & 19 
68 Holy Tomb Jamal 18 & 19 
69 Tomb Seyed Hamzeh 13 
70 Tomb Saheb-ol-Amr 16 & 17 
71 Tomb Omaven-ibn-Ali 13 
72 Tomb Charandab 16 & 17 
73 Tomb Hamal   
74 Tomb Haft Khaharan   
75 Tomb Seyed Ibrahim 18 & 19 
76 Tomb Seyed Abdollah 14 
77 Tomb Seghat-ol-Islam Shahid 18 & 19 
78 Tomb Shoara   
79 Tomb Dameshghiye   
80 Tomb GhaemMagham Farahani 19 
81 Tomb Molla Bashi   
82 Tomb Vahsoudan-o-Mamalan   
83 Tomb YediLar   
84 Mosque Kaboud 16 
85 Mosque Jami 11 
86 Mosque Alishah 14 
87 Mosque Osatd-Do-Shagerd 14 
178 
 
No City Type Name Century 
88 Mosque Imam Jome 19 
89 Mosque Hojat-ol-Islam 19 
90 Mosque Esmaeel-Khale-Oghli   
91 Mosque Hassan Padeshah   
92 Mosque Dal-o-Zal   
93 Palace Municipality Tabriz 19 
94 Mansion Rab-e-Rashidi 14 
95 Garden Saheb-Abad   
96 Garden Saffa 18 & 19 
97 Garden Shomal 16 & 17 
98 Mansion Iyil-Goli 18 & 19 
99 Museum  Azarbayejan 19 
100 House Kozeh-kanani 19 
101 Tower Khalaat Poshan 16 & 17 
102 Mansion Shams-ol-Emareh 18 
103 Palace Hasht Behesht 14 
104 Mansion Shanb Ghazan 14 
105 School Akbariye 19 
106 School Jafariye   
107 School Haj Safar Ali 19 
108 School Khaje Asghar Ali 18 & 19 
109 School Sadeghiye   
110 School Talebiye   
111 School Zahiriye 17 
112 School Kazemiye 19 
113 Hamedan Palace Tappe Hagmatane 836 BC 
114 inscription Ganhname 521 BC 
115 Statue Stone Lion 7th BC 
116 Tomb Khezr 10 
117 Dome Alavian 12 
118 Tomb Ester & Merdkhay 13 
119 Tower Ghorban 13 
120 Mosque Jami 18 
121 Bazaar Bazaar 18 
122 Caravansary   17 
It has been mentioned that in this table all Silk Road places, which are located in the 
historical centers of cities, have been presented. This table shows the variety of 
different types of places in cities.  
  
179 
 
Table 25- The Status of Selected Places in SCRS 
Selected cities  # SRCS Caravansary or Gate Bazaar Jami Mosque Palace 
  1 Sarakhs 
    
  2 Mashhad 
 
√ √ 
 
  3 Neyshabour 
  
√ 
 
  4 Sabzevar √ √ √ 
 
  5 Shahroud 
 
√ √ 
 
  6 Damghan √ √ √ 
 
  7 Semnan √ √ √ 
 
  8 Garmsar √ 
  
√ 
*  9 Tehran √ √ √ √ 
*  10 Qazvin √ √ √ √ 
  11 Zanjan  √ √ √ 
  12 Mianeh     
  13 Tabriz √ √ √  
  14 Maku    √ 
*  15 Hamedan √ √ √ √ 
  16 Kermanshah 
 
√ √ 
 
  17 Qasr-e-Shirin √ 
  
√ 
It has been marked in this table, and only three cities have covered all types of 
places, which are Tehran, Qazvin and Hamedan.   
  
180 
 
5.2 Introducing the UPS in SRCS  
This part, is going to introduce the selected UPSs in SRCS. Since the data collection 
method, explained in section ( 3.3), therefore, a set of surveys for collecting data of 
UPSs have been done. According to local conditions and time limitation, the type of 
observation was “complete participant”. This is the only type of observation, which 
let the observer become “covert”. During this observation, the situation of each 
assessment in the UPS clarified. To present the cases, the type of data that collected 
are; maps (includes maps of selected SRCS and maps of UPS) and photos (from each 
UPS).  
According to Figure 52 and Table 25 the places which have been chosen are; Tehran, 
Qazvin and Hamedan and types of places which are going to be analyzed from each 
city in this part are; Caravansary or Gate, Bazaar, Jami Masque and Palace. For the 
beginning of this part it seems that brief introduction about each of these places is 
necessary. It has been tried to introduce and explain the places by the cities. 
considering their general urban layout characteristics, location of the selected UPS 
then each place will be studied though its access and linkage, comfort and image, 
uses and activities and its sociability.  
  
181 
 
5.2.1 UPSs in City of Hamedan  
5.2.1.1 Urban Layout Characteristics and Location of Selected UPSs  
This city has been known as the first designed city in modern era. As it has been 
noticed, Karl Fritsch designed the city in circular form. The central square of city is 
the main intersection of six main streets, which are expanded in different directions 
of city. After main square in the center of city, these six streets have been tied to each 
other by some secondary curvy streets. Therefore, the city has its’ own pattern for 
future developments. Figure 53 has been shown the map of Hamedan. 
Figure 53- Map of Hamedan (Parsoumash urban design consulting Co., 2008) 
  
182 
 
As it has been mentioned four places have been selected for each city, and in 
Hamedan, these places are Bazaar, Palace, Caravansary and Jami mosque.  
All of these places have been located on the north side of the city center. In the city 
center, the central square has been dominated and all of the main streets arrived to 
that. This square has been designed at the beginning of the modern era (1932) as an 
intersection of six main streets. Base on this square, the shape of whole city affected 
by this square and its streets to a circular form. Therefore, after that deep impact of 
the physical configuration of the city, Bazaar has been divided into two parts by one 
of the main streets. However, Bazaar has been affected on the street and now the 
influence of commercial area in that street are dominating.  
Figure 54- Location of All Places Together in City Center 
  
183 
 
Figure 55-Location of UPSs in Detail 
As it is clear in the Figure 55the location all selected UPSs has been shown. 
Caravansary located at the backside of Bazaar and Jami Mosque is located in front of 
that. In addition, Palace is located in hills which has direct access to Bazaar.  
  
Palace 
Jami Mosque 
Caravansary 
Area of Bazaar 
184 
 
5.2.1.2 Bazaar  
According to the master plan of the city (Mojda consulting co. , 1988) the remaining 
of Bazaar belongs from 18th century, but the history of Bazaar belongs to centuries 
before. Bazaar of this city has a certain role on Silk Road and many Persian 
references named it as “western gate” of this road. Due to this history Bazaar 
includes 26 “Sara” or “Caravansary” and 36 “Raste”3. The area of Bazaar is almost 
30 Hectare. (Municipality Of Hamedan)  
As it has been shown in the Figure 55, the main street, which is come from the 
central square of city, divided Bazaar in two parts. In fact, this street connects the 
central square to the location of old palace which is another place for this 
dissertation. As the original map which is used for this figure is land use of Hamedan 
therefore, the distribution of commercial areas has been shown by black color among 
the main street and Bazaar area. Thus, the effect of Bazaar on the street is somehow 
clear.  
Another look on Figure 55 clarify that Bazaar is accessible to city center and the 
circular from of city give this potential to Bazaar to be easily accessible from all 
parts of city.  
  
                                                 
3 Raste or “Gozargah” is the main or secondary path in the Bazaar which shops and mercantile located 
on both side of that. The main Raste belongs to retails and in the secondary Raste the professions and 
industries are located. (Ministry of Housing and Urban development, 2009) Usually Raste has been 
called due to their activities like Zargarha (Goldsmiths) or Ahanforooshan (Ironmongeries)…  
185 
 
Figure 56- Entrance of Jami from Main Street (Author, 2012) 
Figure 57-Entrance of Jami from Bazaar (Author, 2012) 
  
186 
 
In Figure 55 the figure-ground of Bazaar has been showed. Existence of topography 
in the area of palace shows the physical limitation for development of Bazaar. 
Almost all of the grounds in the black rectangle have the same directions, which are 
reminding the old direction of Bazaar before redesigning the city center, except one 
that is the location of Jami mosque and direction of this building related to the Qibla 
in Mecca. The direction of buildings leads us to realize that Bazaar had a linear form 
parallel to the hills and palace. Generally, it can be said that Bazaar has a massive 
figure with some grounds, which are closured, by figures. 
Figure 58 - Entrance of Bazaar from Main Square (Author, 2012) 
  
187 
 
Access and Linkage 
According to the definition of this key attribute in section  2.4), it can be assumed that 
Bazaar in Hamedan is accessible. Although the location of place is abounded for 
private vehicles but this place has direct access to the public transportation, and 
people easily can have access to the Bazaar. As it has been mentioned, even private 
cars can have access to the backside of place. Pedestrian can move easily to all parts 
of the place.  
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section ( 2.4), it is hard to say 
that this place has comfort, however the buildings are generally in good conditions 
but there are almost no place to sit, and people are not comfortable while the 
observer was taking pictures.   
Uses and Activities 
Although the place has been made due to activity, but according to the definition 
place is not successful with uses and activities. All activities in the Bazaar limited 
with shopping, and since there are no more other uses from this place, therefore, 
from this point of view Bazaar is not proper for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Bazaar 
of Hamedan has sociability. This is the place that many people meet each other and 
talking, however the place is not proper for the social activities. On the other hand, in 
Bazaar there are social groups includes shopkeepers of Bazaar, which are active in 
some especial religious holidays. They are gathering in those days for moaning.   
188 
 
5.2.1.3 Jami Mosque  
The building of Jami Mosque has been remaining from 18th century but the origin of 
this place is much older than this time. As it has been shown in Figure 59 the place is 
located inside of Bazaar close to Main Street in a way that it has access from inside 
of Bazaar and from Main Street. The Jami mosque has three public entrances. and 
Figure 57 shows the entrances of Jami mosque from main street and from inside of 
Bazaar. 
Figure 59- Accessibility of Jami Mosque to Bazaar and Main Street 
Figure 60 - Central Yard of Jami Mosque, Closure with Building (Author, 2012) 
  
189 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be assumed that Jami Mosque in Hamedan is accessible. Same as Bazaar the 
location of place is abounded for private vehicles but this place has direct access to 
the public transportation. Pedestrian can move easily to all parts of the place.  
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section ( 2.4), this place has 
comfort. The buildings are in good conditions, there are lots of sitting elements. 
Inside of the Mosque is very comfortable.  
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There is 
no more activities rather than praying, and since there are no more other uses from 
this place, therefore, from this point of view Jami Mosque is not proper for other 
activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Jami 
Mosque is a sociable place. In this place, many people meet each other. The place is 
proper for the social activities. On the other hand, the social groups of Bazaar, which 
are active in some especial religious holidays, are in collaboration with Jami Mosque 
and the religious. They are gathering in those days for moaning.  
  
190 
 
5.2.1.4 Palace 
Palace in Hamedan had been established from 708 BC. Recently only the ruins 
remain from that period plus some buildings, which have been built from fifty years 
ago. The entire place now has been used for excavation and museum there is a 
historical church in the area. In master plan of Hamedan, the area has been planned 
for historical area. The palace located on hills therefore the area has been known as 
“Hegmataneh Hills”. Figure 61shows the location of palace close to city center and 
Bazaar.  
Figure 61- Location of Palace in City Center of Hamedan  
  
Area of Palace 
191 
 
Figure 62- - Area of Palace (Author, 2012) 
Figure 63 -A Building inside the Palace Area (Museum) (Author, 2012)  
  
192 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be said that Palace in Hamedan is accessible. The location of place is 
accessible for all private and public vehicles and Pedestrian can move easily to all 
parts of the place. There is a car parking for the people in the entrance of the place.  
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section, this place is not 
comfort. There is no place for sitting, no shading elements, buildings are in good 
conditions, but outside is not ready for people.  
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There are 
no activities there. Since there are no uses from this place rather than museum, 
therefore, from this point of view Palace is not proper for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Palace 
is not a sociable place. In this place, rarely you may find any people.  
  
193 
 
5.2.1.5 Caravansary 
Caravansary of Hamedan has been built in the beginning of 19th century. It has two 
accesses from Bazaar and the other from street on the backside of Bazaar. Figure 64 
and Figure 65show the entrances of caravansary from street and to Bazaar 
Figure 64 –Entrance of Caravansary from Street (Author, 2012) 
Figure 65 -Entrance of Caravansary to Bazaar (Author, 2012) 
  
194 
 
Recently the yard of this place is used for car park (for employees of some shops in 
Bazaar) and the buildings are mostly used for storages and rarely for office of shops.  
Figure 66 –Caravansary (Author, 2012)  
  
195 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be said that caravansary in Hamedan is accessible. The location of place is 
accessible for all private vehicles and Pedestrian can move easily to all parts of the 
place. The place is using for car parking.  
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section, this place is not 
comfort. There is no place for sitting, no shading elements, buildings are in good 
conditions, but outside is not ready for people.  
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There are 
no activities there. Since there are no uses from this place rather than museum, 
therefore, from this point of view Palace is not proper for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Palace 
is not a sociable place. In this place, rarely you may find any people.  
 
  
196 
 
5.2.2 UPSs in City of Qazvin 
5.2.2.1 Urban Layout Characteristics and Location of Selected UPSs  
The layout of this city has been based on the road, As it has been presented in Figure 
67 the city is located in intersection of two main routes of Silk Road. In addition, this 
location has its influences on the city.  
Figure 67-Location of Qazvin between Two Main Routes (Google Earth, 2009) 
Figure 68- Map of Qazvin (Google Earth, 2009) 
  
197 
 
As it might be seen in Figure 68, the layout of city has been based on these two 
routes. The grid structure of city is because of these two perpendicular roads. 
However, in recent years city has been developed on North towards foothills, but the 
city center was formed under influence of these roads.  
The Figure 69 has been shown the location of UPSs in the city center of city. As it is 
showed in this figure, there are two mosques and two Bazaars in the city, because of 
two main roads. However, the analysis is includes only the main Bazaar and Jami 
mosque, but existing of two other UPS with the same characteristics is interesting. 
The Palace has been located in the North part of city center and it has direct access to 
other places. The gate is located in the entrance of city center towards Tehran.  
 
Figure 69- Location of UPSs in the City Center of Qazvin 
  
198 
 
The locations of places in the city are notable. The palace and Bazaar are located at 
the city center in a way that Bazaar is on the West side of Palace. The Gate is almost 
at the beginning of East side of the city and after the Gate with not so much distance 
in city scale the Jami mosque is located. This means that Jami Mosque is more close 
to Gate rather than Bazaar or Palace.  
5.2.2.2 Bazaar 
The entrance of main Bazaar has also a plaza with nice landscape. This entrance is in 
another street, which is includes the Palace and Mosque (not Jami) entrances.  
Figure 70 - Entrance of Bazaar (Author, 2011) 
Figure 71 -Pathway in Bazaar (Author, 2011) 
  
199 
 
Figure 72- Main Bazaar of Qazvin 
Figure 73  - Bazaar of Qazvin (Author, 2011)  
  
200 
 
Access and Linkage 
According to the definition of this key attribute in section  2.4), it can be assumed that 
Bazaar in Qazvin is accessible. The location of place is accessible for private 
vehicles and public transportation, and people easily can have access to the Bazaar.  
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section ( 2.4), it is hard to say 
that this place has comfort, however the buildings are generally in good conditions 
but there are almost no place to sit, and people are not comfortable while the 
observer was taking pictures.   
Uses and Activities 
Although the place has been made due to activity, but according to the definition 
place is not successful with uses and activities. All activities in the Bazaar limited 
with shopping, and since there are no more other uses from this place, therefore, 
from this point of view Bazaar is not proper for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Bazaar 
of Qazvin has sociability. This is the place that many people meet each other and 
talking, however the place is not proper for the social activities. On the other hand, in 
Bazaar there are social groups includes shopkeepers of Bazaar, which are active in 
some especial religious holidays. They are gathering in those days for moaning. 
   
201 
 
5.2.2.3 Jami Mosque 
The Jami Mosque is settled out of Bazaar area and it is not close to the Palace. 
Instead, there is another Mosque, which is close to Palace, and it has access from 
Bazaar. In addition, there is a small Bazaar in front of Jami Mosque. The entrance of 
Jami Mosque is a well-defined plaza with a proper access to the main street.  
Figure 74- Jami Mosque of Qazvin 
Figure 75 - Entrance of Jami Mosque from Main Street (Author, 2011) 
  
202 
 
Jami Mosque has a central yard, which is enclosure by buildings, like Hamedan. But 
this case has landscape with some trees inside of the yard. Jami Mosque has another 
entrance from backside to the local street.  
Figure 76 - Central yard of Jami Mosque (Author, 2011) 
Figure 77 - Entrance of Jami Mosque from back side (Author, 2011) 
  
203 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be assumed that Jami Mosque in Qazvin is accessible. The location of place is 
accessible for private and public transportation. Pedestrian can move easily to all 
parts of the place.  
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section ( 2.4), this place has 
comfort. The buildings are in good conditions, there are lots of sitting elements. 
Inside of the Mosque is very comfortable.  
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There are 
no more activities rather than praying, and since there are no more other uses from 
this place, therefore, from this point of view Jami Mosque is not proper for other 
activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Jami 
Mosque is a sociable place. In this place, many people meet each other. The place is 
proper for the social activities. On the other hand, the social groups of Bazaar, which 
are active in some especial religious holidays, are in collaboration with Jami Mosque 
and the religious. They are gathering in those days for moaning.  
 
  
204 
 
5.2.2.4 Palace  
The palace is located at the North part of city center and its location is dominant to 
Bazaar. This Palace physically has two different parts, which can be divided as 
introvert and extrovert. The introvert part of the palace belongs to a palace, which is 
located in a garden and nowadays belongs to Iranian cultural heritage and tourism 
organization as a historical place for tourist visit. The extrovert part is a gate, which 
is defining the entrance of the garden and is a landmark for city. Since this 
dissertation dedicated to urban studies therefore in this analyzes the extrovert, part of 
palace is considered.  
Figure 78- The Palace of Qazvin 
  
205 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be said that Palace in Qazvin is accessible. The location of place is accessible 
for all private and public vehicles and Pedestrian can move easily to all parts of the 
place. 
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section, this place is 
comfortable. There is place for sitting inside the garden of palace buildings are in 
good conditions and people can easily taking photo inside of palace.  
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There are 
no activities there. Since there are no uses from this place rather than museum, 
therefore, from this point of view Palace is not proper for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Palace 
is not a sociable place. People usually do not come for meeting or social activity in 
this is place.  
  
206 
 
5.2.2.5 Gate 
The Gate is located in the middle of a crossroad. The North West of this cross road 
the Bus terminal of city is existed. The municipality has been tried to make a proper 
urban place for this historical urban structure, therefore it has been surrounded by 
green area and an ordinary landscape, but still it has been located in the middle of 
street. Figure 79and Figure 80 show the location of Gate.  
Figure 79 - Gate of Qazvin (Author, 2011) 
Figure 80  - Gate of Qazvin (Author, 2011) 
  
207 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be said that Gate in Qazvin is accessible. The location of place is accessible for 
all private and public vehicles and Pedestrian can move easily to all parts of the 
place. 
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section, this place is 
comfortable. There is sitting elements in the place. Gate is in good conditions. People 
can easily taking photo inside of palace.  
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There are 
no activities there. From this point of view, Gate is not used for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Gate is 
not a sociable place. People usually do not come for meeting or social activity in this 
is place. Actually there is no people inside of the place.  
  
208 
 
5.2.3 UPSs in City of Tehran  
5.2.3.1 Urban Layout Characteristics and Location of Selected UPSs  
Historically Tehran does not have relationship with Silk Road but the city of Ray 
which is recently become a satellite city of Tehran had the main role as a center of 
Silk Road. Since 1795 Tehran has been established as a capital of Iran, therefore all 
the major facilities and services have been centralized in this city and for a long time 
this city is the base of all services and decisions in the country.  
Many issues, like politics, economic, socio-cultural effects, etc., affect the urban 
layout of the city. Therefore, the layout is mixture of different forms.  
The places, which have been selected for analyzing from this city, are Gate, Bazaar, 
Jami mosque and Palace. All of these places have been located in the city center. As 
it is expected the location of gate has a distance to other places. (Figure 81)  
  
209 
 
Figure 81-Location of Places in Tehran 
  
Gate 
Palace (Palace) 
Jami Mosque 
210 
 
5.2.3.2 Bazaar 
Grand Bazaar of Tehran as capital of Iran should be a representative of trade and 
retail activities. Therefore it occupied a huge area. Also it has several entrances 
which in Figure 88 the some entrances to one main street have been showed. The 
main entrance of Bazaar in Tehran is facing to the area of palace which already has 
been mentioned in modern era this area filled with a Bank. Bazaar at its main 
entrance is opened to a plaza which is called “Sabze-Meydan”. This plaza was the 
place of many social and political events in the history of Tehran. Nowadays an 
underground shopping center which is called “small bazaar” has been built there 
which most of that belongs to the gold sales. Although this shopping center located 
underground but because of level differences also some transparent elements for light 
catching and the entrances of this area the main plaza becomes almost useless.  
Figure 82  - Main Entrance of Grand Bazaar Tehran (Author, 2012) 
  
211 
 
In addition, it affected the main entrance of Bazaar in a way that the main entrance is 
not visible especially for new comers or tourists. In the Figure 83 the entrance of 
Bazaar has been shown. As it is appear in the picture, the pedestrian is much more 
crowded than the main area.  
Figure 83- Main Entrance of Grand Bazaar Tehran (Author, 2012) 
  
212 
 
Access and Linkage 
According to the definition of this key attribute in section  2.4), it can be assumed that 
Bazaar in Tehran is accessible. Although the location of place is abounded for 
private vehicles but this place has direct access to the public transportation, and 
people easily can have access to the Bazaar. As it has been mentioned, even private 
cars can have access to the backside of place. Pedestrian can move easily to all parts 
of the place.  
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section ( 2.4), it is hard to say 
that this place has comfort, however the buildings are generally in good conditions 
but there are almost no place to sit, rather than main street and people are not 
comfortable while the observer was taking pictures.   
Uses and Activities 
Although the place has been made due to activity, but according to the definition 
place is not successful with uses and activities. All activities in the Bazaar limited 
with shopping, and since there are no more other uses from this place, therefore, 
from this point of view Bazaar is not proper for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Bazaar 
of Tehran has sociability. This is the place that many people meet each other and 
talking, however the place is not proper for the social activities. On the other hand, in 
Bazaar there are social groups includes shopkeepers of Bazaar, which are active in 
some especial religious holidays. They are gathering in those days for moaning.  
213 
 
5.2.3.3 Jami Mosque 
Jami mosque has an especial location in the Bazaar. As it is appear in Figure 88 and 
also Figure 89 paths in Bazaar has been intertwined and it reminds an organic shape 
of maze. However from inside of Bazaar the Jami has direct access from almost each 
part of Bazaar. Although Jami has one access from Main Street and the location of 
that is close to Palace but it has different access from inside of Bazaar which makes 
it more dominance from inside. This kind of accessibility from inside makes Jami 
more accessible for people rather than from outside.  
Jami is the location of social power of the Bazaar. Due to the belief of people in 
certain month of year (Moharram) there has to be a moaning ceremony for ten days 
and Jami mosque is the center of these event not only for Bazaar but also for all 
Tehran and of course all Iran. People from all parts of Iran are coming just for the 
ceremony, and Bazaar is closed on those days. Moreover any social, political or 
economic events in the country have a side effect from Bazaar and in many cases 
people are following Bazaar. Therefore, the Jami mosque as a social center of Bazaar 
has an important role from this point of view.  
 Figure 84-The Entrance of Jami from Main Street-Tehran (Author, 2012) 
  
214 
 
Figure 85  - The Entrance of Jami from Main Bazaar (Author, 2012) 
Figure 86  - Physical characteristics of Bazaar (Author, 2012) 
  
215 
 
Figure 87-Relationship of Jami, Palace and Bazaar in Tehran 
  
Bazaar 
Jami 
Palace 
216 
 
Figure 88-Accessibility of Places to the Main Street 
  
217 
 
Figure 89- Relationship between Bazaar and Jami Mosque Tehran 
 
  
218 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be assumed that Jami Mosque in Tehran is accessible. Same as Bazaar the 
location of place is abounded for private vehicles but this place has direct access to 
the public transportation. Pedestrian can move easily to all parts of the place.  
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section ( 2.4), this place has 
comfort. The buildings are in good conditions, there are lots of sitting elements. 
Inside of the Mosque is very comfortable. However taking pictures is forbidden. 
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There is 
no more activities rather than praying, and since there are no more other uses from 
this place, therefore, from this point of view Jami Mosque is not proper for other 
activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Jami 
Mosque is a sociable place. In this place, many people meet each other. The place is 
proper for the social activities. On the other hand, the social groups of Bazaar, which 
are active in some especial religious holidays, are in collaboration with Jami Mosque 
and the religious. They are gathering in those days for moaning.  
  
219 
 
5.2.3.4 Palace 
Palace of Tehran remains from Qajar period since Tehran had been chosen to be the 
capital of country. The area is huge and now a big part of that has been known as a 
Museum, the rest are governmental buildings which have different usages, like Radio 
station, ministry of justice and etc. Also there are some buildings which have been 
built in modern era the most famous one is a bank which is located exactly in front of 
main entrance of Bazaar.  
Figure 90  - Garden of Palace and the Main Building (Author, 2012) 
  
220 
 
Figure 91  - Garden of Palace (Author, 2012) 
Figure 92 - Building in the East side of Palace (Author, 2012) 
  
221 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be said that Palace in Tehran is accessible. The location of place is not 
accessible for private vehicles but people can access with public vehicles. Pedestrian 
can move easily to all parts of the place. 
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section, this place is 
comfortable. There is place for sitting inside the garden of palace buildings are in 
good conditions. People can easily taking photo inside of palace.  
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There are 
no activities there. Since there are no uses from this place rather than museum, 
therefore, from this point of view Palace is not proper for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Palace 
is not a sociable place. People usually do not come for meeting or social activity in 
this is place.  
  
222 
 
5.2.3.5 Gate 
The gate of Tehran has been built for define an entrance of a place (Shooting area of 
military base and later national garden). Therefore the location of gate is far from 
Bazaar or Jami and close to palace.  
This gate has been built after the time that Silk Road period was finished. And it also 
can be a good reason to clarify the strong relationship between these places in the 
Silk Road era. The palace has dominancy to the Bazaar as a representative of society 
and the location of Jami is between these two more close to the Palace.  
Figure 93 - The Gate of Tehran (Author, 2012) 
  
223 
 
Access and Linkage 
It can be said that Gate in Tehran is accessible. The location of place is not accessible 
for private vehicles and people can access to the place with public transportation. 
Pedestrian can move easily to all parts of the place. 
Comfort and Image 
According to the definition of comfort and image in section, this place is not 
comfortable. There is no sitting elements in the place. Gate is in good conditions. 
People cannot easily take photo from palace.  
Uses and Activities 
According to the definition, place is not successful with uses and activities. There are 
no activities there. From this point of view, Gate is not used for other activities.  
Sociability  
According to the observation, and definition of sociability, it can be said that Gate is 
not a sociable place. People usually do not come for meeting or social activity in this 
is place.  
  
224 
 
5.3 Analyzing UPS in SRCS 
As it was mentioned before, the assessments of placemaking have been found in 
section “ 3.4.1”. On all assessments that were found have been sorted by their weight. 
In this part, they are going to be used for the analysis of cases. The existence of each 
assessment in each case will be analyzed. If the assessment exists in the case, the 
weight will be calculated otherwise it will be assumed at zero for the assessment in 
the case.  
On the other hand, the cases have been selected in section “ 5.1” and they are 
introduced in section “ 5.2”. To have a better presentation for the analyses it has been 
decided to put all the information about the place and its assessments in one table, 
briefly. Therefore, it will be clear to follow the situation of each case due to its 
assessments. The inventory tables (from Table 26 to Table 37) prepared to show the 
situation of each case. These inventory tables include the following information:  
• Weight of existence assessments 
• Brief information about the situation of each assessment 
• Some photos of each UPS 
• The map of UPS 
It has to be considered that two assessments (Crime Statistics and Retail Sales) have 
been excluded due to the lack of information in cases. As it has been mentioned on 
the beginning of this section, in following pages the inventory tables has been 
prepared.  
 
 
 
Bazaar of Hamedan 
 
 
Rank in SRP 2 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life YES 0.840 
Social networks YES 0.802 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
Rent Levels Land use patterns YES 0.773 
Street life: Usually people are coming to city center (Bazaar area) for various reasons such as 
shopping, transportation to other parts of city, socializing.  
Social networks: There are various active networks such as economic, religious and charity activities.  
Pedestrian activity: Bazaar is open just for pedestrian except service and emergency purposes  
Building conditions: generally buildings in the Bazaar are in good conditions. 
Land use patterns: it is based on commercial for the main pathways. Storages and services locate 
behind it. In some areas, Bazaar extends towards the residential districts.  
Rent Levels:  Bazaar locates in the city zone with highest level of rent.  
Property values: properties are in the average level of property values.  
Evening use : Bazaar is closed on evening time 
Parking usage pattern: Due to the lack of parking area, only public transportations allow to pass 
through the main street  
Local business ownership: Most of Bazaar belongs to the "Vaghf" which is a public ownership. 
Rent Levels YES 0.773 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use NO 0.000 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
Land use patterns  Total weight  4.539 
     
Street life (Author, 2012) Social networks (Author, 2012) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2012) Building conditions (Author, 2012)  
Table 26- Assessment Analysis-Bazaar of Hamedan  
 
 
Palace of Hamedan 
  Rank in SRP 12 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life NO 0.000 
Social networks NO 0.000 
Pedestrian activity NO 0.000 
 Land use patterns NO 0.000 
Street life: The streets are used just for access with no street life 
Social networks: There is no social network 
Pedestrian activity: no special pedestrian activity 
Land use patterns : It is surrounded by residential area without any special 
pattern 
Rent Levels: the level of rent on the area of palace has no effects from place 
Property values: Property value is not under influence of palace 
Evening use: This place is close on evenings 
Parking usage pattern: the area has special parking area 
Local business ownership:the existed local business has no relation with 
palace 
Building conditions: buildings are in very poor condition 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use NO 0.000 
Parking usage pattern YES 0.616 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions NO 0.000 
Land use patterns  Total weight  0.616 
     
Street life (Author, 2012) Building conditions (Author, 2012) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2012)   
Table 27- Assessment Analysis-Palace of Hamedan   
 
 
Caravansary of Hamedan 
  Rank in SRP 8 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life NO 0.000 
Social networks YES 0.802 
Pedestrian activity NO 0.000 
 Land use patterns YES 0.773 
Street life: there is no street life 
Social networks: There is a social network between the owners of shops in the place  
Pedestrian activity: The place is adopted for pedestrian but there is no activity  
Land use patterns: It is part of land use pattern in Bazaar  
Rent Levels: Compare to area the rent level is not high 
Property values: The property belongs to "vaghf" organization 
Evening use: Place is closed before evening 
Parking usage pattern: Shop owners by using local access can reach to the back side storages 
(caravansaries) and use their yard as parking.  
Local business ownership: Place belongs to the "Vaghf" also the scale of business is bigger 
than local business 
Building conditions: Place is in good condition 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use NO 0.000 
Parking usage pattern YES 0.616 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
Land use patterns  Total weight  2.753 
     
Street life (Author, 2012) Social networks (Author, 2012) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2012) Building conditions (Author, 2012)  
Table 28- Assessment Analysis-Caravansary of Hamedan   
 
 
Jami Mosque of Hamedan 
  Rank in SRP 5 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life YES 0.840 
Social networks YES 0.802 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
 Land use patterns NO 0.000 
Street life: Place is located in a most crowded area of Bazaar so there is street life 
Social networks: Place dedicated to religious activity and these types of networks are 
very active in there 
Pedestrian activity: Place is very active for pedestrian, not only for those who wanted 
to use the place but also for those who wanted to pass from one side of Bazaar to other 
side.  
Land use patterns : This place is only for religious usage 
Rent Levels: No renting 
Property values: as a religious place, there is no financial value for it 
Evening use: Place is active for evening praying and religious programs 
Parking usage pattern: No parking area around the place 
Local business ownership: There is no business in this place 
Building conditions: Place is in good condition 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use YES 0.762 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
Land use patterns  Total weight  3.755 
     
Street life (Author, 2012) Social networks (Author, 2012) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2012) Building condition (Author, 2012)  
Table 29- Assessment Analysis-Jami Mosque of Hamedan   
 
 
Bazaar of Qazvin 
 
 Rank in SRP 3 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life YES 0.840 
Social networks YES 0.802 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
 Land use patterns YES 0.773 
Street life: Street life is under effect of adjacent streets  
Social networks: Almost all of the political and economic events in the city has a direct 
relation with Bazaar.  
Pedestrian activity: Bazaar is open just for pedestrian except service and emergency purposes 
Land use patterns: it is based on commercial for the main pathways. Storages and services 
locate behind it. In some areas, Bazaar extends towards the residential districts.   
Rent Levels: Bazaar is located in the highest rent level part of the city 
Property values: The properties in Bazaar are located in the average level of propety value 
Evening use: Bazaar is closed on evening time 
Parking usage pattern: vehicles can park in the streets also there are some parking plots close 
to Bazaar. In one case, a caravansary becomes a public parking.  
Local business ownership: Most of Bazaar belongs to the "Vaghf" which is a public 
ownership. 
Building conditions: The buildings are in good conditions from physical point of view 
Rent Levels YES 0.773 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use NO 0.000 
Parking usage pattern YES 0.000 
Local business 
 
NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
Land use patterns  Total weight  4.539 
     
Street life (Author, 2011) Social networks (Author, 2011) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2011) Building conditions (Author, 2011)  
Table 30- Assessment Analysis-Bazaar of Qazvin   
 
 
Palace of Qazvin 
 
 Rank in SRP 7 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life YES 0.840 
Social networks NO 0.000 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
 Land use patterns YES 0.773 
Street life: The front part of palace has street life since it is located in city center 
Social networks: There is no social network in the palace 
Pedestrian activity: The area is closed to vehicles, therefore pedestrian is the only way of 
transportation 
Land use patterns : The location of palace has been designed before it was built so there is a 
pattern for land use 
Rent Levels: This place belongs to government (as a museum) so there is no rent level 
Property values: This place belongs to government (as a museum) so there is no value for 
property 
Evening use: The front part is used after the palace is closed in the evening 
Parking usage pattern: There is no parking area 
Local business ownership: This is a museum so there is no business 
Building conditions: Although the building is old but it is in good condition 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use YES 0.762 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business 
 
NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
  Total weight  3.726 
     
Street life 
http://www.abadgar-
q.com/?type=dynamic&lang=1&id=3696 
Social networks 
http://www.abadgar-
q.com/?type=dynamic&lang=1&id=3696 
Pedestrian activity 
http://www.abadgar-
q.com/?type=dynamic&lang=1&id=3696 
Building conditions 
http://www.abadgar-
q.com/?type=dynamic&lang=1&id=3696 
 
Table 31- Assessment Analysis-Palace of Qazvin   
 
 
Gate of Qazvin 
 
 Rank in SRP 9 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life NO 0.000 
Social networks NO 0.000 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
 Land use patterns NO 0.000 
Street life: There is no street life 
Social networks: No social network 
Pedestrian activity: The place is available for pedestrian 
Land use patterns : The place is located in the middle of traffic junction so no 
land use pattern 
Rent Levels: Nothing for rent 
Property values: No property value 
Evening use: There is possibility for people to use the place in the evening 
Parking usage pattern: No parking area 
Local business ownership: No business around that place 
Building conditions: It is in good condition 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use YES 0.762 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
  Total weight  2.113 
     
Street life (Author, 2011) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2011) Building conditions (Author, 2011)   
Table 32- Assessment Analysis-Gate of Qazvin  
 
 
Jami Mosque of Qazvin 
 
 Rank in SRP 4 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life YES 0.840 
Social networks YES 0.802 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
 Land use patterns YES 0.773 
Street life: There is street life at entrance of the place 
Social networks: Place dedicated to religious activity and these types of networks 
are very active there 
Pedestrian activity: Place is active for pedestrian. 
Land use patterns : The location of palace has been designed before it was built so 
there is a pattern for land use 
Rent Levels: Nothing for rent 
Property values: No value for place 
Evening use: Place is active for evening praying and religious programs 
Parking usage pattern: No parking area around the place 
Local business ownership: There is no business in this place 
Building conditions: Place is in good condition 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use YES 0.762 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
  Total weight  4.528 
     
Street life (Author, 2011) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2011) Building conditions (Author, 2011)   
Table 33- Assessment Analysis-Jami Mosque of Qazvin   
 
 
Bazaar of Tehran 
  Rank in SRP 1 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence 
  
Weight 
Street life YES 0.840 
Social networks YES 0.802 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
 Land use patterns YES 0.773 
Street life: Street life is under effect of adjacent streets 
Social networks: Almost all of the political and economic events in the city has a direct relation with Bazaar. 
Pedestrian activity: Bazaar is open just for pedestrian except service and emergency purposes 
Land use patterns: it is based on commercial for the main pathways. Storages and services locate behind it. In 
some areas, Bazaar extends towards the residential districts. 
Rent Levels: Bazaar is located in the highest rent level part of the city 
Property values: The properties in Bazaar are located in high level of property value 
Evening use: Bazaar is closed on evening time 
Parking usage pattern: There is a special traffic role in the main street and only public transportation vehicles 
can use those streets. Therefore there is no parking area 
Local business ownership: The majority of ownership belongs to local however there are some buildings which 
are belongs to the "Vaghf" 
Building conditions: Physically Buildings are obsolescence. there are many problems in the façade, such as 
visible and extensive use of  cables and pipes in elevations 
Rent Levels YES 0.773 
Property values YES 0.770 
Evening use NO 0.000 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business ownership YES 0.616 
Building conditions NO 0.000 
  Total weight  5.363 
     
Street life (Author, 2012) Social networks (Author, 2012) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2012) Building conditions (Author, 2012)  
Table 34-Assessment Analysis-Bazaar of Tehran   
 
 
Palace of Tehran 
  Rank in SRP 11 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence 
  
Weight 
Street life NO 0.000 
Social networks NO 0.000 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
 Land use patterns NO 0.000 
Street life: There is no street life there, even outside of the palace 
Social networks : There is no social networks in this place 
Pedestrian activity: The area is closed for vehicles, therefore pedestrian is the only way of transportation 
Land use patterns : There is no specific pattern for land use 
Rent Levels: This place belongs to government (as museum), so there is no rent level 
Property values: This place belongs to government (as a museum) so there is no value for properties 
there 
Evening use: There is no evening use after museum is closing in the evenings 
Parking usage pattern: there is no parking area 
Local business ownership: since place is turned to museum, there is no local business ownership 
Building conditions: Although the building is old but it is in good condition 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use NO 0.000 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
  Total weight  1.351 
     
Street life (Author, 2012) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2012) Building conditions (Author, 2012)   
Table 35-Assessment Analysis-Palace of Tehran   
 
 
Gate of Tehran 
  Rank in SRP 10 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life NO 0.000 
Social networks NO 0.000 
 Pedestrian activity NO 0.000 
Street life: The place is defined an entrance of a governmental area. Therefore, there is 
no street life. 
Social networks: No social network 
Pedestrian activity: Place is adopted only for pedestrian and it is closed for vehicles, 
except governmental cars, but there is no activity for pedestrian 
Land use patterns: Since this place divide governmental area from public area, it might 
be said that there is a pattern for the land use 
Rent Levels: No rental place 
Property values: No value for place  
Evening use: Place is closed at evening but it can be seen from street 
Parking usage pattern: No area for car park 
Local business ownership: No business 
Building conditions: place has a good condition 
Land use patterns YES 0.773 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use YES 0.762 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
  Total weight  2.097 
     
Street life (Author, 2012) Pedestrian activity (Author, 2012) Building conditions (Author, 2012)   
Table 36-Assessment Analysis-Gate of Tehran   
 
 
Jami Mosque of Tehran 
  Rank in SRP 6 
Characteristics of Place 
Assessment Existence in 
 
Weight 
Street life YES 0.840 
Social networks YES 0.802 
Pedestrian activity YES 0.790 
 Land use patterns NO 0.000 
Street life: There is street life at entrance of the place 
Social networks: Place dedicated to religious activity and these types of networks are 
very active there 
Pedestrian activity: Place is very active for pedestrian, not only for those who 
wanted to use the place but also for those who wanted to pass from one side of 
Bazaar to other side.  
Land use patterns : entire place is for religious usage and nothing else 
Rent Levels: Nothing for rent 
Property values: No value for place 
Evening use: Place is active for evening praying and religious programs 
Parking usage pattern: No parking area around the place 
Local business ownership: There is no business in this place 
Building conditions: Place is in good condition 
Rent Levels NO 0.000 
Property values NO 0.000 
Evening use YES 0.762 
Parking usage pattern NO 0.000 
Local business ownership NO 0.000 
Building conditions YES 0.562 
  Total weight  3.755 
     
Street life (Author, 2012) Social networks 
 Source:  http://www.google.com/imgres 
Pedestrian activity (Author, 2012) Building conditions (Author, 2012)  
Table 37-Assessment Analysis-Jami Mosque of Tehran 
237 
 
5.3.1 Analyzing UPSs by their type  
All this information has been studied in a comparative way. For the purpose of this 
thesis, the founding of the analysis will be presented according to five different types 
of UPS, which are  
• Bazaar 
• Palace 
• Jami Mosque 
• Gate 
• Caravansary  
Since all cases have been chosen from certain types, as a general view the analysis 
can be included about each type of place. These twelve cases are categorized in five 
types. There are three Bazaars, three Jami Mosques, three Palaces, two Gates and one 
Caravansary. Therefore, the analysis can compare each type with other types.  
a. Bazaars 
In the Table 38, the weights of assessments in all Bazaars have been shown. As it is 
showed in the table, the “Street Life” has got the most effective assessment to 
successfulness of Bazaars. This is same in each Bazaar separately. However, “Social 
Network”, “Pedestrian Activity”, “Land use Pattern” and “Rent Levels” has got very 
close to “Street Life”. It might be said that all of the effective assessments are existed 
in the “Bazaar” therefore; this type of place has got the most successful type.   
On the other hand, two other assessments “Evening Use” and “Parking Usage 
Pattern” are not exist in all Bazaars. Therefore, it might be said that by having these 
two, Bazaars become more successful than now. Moreover, “Local Business 
238 
 
Ownership” is an issue, which only, exists in Bazaar of Tehran. Since the “Vaghf” 
organization has the ownership of almost all places in Bazaar this issue should be 
solved in other way. Therefore, “Property Value”, which in this case has direct 
relation with “Local Business Ownership”, will be solved consequently if the 
“Vaghf” issue is solved.  
Table 38- Weight of Assessments in Bazaars 
Assessments Bazaar  Total 
Weight 
Hamedan Qazvin Tehran 
Street life 0.840 0.840 0.840 2.519 
Social networks 0.802 0.802 0.802 2.406 
Pedestrian activity 0.790 0.790 0.790 2.369 
Land use patterns  0.773 0.773 0.773 2.320 
Rent Levels 0.773 0.773 0.773 2.319 
Property values 0.000 0.000 0.770 0.770 
Evening use 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Parking usage pattern 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Local business ownership 0.000 0.000 0.616 0.616 
Building conditions 0.562 0.562 0.000 1.123 
 
The other assessment “Building Condition”, exist in “Hamedan” and “Qazvin”, and 
in “Tehran”, there is a great lack of that. Considering about this issue in “Tehran” is 
also needed.  
  
239 
 
b. Palace 
Table 39, shows the weights of assessments in Palaces. As it has been shown in this 
table, there is no assessment that is existed in all Palaces. There is “Pedestrian 
Activity” as the most effective assessment to successfulness of Palaces. However, 
this assessment does not exist in Hamedan. The other assessment that is common in 
two cases is “Building Condition”, which is existed in “Qazvin” and “Tehran”. 
“Street Life” and “Evening Use” are only exist in “Qazvin”, which only includes the 
entrance part of the place (outside) and the inside of this Palace has the same 
situation with other Palaces. This situation is included on “Land use Pattern” for 
“Qazvin”.  
Table 39 - Weight of Assessments in Palaces 
Assessments Palace Total 
Weight Hamedan Qazvin Tehran 
Street life 0.000 0.840 0.000 0.840 
Social networks 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Pedestrian activity 0.000 0.790 0.790 1.579 
Land use patterns  0.000 0.773 0.000 0.773 
Rent Levels 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Property values 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Evening use 0.000 0.762 0.000 0.762 
Parking usage pattern 0.616 0.000 0.000 0.616 
Local business ownership 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Building conditions 0.000 0.562 0.562 1.123 
 
Since all Palaces generally belongs to government, the other assessments, “Social 
Network”, “Property Value”, “Rent Levels” and “Local business Ownership” do not 
exist in all Palaces.   
240 
 
c. Jami Mosque 
In Table 40, the weights of assessments of all Jami Mosques have been shown. As it 
is presented in the table, “Street Life”, “Social Network”, “Pedestrian Activity”, 
“Evening Use” and “Building Condition” are common in all Jami Mosques. “Street 
life” has the most influence in successfulness of the Jami Mosques. Since all of those 
are located inside the Bazaars or close to them, it might be an influence of this 
proximity. Due to the survey, the proximity to Bazaar is also cause of existence of 
“Pedestrian Activity” in the Jami Mosques. However, Jami Mosques have their own 
“Social Networks”, which might have relation to Bazaar. “Evening Use” is other 
assessment that is existed in Jami Mosques because of the “Isha Prayers”. On the 
other hand, “Rent Levels”, “Property Value”, “Parking Usage Pattern” and “Local 
Business Ownership” are existed in the Jami Mosques.  
Table 40 - Weights of Assessments in Jami Mosques 
Assessments Jami Mosque Total 
Weight Hamedan Qazvin Tehran 
Street life 0.840 0.840 0.840 2.519 
Social networks 0.802 0.802 0.802 2.406 
Pedestrian activity 0.790 0.790 0.790 2.369 
Land use patterns  0.000 0.773 0.000 0.773 
Rent Levels 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Property values 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Evening use 0.762 0.762 0.762 2.286 
Parking usage pattern 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Local business ownership 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Building conditions 0.562 0.562 0.562 1.685 
 
Generally, it might be said that “Jami Mosque” are the most successful place after 
“Bazaar”.   
241 
 
d. Gate 
For the Gates Table 41, has been prepared to show the weights of assessments. As it 
has been shown, except “Evening Use” and “Building Condition” there are no more 
common assessment in this type of place. However, none of the two Gates has 
“Street Life”, “Social Network”, “Rent Levels”, “Property Values”, “Parking Usage 
Pattern” and “Local Business Ownership”. Although the lack of some of these 
assessments related to the governmental ownership but still there are some 
assessments, which existence of them can be effective to increase the successfulness 
of them, like “Street Life” and “Parking Usage Pattern”.  
Table 41 - Weights of Assessments in Gates 
Assessments Gate Total 
Weight Qazvin Tehran 
Street life 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Social networks 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Pedestrian activity 0.790 0.000 0.790 
Land use patterns  0.000 0.773 0.773 
Rent Levels 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Property values 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Evening use 0.762 0.762 1.524 
Parking usage pattern 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Local business ownership 0.000 0.000 0.000 
Building conditions 0.562 0.562 1.123 
 
The main problem of this type of place is the lack of activities. Since there is no 
activity in this type of place, they might not be assumed as successful places.  
  
242 
 
e. Caravansary  
The last type of place, which is going to be analyzed in this section is the 
Caravansary. Table 42 shows the situation of assessments in Caravansary. Since the 
Caravansary is located inside of Bazaar, therefore the existence of “Social Network” 
and “Pedestrian Activity” might be because of influence of the location. However, as 
it has been mentioned in 5.2.1) the area of Caravansary is a place for car parks 
therefore the existence of “Parking Usage Pattern” is somehow obvious. On the other 
hand, the lack of “Rent Levels”, “Property Value”, “Evening Use” and “Local 
Business Ownership” is also happened because of the location of Caravansary inside 
of Bazaar.  
Table 42 - Weights of Assessments in Caravansary 
Assessments Caravansary 
Hamedan 
Street life 0.000 
Social networks 0.802 
Pedestrian activity 0.000 
Land use patterns  0.773 
Rent Levels 0.000 
Property values 0.000 
Evening use 0.000 
Parking usage pattern 0.616 
Local business ownership 0.000 
Building conditions 0.562 
 
 
 
 
Table 43- Summary of Assessment analysis in UPS 
City Hamedan Qazvin Tehran  
Place Bazaar  Palace Caravansary Jami Mosque Bazaar  Palace Gate Jami Mosque Bazaar  Palace Gate Jami Mosque  
Street life 0.840 0.000 0.000 0.840 0.840 0.840 0.000 0.840 0.840 0.000 0.000 0.840  
Social networks 0.802 0.000 0.802 0.802 0.802 0.000 0.000 0.802 0.802 0.000 0.000 0.802  
Pedestrian activity 0.790 0.000 0.000 0.790 0.790 0.790 0.790 0.790 0.790 0.790 0.000 0.790  
Land use patterns  0.773 0.000 0.773 0.000 0.773 0.773 0.000 0.773 0.773 0.000 0.773 0.000  
Rent Levels 0.773 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.773 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.773 0.000 0.000 0.000  
Property values 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.770 0.000 0.000 0.000  
Evening use 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.762 0.000 0.762 0.762 0.762 0.000 0.000 0.762 0.762  
Parking usage pattern 0.000 0.616 0.616 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000  
Local business ownership 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.616 0.000 0.000 0.000  
Building conditions 0.562 0.000 0.562 0.562 0.562 0.562 0.562 0.562 0.000 0.562 0.562 0.562  
Total weight 4.539 0.616 2.753 3.755 4.539 3.726 2.113 4.528 5.363 1.351 2.097 3.755  
 
 
244 
To conclude the analysis, as it has been shown in the Table 43, Bazaar in Tehran 
has got the maximum weight between all places. Therefore, it can be named as 
“The most successful place” between all cases in this research. After this place, 
“Bazaar of Hamedan” and “Bazaar of Qazvin” are equally in the second rank. In 
other way, it is interesting that all Bazaars in twelve places have got the first 
three ranks between cases. Therefore, it can be assumed that the trading activity 
still has the influence to make a place as “the most successful place”.  
After the Bazaars, all “Jami Mosques” have the higher rank, but this time 
“Qazvin” has the successful “Jami Mosque” due to these assessments. This might 
happened because of the separation of “Jami Mosque” from “Bazaar” in this city. 
Since this is the only major difference between the “Jami Mosque” in “Qazvin” 
and other two cities.  
The other issue that might have mentioned in this part is about “Palace” in 
“Qazvin”, which has got the better rank from other “Palaces”. This has happened 
because of the better accessibility of this place to the most successful place 
“Bazaar” and the existence of great entrance of this palace, which prepared a 
close relation between inside and outside of the Palace.  
  
245 
5.4 Summary  
At the beginning of this chapter, the UPSs selected for analyzing by using the 
elimination methodology. Then each UPS introduced and explained about their 
successfulness key attributes. Then, the SAW methodology employed on cases 
for analyzing the successfulness of each UPS. After employing the SAW 
methodology to the cases in this chapter, the result revealed.   
According to the results of analysis which are presented in Table 43, the most 
successful “UPS is Bazaar in Tehran”, and after that “Bazaar in Hamedan” and 
“Bazaar in Qazvin” are the most successful UPSs in the selected cases. On the 
other hand the most unsuccessful UPS among the cases is the “Palace in 
Hamedan” and before this UPS, “Palace in Tehran” become the second 
unsuccessful UPS.  
According to the type of UPS, “Bazaar” is the most successful type of UPS and 
“Jami Mosque” is the second successful type of UPS. In addition, “Palace” is the 
most unsuccessful type in UPS.  
  
246 
Chapter 6 
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 
6.1 Introduction 
Silk Road was the main route connecting two different sides of the world or 
countries in terms of trading. Most probably, this trading connection had many 
influences in the culture of the societies. Silk Road was mainly based for trading 
purposes, and many people lives by dealing with goods that were coming from 
this route or road. As time passes by, it became more than just trade, 
subsequently involving the essential part of the societies and cultures of the 
people. It is clear evidence that any event in a society for a long period of time 
will possibly have an effect on the physical environment. Therefore, this 
dissertation looked at it from this viewpoint, by ascertaining the physical 
influences of Silk Road in the urban areas.  
It is stimulating that there is almost no direct or complete written research work 
or document about Silk Road places in urban area. Which implies that this 
research in some way is exceptional from this perspective? As aforementioned, 
trading routes have strong influences in Iranian cities and the well-known or 
illustrious routes in the past was the “Silk Road”. Nowadays, a part of these 
influences can still be traced in cities. From this justification, this thesis can serve 
as a stepping stone for the fulfillment of Silk Road in urban studies.  
247 
Then again, in modern era, Iranian cities are seriously lacking or running out of 
urban public places. This shortage has increased drastically during the last thirty 
years. Most of the subsisted urban public places have been metamorphosed to 
traffic junctions or other functions. Moreover, municipalities concentrated 
merely on construction of public parks as urban public places. In effect, property 
values are growing extremely high and people on the other hand are trying to 
take maximum economic benefit or advantage of their properties by inflating 
prices. As a result of that, historical tissues and public spaces has been 
reconstructed or replaced, also, new buildings with more interior spaces has gain 
more economic advantages.  
Since some places in all SRP are still being used and active, therefore, they can 
be designated as successful places. Attempt to grasp the reasons for the 
successfulness of these places has been analyzed and realize in this research. In 
addition that, attempting to distinguish the effective assessments to this 
successfulness was also investigated. 
Emphasises of this thesis is to realise or understand the quality of places in SRCS 
in Iran. Thus, the initiative for this purpose includes theoretical investigation to 
define the meaning of place and placemaking, as well as understanding different 
aspects of the subject. In addition, this dissertation, also attempted to stress on 
the process placemaking, which can make a place out of space. Moreover, place 
can be assumed as production of this process. During this investigation, different 
dimensions or attributes of place has been reviewed. Likewise, the relation of 
these dimensions with the process of placemaking has been studied, as well as 
some criteria from each dimension of place defined.  
248 
On the other hand, the process of placemaking has its own share in the place, and 
the other part of the theoretical investigation clarifies this aspect. Moreover, 
some “key attributes” can help to analyze the quality of place. In addition to that, 
characteristics of the “key attributes” were depending on those found. Also, for 
the process of placemaking, some measurements were recognized. In total, 
twelve assessments were identified. 
Third part of the theoretical investigation elaborates on how these criteria have 
been involved on the successfulness. This implies that the weight of effect in 
each characteristic on a place is needed. To achieve this goal the SAW 
methodology and DELPHI technique were employed. Subsequently, the result 
discovered from these methodology or steps were utilised in case study aspect.  
The case study consists of two parts. At the beginning, with a brief definition, 
Silk Road was introduced, as well as its historical and geographical properties. 
Afterwards, SRCS in Iran was also presented. Then, the UPS in SRCS as well 
was identified. There were around 660 UPS in 17 cities. By the application of an 
elimination method, finally 12 UPSs in three SRCS were selected.  
The case study second part is for understanding the existence of these 
assessments in UPS, as well as summing all the weights that each of these UPS 
got by comparing the results. To further simplify this part, an “Inventory Table” 
was used for each UPS.  
249 
6.2 Findings of Research  
Findings of the research is presented or summarised in three main sub-headings, 
as below: 
• Theoretical findings  
• Methodological findings and recommendations 
• Findings about cases  
Furthermore, based on these findings, strategy for placemaking was presented, 
which substantially answered the main research question. 
6.2.1 Theoretical findings  
The first and significant phase of this research is the theoretical investigations, 
which revealed perceptible information about the “Process of Placemaking”. This 
research considered placemaking as a process, although the process is not 
perceptible by users, however analyses the process of making places in 
accordance to long history.  
On the other hand, it might be assumed that this thesis centered its augments on 
place, including procedure of placemaking in all possible scopes. However, there 
are several research publications or written documents, which are dedicated to 
place, in some way to placemaking; however measuring the quality of 
placemaking in this investigation is an attempt that might be assumed as a new 
approach to analyzing place making process.  
The combination of placemaking, which tide up hardly with cultural issues of 
Silk Road can be called the most well-known cultural road in the world, however 
250 
might be considered as an attempt to understanding the creation of place by 
culture. Since the road has a long history, places have been created during this 
period and they can adopt or modify themselves by the culture and activities.  
Although, there are numerous researches about placemaking and place, this 
thesis might be the first to comprehensively find out something related to the Silk 
Road cities by theories of urban studies.  
It might be said that theoretically, this thesis creates a framework for analyzing 
quality of places due to the placemaking process in a quantitative way. The 
framework is flexible and might be change for the reason of localization. 
6.2.2 Methodological Findings and Recommendations  
The methodology used in this analysis is a qualitative and quantitative method. 
The characteristic makes the methodology applicable, which might change due to 
local values. Table 44 shows the total calculated weight of each characteristic. 
Since this table is showing the situation of assessments due their involvement in 
successfulness of UPSs. Therefore, it might be said that the order of assessments 
has been changed due to the adaptation by local values. 
  
251 
Table 44- Total Weight of Each Assessment  
Rank Key Attributes Assessment  Weight 
1 Access & Linkage Pedestrian activity 7.107 
2 Sociability Street life 5.878 
3 Comfort & Image Building conditions 5.616 
4 Sociability Social networks 5.613 
5 Uses & Activities Land use patterns  5.413 
6 Sociability Evening use 4.572 
7 Uses & Activities Rent Levels 2.319 
8 Access & Linkage Parking usage pattern 1.233 
9 Uses & Activities Property values 0.770 
10 Uses & Activities Local business ownership 0.616 
 
However, the pedestrian activity has the most influential assessment for the SRP 
in SRCS. This also includes “Street life and Building Condition” on the other 
hand, which have the most involvement to make all these places successful. 
Although the existence of “Pedestrian Activity” and “Street Life” was expected 
due to the Table 19 in section  2.3, however, the existence of “Building 
Condition” in third rank was the last in the table and was somehow unexpected.  
Generally, this might have signified that, the UPSs in SRCS are in the proper 
conditions. The observation of the author has also confirmed this situation except 
some places like “Bazaar” in “Tehran” and “Palace” in “Hamedan”. In other 
word, it might be said that the other assessments need to be of concerned for 
increasing successfulness of UPSs.  
Considering the assessments on Table 44, it can be concluded that, due to their 
“Key Attributes” the assessments that belongs to the “Uses and Activities” are 
ranked in the second half of the Table 44. This generally entails that all the UPSs 
252 
in SRCS are facing inadequacy of “Uses and Activities”. In addition, it might be 
averred that lack of “Sociability” is also another “Key Attribute” that have effect 
on the quality of UPSs.  
6.2.3 Findings about Cases 
It can be professed that all UPS were successful in the time of Silk Road. 
However, after trading routes transformed or changed to modern era, some UPSs 
adopts themselves with the new requirements or demands of this development. 
In Table 45, the places were classified in order of successfulness. As 
aforementioned, “Tehran Bazaar” is in the highest rank. Subsequently, “Bazaar 
of Hamedan” and “Bazaar of Qazvin” got the second and third ranks 
respectively. This table demonstrated that all Bazaars are more successful places 
than the others. In addition, after Bazaars, “Jami Mosques” has the next three 
ranks. However, depending on the type of place, Bazaar is the most successful 
place of SRP in all SRCS. Moreover, after Bazaar, Jami Mosque has the second 
successful place in SRCS.   
Table 45-The Result of Findings in Order of Successfulness of Places 
Rank City Place Weight Percentage from 
Maximum Weight 
1 Tehran Bazaar  5.363 73.44% 
2 Hamedan Bazaar  4.539 62.15% 
3 Qazvin Bazaar  4.539 62.15% 
4 Qazvin Jami Mosque 4.528 62.00% 
5 Hamedan Jami Mosque 3.755 51.41% 
6 Tehran Jami Mosque 3.755 51.41% 
7 Qazvin Palace 3.726 51.02% 
8 Hamedan Caravansary 2.753 37.70% 
9 Qazvin Gate 2.113 28.94% 
10 Tehran Gate 2.097 28.71% 
11 Tehran Palace 1.351 18.50% 
12 Hamedan Palace 0.616 8.44% 
253 
It can be asserted that there is an ample difference cities order in Jami Mosque 
compared to that of Bazaar. On the other hand, as demonstrated in the table 
above, two other places in Tehran (Gate and Palace) are categorised among the 
last three. This in other words implies or indicated that the city itself cannot 
bring successfulness to SRP.  
In the Table 45 above, the percentage of maximum weight that each place 
attained has been shown in the last column. In respect to this, “Bazaar of Tehran” 
was around 74% of the total weight and the last place (Palace Hamedan) got less 
than 9% of the total weight. The entire “Bazaars” and “Jami Mosques” got more 
than 50% of the total weight, also “Qazvin Palace” was more than 50% of the 
total weight. Consequently, places that attained than 50% of total weight, could 
be termed as successful place.  
In Table 44, all the characteristics are shown in the order of their share in 
successfulness of SRP. The “pedestrian activity” was observed to have the first 
rank in the table, accompanied by “Street Life” as second, indicating that 
Pedestrian activity has the maximum influence of making a place successful 
in SRCS.  
On the other hand, “Local business ownership” was perceived to be ranked as the 
last or least. Approaching it from this viewpoint, it can be averred that, the 
successfulness of a place in SRCS does not depend on local business ownership 
or property values or parking usage pattern. People prefer using a places with 
more street life or pedestrian activity. However, all of these cities, especially 
Tehran are modern cities. 
254 
6.3 Strategies for Placemaking in SRCS 
In accordance with the theoretical investigation and analysis in this thesis, the 
strategies are presented in two major groups.  
• First group includes general strategies, which is derived from the whole 
research.  
• The second group incorporate strategies to make each type of UPS more 
successful.  
a. General Strategies 
According to the findings in theoretical investigation (specifically, Table 19) the 
general strategies for making a successful place in SRCS are itemized as below;  
1 Sociability has a great share to making places successful, nonetheless the 
effect of uses and activities cannot be ignored. Therefore, literally, the 
basic strategy for making a place successful might be establish or created 
based on “uses and activities” and “sociability”.  
2 Although there is no economic key attribute in placemaking, but there are 
many assessments ascribed to economic characteristics, for example 
“Rent Levels”, “Property Value”, “Local Business Ownership” and 
somewhat “Land use Pattern”. However, a place does not have relation 
with economy, but the placemaking process has a deal with economic 
issues. Therefore, it might be said that the strategy of a successful 
placemaking is based on economic elements.  
3 Access and Linkage has two assessments in the ranking table 
aforementioned, which includes “Pedestrian Activities” and “Parking 
255 
Usage Pattern”. This might indicate that in a successful place, people can 
easily park their cars and walk.  
4 The places are mostly based on pedestrian activity and street life, 
subsequently making or increasing these characteristics in a place can be 
recommended.  
5 Assessments such as “Evening use”, “Parking usage pattern” and “Local 
business ownership”, which have influences on making a place successful 
might be more concerned in placemaking for SRCS. 
b. Strategies for different types of UPS 
Corresponding with the site survey and analysis of this research (especially, 
Table 43) there can be other type of strategies related to the cases. These 
strategies are enumerated as;  
1 “Building condition” has a high rank in the assessments of a successful 
place. However, almost all UPSs which have been chosen for this 
dissertation are good consideration due to their physical appearances. 
Some places, particularly Bazaar of Tehran have been faced with many 
problems in this scenario. Therefore, heightening the quality of buildings 
can be proposed as a basic strategy to make UPS more successful or 
prosperous.  
2 Bazaars are deduced to be the most successful places within all UPSs in 
this research. However, the major different between Bazaars and other 
types of UPS are “activities”. Therefore, it might be assumed that the 
strategy of making a successful place in SRCS is ample concentration on 
the activities in UPS.  
256 
3 Palaces are generally placed under low ranking in the list of successful 
UPSs in SRCS. However, the palace of Qazvin is recorded to be the most 
successful among these palaces types. The major difference between the 
Palace of Qazvin and other Palaces is the relation it has with the Bazaar. 
Therefore, creating a relation between the Palaces and Bazaars in each 
SRCS might be recommended.  
4 Although there is only one Caravansary in the selected UPSs, and this 
might not be enough to generalize the findings or be recommended, but 
then, since some of the characteristics of the Caravansary are common 
with other ones in this category, it might be a useful clue or guideline for 
further research and suggestions about Caravansaries. The Caravansary in 
Hamedan might be more successful if the “pedestrian Activity” is situated 
within it. This might be implemented by adding other assessments that 
has not existed in the Caravansary, such as “Evening Use”, which might 
promote “Street Life” within the Caravansary.  
5 Jami Mosques can be generally assumed as successful places after 
Bazaars. Usually because this type of UPS is inside the Bazaar, 
influences of Bazaar might be reflected on the successfulness of Jami 
Mosques. Whereas, the Qazvin with the Jami outside the Bazaar, 
increases the successfulness of UPS. Therefore, this type of UPS 
potentially has the capability to be more successful. The strategy that 
might be useful for Jami Mosques should be based on this idea for 
emphatic separation. Thus, this strategy may be based on adding more 
activities to them.  
257 
6 Gates are the unsuccessful UPSs before Palaces, but potentially have 
some characteristics which make them virtually successful. These Gates 
does not have any role in their locations. Therefore, they need a proper 
set of urban design projects to bring some activity within them, 
intrinsically creating a unique Image. They might be good examples for 
studies hereafter.   
  
258 
6.4 Recommendations for Future Studies 
From this dissertation standpoint, it can be assumed that each research can open 
another door for knowledge, therefore this research disclosed some significant 
clues for further studies.  
As aforementioned in sectıon  5 4.5 and  5.1 of this thesis there are 17 cities and 
approximately 660 places in the SRCS. This thesis analyzed or concentrated on 
12 UPSs in three cities only. Therefore, there are so many other places and cities 
that can be analyzed based on successfulness of placemaking. 
Although Silk Road is one of the famous trading routes in the world, however 
there are some other trading routes that have various influences in places, such as 
“Spice Road”. From this perspective, it can averred that this thesis gave an 
opportunity for the analysis of places in these cities aforesaid in terms of their 
successfulness by applying the SAW methodology.   
It might be said that in the theoretical investigation and analysis part of this 
research, a framework has been developed to guide or aid similar or further 
research studies. This framework is a quantitative method that has been based on 
qualitative research, and is capable to be adopted with local values. Therefore it 
might be mentioned that other research investigations in the field of urban studies 
can obtain reasonable results through the application this framework. 
  
259 
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280 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APPENDIXES  
  
281 
APPENDIX A: Silk Road Places in Iranian Cities and 
Settlements  
  Date Name of Place Type of place 
1  ه.ق 8قرن Loghman Baba Tomb  Tomb 
2  ه.ق 6قرن Robat Sharaf Caravansary 
3 هزاره دوم پ.م Bazankan Cave Cave 
4 هزاره دوم پ.م Mozdoran Cave 
5 غرنوي Mahi Caravansary 
6  ه.ق 9قرن Goharshad agha Mosque 
7 1324 شمسي Astan Ghods Tazavi 
Museum  و 
Tomb 
8 1050 قه. Sheikh ali Robat Ameli Tomb 
9 548 ه.ق Sheikh Tabarsi Tomb 
10 دوره صفويه Pir Palandoz Tomb 
11 دوره صفوي Navab School 
12 صفوي Kheirat khan School 
13 صفوي Mirza jafar School 
14  ه.ق 1091تيموري Parizad School 
15 1082 ه.ق Bagheriye  School 
16 1090 .قه Behzad School 
17 1115 ه.ق Soleyman khan School 
18 1077 ه.ق Abass gholi khan School 
19  ه.ق 9قرن Do Dar School 
20  ه.ق 9قرن 
Amir Ghiasedin 
Malekshah  Tomb 
21 1104 ه.ق Horr Ameli Tomb 
22 تيموري Balasar School 
23 صفوي Kheshti Dome  Tomb 
24 صفوي Green Dome  Tomb 
25 1087 ه.ق Mosalla Mosalla 
26 صفوي Navab School 
27  ه.ق 1078صفوي Mosalla Paeen khiaban Mosalla 
28 صفوي Green Dome Dome 
29 1335 ه.ش Naderi Tomb & Garden  Tomb 
30 
 ه.ق دوره  11قرن
عباس اول شاه Khaje Rabiee Tomb 
31  210سند Khaje Morad Ravi Tomb 
32   Khaje Abasalt Tomb 
33   Band Golestan Dam 
34 1354 55 Malek Abad Palace 
35  ه.ق 4قرن Imam Reza Holy Shrine  
36 صفوي Old Sahn 
Religious 
Court Yard 
37 شاه)  قاجار (فتحعلي New Sahn 
Religious 
Court Yard 
282 
  Date Name of Place Type of place 
38  ه.ق 4قرن Balasar Mosque 
39 
رشادزمان گوه  
خاتون Dar-ol-Hefaz Readin House 
40 
 زمان گوهرشاد
خاتون Dar-ol-Siadah 
Religious 
Meeting 
41 
(شاه ناصرالدين) 
قاجار Dar-ol-Saadah Ravagh 
42 صفوي Dar-ol-Siafah 
Ceremonies & 
Funerals 
43 صفوي Allah Verdikhan Dome & Tomb 
44 1010 ه.ق Hatam Khani Dome 
45 421 ه.ق Astan Ghods Tazavi Library 
46 صفوي Tohid House Ravagh 
47 1347 ه.ش Dar-ol-Feyz Ravagh 
48   Dar-ol-Shokr 
House of 
Quran 
49 8-1334 ش.ه Dar-ol-Salam 
Receiving 
House 
50 1342 ه.ش Dar-ol-Zekr School 
51 8-1334 ش.ه Dar-ol-Soror Ravagh 
52 4-1342 ش.ه Dar-ol-Ghore 
كشيكHouse 
خادمان 
53 1347 دارالفيض ه.ش 
Ravagh 
Mosque  
54   صحن صحن قدس 
55 1360 صحن جمهوري اسلامي ه.ش 
56   صحن امام خميني 
57 پل پل قديمي توس سلجوقي 
58  ديوار دفاعي و تيموري -ساسانيTower توس Tower 
59 رزان (رضوان) تيموري Gate 
60 مورو تيموري Moro( ( Gate 
61 رودبار تيموري Gate 
62   ارگ كهن دژ 
63  هارونيه ه.ق 6و 5قرن Dome 
64 1343 فردوسي ه.ش Tomb 
65 1361 فردوسي ه.ش Museum  
66  روستا پاژ (فاز) ه.ق 10قرن 
67 
 دوره تيموري وقرن
9 ميل اخنگان ه.ق 
68  مصلي مصلي (ايوان) طرق ه.ق 9قرن 
69 طرق صفويه Caravansary 
70   سد طرق 
71  ارسلان جاذب ه.ق 5قرن Tomb 
72 سنگ يست صفويه Caravansary 
73 رباط فخرداوود صفويه Caravansary 
 283
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Tomb امام زاده يحيي   74
 Tomb قدمگاه ه.ق 11قرن  75
 Caravansary قدمگاه صفويه 76
 زيارتگاه زينعلي عنعلي Holy Tomb   77
 Tomb يمانسلطان سل   78
 امام زاده محمد محروق ه 10قرن  79
 Tomb خيام ه.ش 1341 80
 81
درزمان سلطان 
 Tomb عطار نيشابوري بايقرا حسين
 Tomb كمال الملك ه.ش 1341 82
 Mosque جمعه ه.ق 9قرن  83
 Caravansary زعفرانيه سلجوقي 84
 Caravansary رباط سرپوشيده صفويه 85
 امام زاده سيد حسين صفويه 86
 Tomb مولانا حسين كاشفي ه.ش 1356 87
 وضار Mosque پامنار صفويه 88
 مصلا سبزوار صفويه 89
 Tomb امام زاده سلطان حسن ه.ق 1326 90
 Caravansary رباط (صالح آباد) صفويه 91
 Caravansary سبزوار قاجاريه 92
 امام زاده يحيي ه.ق 6قرن  93
 Tomb بزواريملاهادي س قاجاريه 94
 امام زاده شعيب صفويه 95
 School فخريه عهد ديلميان 96
 Tomb پيرمراد   97
 School شريعتمداري قاجاريه 98
 Mosque جامع سبزوار ه.ق 8نيمه دوم قرن  99
 School فصيحيه صفويه 100
 Dome سبز صفويه 101
 ميل خسروگرد هجري 6قرن  102
 Tomb يرپيراست ه.ق 11 -10قرن  103
 Caravansary ريوند صفويه 104
 امام زاده بي عليه خاتون بي صفويه 105
 Caravansary مهر صفويه 106
 Tomb سيد ناصربن محمد ه.ق 6قرن  107
 Mosque جامع چشم صفويه 108
 امام زاده اكبر سيد علي صفويه 109
 Caravansary مزنيان صفويه 110
 ه.ق 1071 111
 حسين سيد Holy Tomb
 Tomb واسماعيل
 Mosque فريومد قرن هفتم 112
 284
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Tomb شيخ حسن جوري قرن هفتم 113
 Tomb ابن يمين فرومدي ه.ق 769 114
 Caravansary صدرآباد صفويه 115
 Caravansary عباس آباد صفويه 116
 هايCaravansary مياندشت عباس قاجاريه شاه 117
 كارونسرا سنگي جاده ابريشم   118
 Caravansary ميامي ه.ش 1064 119
 Mosque ميامي   120
 قلاع بدشت   121
 Caravansary بدشت صفويه 122
 Holy Tomb (ع) محمد Holy Tomb نامعلوم 123
 Tomb بايزيد بسطامي   124
 كنبد و ايوان غازان خان سلطان محمود غازان 125
 Mosque بايزيد بسطامي   126
 Mosque محمد Holy Tomb نامعلوم 127
 128
سلطان محمد خدابنده 
 دالان محمد Holy Tomb ه.ق 713
 Mosque جامع بسطام ه.ق 706 129
 School شاهرخيه بسطام   130
 Tower كاشانة بسطام نامعلوم 131
 صومعه بايزيد بسطامي   132
 Palace نوخرقان قاجاريه 133
 Tomb ابراهيم Holy Tomb   134
 Tomb ابوالحسن خرقاني خشي   135
 Tower   صفويه 136
 137
هجري  1242
 Mosque شاهرود شده) (مرمت
 Mosque حضرت مجتبي (ع)   138
 School قديمه قاجار 139
 Bazaar School هجري 1206 140
 Bath اميريه قاجار 141
  Museum شاهرود قاجار 142
 تكيه شاهرود قاجار 143
 Caravansary شاهرود   144
 Caravansary تومانياس قاجاريه 145
  Ancient Hill شاهرود   146
  Ancient Hill خوريان هزاره پنجم قبل ميلاد 147
  Ancient Hill سنگ چخماق هاي نئوليتيك دوره 148
 149
نوسازي در دوره 
 School بيدآباد قاجاريه
 Palace ده ملا   150
 Caravansary ده ملا قاجاريه 151
   152
 مجيد و حميد Holy Tomb
 بقاع (ع)
 Tower طغول هجري قمري 490 153
 285
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Palace دولت آباد   154
 Dome پيرنما   155
 Tomb ابراهيم Holy Tomb نامعلوم 156
 Palace مايان   157
 Tomb (ع) صالح  سيد Holy Tomb   158
 آب انبار     159
  Ancient Hill حصار  Ancient Hill ساسانيان 160
 Mosque ستون) (چهلHouseتاري صدر اسلام 161
 Bazaar عمومي دامغان   162
 School فتحعلي بيگ (پامنار) حاج قمري 1118 163
 School موسويه هجري قمري 1270 164
 School خان مطلب قمري 1231 165
 قاجار 166
آغا محمدخان و فتحعلي شاه 
 Mansion قاجار
 Tower پر علمدار ي قمريهجر 417 167
 Dome زنگوله هجري قمري 7 168
 169
در زمان ميرزا 
 Mosque جامع دامغان محمدخان پسر سالار
 Holy Tomb جعفر و محمد (ع) سلجوقي 170
 Tomb شاهرخ ميرزا تيموري 171
 Dome چهل دختران سلجوقي 172
 Tomb عبدالعالي و عبدالمعالي   173
 Tomb علي Holy Tomb نامعلوم 174
 Tomb نورالله Holy Tomb نامعلوم 175
 Tomb بكيربن اعين هجري 193 176
 Dome پير   177
 Caravansary دامغان قاجاريه 178
 Caravansary شاه عباسي رباط صفويه 179
 Bath سياهكوه تويه دروار   180
 Mansion باستاني (دخترناصرالدين شاه) قاجار 181
 بنا تاريخي نامعلوم منامعلو 182
 آب انبار شرق سمنان   183
 Tomb ابراهيم Holy Tomb نامعلوم 184
 185
هجري  1097
 Caravansary شاه سليماني آهوان صفويه
 Caravansary انوشيرواني آهوان ساساني 186
 Tomb قاسم Holy Tomb   187
 Houseنقاده  قومس   188
 دهآتشك صح قريه قبل از اسلام 189
 Caravansary قوشه صفوي 190
 Caravansary پسرسالار اميرآباد قاجاريه 191
 Palace اميرآباد   192
 قلاع گردكوه زمان فرقه اسماعيليه 193
 Bazaar عمومي سمنان قاجاريه 194
 Bath پهنه و گرمابه حضرت هجري 856 195
 Bath ناسار صفويه 196
 286
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Bath قلي هجري 10قرن  197
 Tomb سيد جلال نامعلوم 198
 Tomb سر سي   199
 Tomb ابراهيم نامعلوم 200
 Tomb پير علمدار نامعلوم 201
 Tomb سيد مرسلين نامعلوم 202
 رضا Mosque جامع علاء قرن اول هجري 203
 Tomb بن موسي حضرت يحيي 8قرن  204
 Tomb جعفر  بن علي Holy Tomb 1330مرمت   205
 Tomb يانعلو قاجاريه 206
 Tomb سيدزين الدين نامعلوم 207
 208
دوره مغول و 
 Mosque جامع سمنان تيموري
 منار سلجوقي دوره سلجوقي 209
 Mosque جامع زاوغان دوره علويان 210
 Mosque جامع سرخه قرن اول هجري 211
 Mosque امام خميني قاجار 212
 ارگ علاء قاجار 213
 Timche سلطاني قاجار 214
 قاجار 215
 Houseدارالحكومه سمنان (
 دارالحكومه  كلانتر)
 ارگ دولتي سمنان قاجار 216
 ارگ سمنان قاجار 217
 شمالي، Gate
 جنوبي
 Caravansary ناسار قاجار 218
 Caravansary شيخ علاء الدوله   219
 220
 881 (تيموري)
 Caravansary سلطان حسين قمري هجري
 Caravansary شاه عباسي صفويه 221
  Ancient Hill شيخ) دلازيان (چشمه   222
 Palace پاخپار طاهريان 223
 Palace كنگ دز (كهنه دز) قبل از اسلام 224
 Palace دژ لاجوردي دوزه باستان 225
 Palace جنبندان امير تيمور گوركاني 226
 Palace نارنج قبل از اسلام 227
 Palace بركه   228
 Palace غانزاو   229
 Palace سنگسر (مهديشهر) قبل از اسلام 230
 Tower چهل دختران قبل از اسلام 231
  Fire Temple سمنان قبل از اسلام 232
 Palace براچه   233
 Palace شير قاضي   234
 Palace نوكلاته افشاريه 235
 Palace تقي آباد قاجار 236
 Palace نوكه   237
 Palace كوشمغان انايران باست 238
 287
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Palace دز چرمنه قبل از اسلام 239
 Tomb سيد اسد   240
 Tomb پير شمس الدين   241
 Tomb هاشم Holy Tomb   242
 Tomb بن موسي  عيسي   243
 Tomb مدرك Holy Tomb   244
 Tomb خضر خواجه Holy Tomb   245
 Tomb اباصلت هروي   246
 Tomb نالدي پير نجم مغول 247
 Tomb حكيم الهي شمسي 1321 248
 Tomb فاني   249
 Cistern سنادره   250
 Cistern  الدين زين Holy Tomb   251
 Tomb طوطي   252
 Bazaar جلوخان فتحعلي شاه قاجار 253
 Bazaar شيخ علاء الدوله هجري 8قرن  254
 Mosque Cisternچوب  هجري شمسي 1334 255
 Cistern كاشفي   256
 House Cisternكار هجري شمسي 1310 257
 Cistern توكلي شمسي 1342 258
 Cistern صادقيه مشروطيت 259
 Cistern سرخه   260
 Cistern پاخپار قاجاريه 261
 Cistern كهنه دژ هجري قمري 1325 262
 Cistern علوي Holy Tomb فتحعلي شاه قاجار 263
 Cistern ناسار قاجار 264
 Cistern قلي هجري 10قرن  265
 Bath نخست هجري قمري 1349 266
 بادگير منزل شهري نامعلوم 267
 آسياب آبي   268
 يخدان  Fire Temple   269
 Cistern جهاديه (شاهچوبي)   270
 Palace سارو پيشداديان و كيانيان 271
 Tomb علي اشرف (ع)   272
 Palace نگسرس Castleكافر  قبل از اسلام 273
 Castle Palaceپايين    274
 Tomb ء) شيخ (سوسن عطا   275
 Tomb محمد Holy Tomb   276
 Tomb زينعلي   277
 Cistern مهديشهر   278
 Holy Tomb تن چهل   279
 Holy Tomb عبدالله   280
 Holy Tomb قاسم هجري 4قرن  281
 Tomb پيغمبران اشكانيان 282
 مناره رسنگس   283
 288
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Palace جزين   284
 Palace طالب آباد   285
 Palace رضاآباد   286
 دژ وهل   287
 Castle Palaceشير  قبل از اسلام 288
 Palace آباد مؤمن   289
 Tomb درويش محمود 8قرن  290
 Tomb پيرغريب   291
 Caravansary آباد عبدالله ساساني 292
 Tomb مصيب   293
 Cistern لاسجرد   294
 Tomb علاءالدوله سمناني هجري 8و  7قرن  295
 بقاع اكبر سيدرضا و سيدعلي   296
 Caravansary لاسجرد ساساني 297
 298
 (اول عباسي شاه)
 Caravansary شاه عباسي صفوي
 Palace لاسگرد اشكانيان 299
 Palace موكوشم قاجاريه 300
 Palace ريكان   301
 Palace نآردا   302
 Palace نظرآردان شاه سلطان قاجاريه 303
 Holy Tomb عبدالله   304
 Tomb ذوالفقار قاجاريه 305
 Holy Tomb الله خليل   306
 Holy Tomb سلطان مراد   307
 Cistern كوشك   308
 Holy Tomb طاهر و مطهر   309
 Holy Tomb سلطان ابوسعيد   310
 يهتك آردان قاجاريه 311
 Bazaar آردان قاجاريه 312
 Caravansary نمك ده صفويه 313
 Cistern نمك ده   314
 Palace ناسار (نوحصار)   315
 Cistern ناسار   316
  Ancient Hill ناسار   317
 Palace محمدآباد   318
  Ancient Hill سراب ده   319
 Castle( Palaceنمك (كافر  ده قبل از اسلام 320
 Palace پاده (كفشگران)   321
 Palace كند   322
 Palace خرابه Palace   323
  Ancient Hill  Ancient Hillمگس    324
 Cistern آباد علي قاجاريه 325
 Cistern آباد رستم   326
 يخدان كردوان   327
 289
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Cistern گرمسار   328
 Palace سياه كوه   329
 Palace بهرام (عباسي شاه) نامعلوم 330
 Palace الرشيد عين صفويه 331
 Palace حرمسرا صفوي 332
 Caravansary گرمسار قاجاريه 333
 Holy Tomb عليين   334
 Holy Tomb عبدالله   335
 Holy Tomb اكبر علي قاجاريه 336
 Palace بنكوه   337
 Mosque گرمسار جامع   338
 Palace ياتري   339
  Ancient Hill آباد غول   340
 Castle( Palaceنو (زرين    341
  Ancient Hill گيس   342
 Palace رباط ماري مادها 343
 Palace شور قاضي   344
 Palace زورآباد   345
 Palace كافران   346
 Caravansary ايوانكي صفوي 347
 Holy Tomb الدين اسماعيل و شمس   348
 Holy Tomb علي ابراهيم   349
 Holy Tomb عاقب ايوانكي قاجاريه 350
 Tomb پيشوا جعفر Holy Tomb صفويه 351
 Mosque جامع تيموري 352
 Tower الدين علاء مغول 353
 Tomb الدين كوكب صفوي 354
 Tomb زاده حسين شاه هجري قمري 628 355
 Tomb يحيي هجري قمري 707 356
 Palace ايرج   357
 Tower شبلي هجري 6قرن  358
 Holy Tomb محمد يا فرامه هجري 9قرن  359
 Holy Tomb تن عبداله يا چهل هجري 9قرن  360
 Holy Tomb مطهر 847سال  361
 Tomb هاشم Holy Tomb صفويه 362
 Mosque سلجوقي سلجوقي 363
 درياچه تار وممج   364
 چشمه اعلاء   365
 چشمه Palace   366
 چشمه ليع آب   367
 چشمه آب اسك   368
 چشمه لاريجان   369
 آبشار لار   370
 كوه دماوند   371
 Cave گل زرد   372
 290
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Cave رودافشان   373
 Palace آباد سلطنت قاجاريه 374
 Mansion فردوس Garden ه.ق 12 375
 گلستان ه.ق 1284 376
 Palace
  Museumو
 Mansion العماره شمس ه.ق 1284 377
 Mansion تخت مرمر ه.ق 1163 378
 Palace سرخه حصار (ياقوت) ه.ق 1302 379
 Palace آباد عشرت ه.ق 1291 380
 Palace صاحبقرانيه دوره قاجاريه 381
 Palace مرمر پهلوي 382
 Mansion عثماني وپل رومي ميلادي 19قرن  383
 Palace بهارستان ه.ق 13 384
 School دارالفنون قاجاريه 385
 School مروي ه.ق 13 386
  Square بهارستان پهلوي قاجاريه، اوايل 387
  Square ارك صفويه 388
  Square آزادي پهلوي 389
  House Squareتوپ ه.ق 1267 390
 Bazaar تهران دوره قاجاريه 391
 Mosque خان قنبرعلي ه.ق 1288 392
 Mosque السلطنه مشير ه.ق 14اوايل  393
 Mosque الله سيدعزيز ه.ق 1250 394
 عبدالحسين شيخ ه.ق 1270 395
 و Mosque
 School
 امام خمينيشاه  ه.ق 1240 396
 و Mosque
 School
   حاج رجبعلي قاجار 397
 سپهسالار ه.ق 1296 398
 و Mosque
 School
  Square آباد حسن ه.ق 1303 399
 Tomb آقاTombسر ه.ق 1300 400
 مرقد خميني امام   401
 Tomb امام زيد هجري 6قرن  402
 Tomb سيدنصرالدين هجري 9930 403
 Tomb سيداسماعيل صفويه 404
 Holy Tomb داود ه.ق 440 405
 Holy Tomb صالح قاجاريه 406
 Tomb بي زبيده بي ه.ق 900 407
 گورستان ظهيرالدوله   408
 منار پامنار ميلادي 19قرن  409
 Gardenسردر لي قه. 1300 410
  Museum هنرهاي ملي   411
  Museum ايران باستان 1316 412
  Museum رضاعباسي 1345 413
 تالار هنرهاي اسلامي   414
 291
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
  Museum هنرهاي تزئيني   415
  Museum فرش ايران 1356 416
 سعدآباد   417
 ، Museum
 Palace
 شهوند 1304 418
 ،Palace
  Museum
 درما   419
 ،Palace
  Museum
 ملت   420
 ،Palace
  Museum
  Museum آزادي   421
 سياه   422
 ،Palace
  Museum
  Museum دارآباد معاصر 423
  Museum جواهرات ملي 1334 424
 Tomb زيد Holy Tomb ه.ق 1000 425
 گورستان بابويه ابن معاصر 426
 Palace طيرك خلفاي عباسي دوره 427
 House Towerنقاره جوقيانسل 428
 شهر سلجوقيان سلجوقيان 429
 Tower طغرل سلجوقيان 430
 زندان هارون ميلادي 100 431
  Ancient Hill گبري ديلميان 432
 آبشار دوقلو   433
 پناهگاه شيرپلا   434
 پناهگاه پلنگ چال   435
 دره دركه -اوين    436
 Timche صدراعظم ه.ق 13قرن  437
 Timche كتاب فروشان ه.ق 13قرن  438
 Bazaar الحرمين بين زمان محمدشاه 439
 Timche الدوله علاء ه.ق 13قرن  440
 Timche قيصريه ه.ق 13اواسط قرن  441
 Timche مهديه ه.ق 13اواسط قرن  442
 Timche امين قدس ه.ق 13قرن  443
 پازار امير قمري 13قرن  444
   رسوق بزرگچها ه.ق 13قرن  445
  Ancient Hill گبري ديلميان 446
 Holy Tomb محمد قاجار 447
 گورستان بهشت زهرا   448
 Holy Tomb علي علي فرزين عين قاجار 449
 Tomb كاظم  بن موسي الله روح   450
 Holy Tomb عبدالله هجري 8و  7قرن  451
 Tomb سيدالحق Holy Tomb   452
 Tomb سيد ولي قاجار 453
 Holy Tomb قاسم صفوي 454
 Houseحوض نگارستان زنديه 455
 292
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
  Square  Square  سبزه   456
  Square محمديه (اعدام) قاجار 457
  Square اسب دواني قاجاريه 458
 Mansion آباد پادگان عشرت -فرنگي  كلاه قاجاريه 459
 Gate نو قاجاريه 460
  Museum شناسي مردم قاجاريه -صفويه  461
  Museum صنعتي   462
  Museum نگارستان قاجاريه 463
  Museum آبگينه 1332 464
  Museum ملك   465
 Houseكتاب ملي   466
 Houseكتاب مجلس شوراي ملي   467
 Houseكتاب انجمن آثار ملي   468
 Houseكتاب ملك   469
 Church طاطاوس   470
 Houseسقا نوروزخان   471
 Palace فيروز قاجاريه 472
 Palace ابيض قاجاريه 473
 تالار عاج و برليان قاجاريه 474
 Mansion بادگير   475
 تالار الماس   476
  Museum پهلوي   477
 Holy Tomb ابراهيم (Houseگودزنبورك)   478
 Holy Tomb يحيي   479
 شهرك سينمايي غزالي 1359 480
  Museum ايينيروي هو 1351 481
 نمايشگاه هواپيما 1365 482
  Museum آبان) 13استاد صنعتي ( 1325 483
  Museum پرفسور حسابي 1372 484
  Museum آبكار 1373 485
 فرش  Museum زاده فرش رسام عرب معاصر 486
  Museum بهزاد 1374 487
 Houseعكس شهر   488
  Museum پست 1133 489
  Museum طبيعيآثار  1372 490
 نمايشگاه هنرهاي نمايشي و سنتي آسيا   491
  Museum صبا   492
  Museum نظامي 1362 493
 Tomb ملكه خاتون سيده قاجار 494
 Tomb تن چهل صفويه 495
 Holy Tomb لويزان قاجاريه 496
 سگوي سنگي كيقباد ايران باستان 497
 Tomb بي شهربانو بي ساسانيان 498
 Houseنقاره   ديلميان 499
 Garden ،Palace سليمانيه قاجاريه 500
 293
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 501
 ايران (ساساني)
 ستهTowerنقوش  تخت كيكاوس باستاني
 ستهTowerنقوش  تخت رستم ساساني 502
 Holy Tomb قاسم مغول 503
 Cave يخ مراد   504
 قاپو) حياط نادري (عالي صفويه 505
 ،Palace
 Mansion
 Mansion تن چهل صفويه 506
 Palace الموت   507
 Palace نويزر شاه   508
 Palace لمبسر پيش از اسلام 509
 Palace سميران پيش از اسلام 510
 Palace سنگرد ساساني 511
 Palace شيركوه دورة مغول 512
 Palace ساسان ساساني 513
 Palace محمدزمان خان رشوند   514
 Palace دختر ساساني 515
 Palace نياق   516
 گرمابه صفا   517
 Cistern كاظم حاج ه.ق 1256 518
 Cistern حكيم ه.ق 1244 519
 Cistern سردار بزرگ ه.ق 1227 520
 Cistern سردار كوچك   521
 Caravansary خورهه صفويه 522
 Mosque جامع سلجوقي، صفويه 523
 Mosque علي نپجه صفويه 524
 Mosque صالحيه ه.ق 13قرن  525
 Mosque مسعوديه ه.ق 1321 526
 Tomb پيغمبريه   527
 Gate كوشك قاجاريه 528
 Gate قديم تهران قاجاريه 529
 Mosque شاه هجري 13قرن  530
 حسينيه اميني هجري 13قرن  531
 ذوالفقاري قاجاريه 532
 ،Palace
 Mansion
 Tomb چلبي اوغلي ه.ق 728 533
 Palace جانزن سلجوقي 534
 ارگ دژ) سلطانيه (كهن هجري مغول 8قرن  535
 Holy Tomb يحيي هجري 8و  7قرن  536
 Holy Tomb ابراهيم سلجوقي 537
 Tomb قيدارنبي 719 538
 Dome سلطانيه ه.ق 704 539
 Holy Tomb اسماعيل هجري 6قرن  540
 پل دختر هجري 8قرن  541
 Mosque جامع قروه دورة اسلامي 542
 پل آهن ميانه راه   543
 294
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Palace دختر   544
 پل دختر هجري 8قرن  545
 Palace ضحاك   546
 Mosque ترك ميانه ايلخانيان 547
 Holy Tomb Tomb هجري 1258 548
       549
 ها Ancient Hill طوق و كرامه -براونان  قبل از اسلام 550
   تركمانچاي قاجاريه 551
 گرم آب آباد معدني بستان گرم آب   552
 گورستان مشايخ   553
 روستا كندوان قبل از اسلام 554
 Bazaar تبريز صفويه 555
 Timche امير قاجاريه 556
 Holy Tomb جمال قاجاريه 557
 Tomb سيد حمزه مغول 558
 Tomb الامر صاحب صفويه 559
 Tomb علي بن عمون مغول 560
 Tomb چرنداب صفويه 561
 Tomb حمال   562
 Tomb هفت خواهران   563
 Tomb سيد ابراهيم قاجاريه 564
 Tomb سيدعبدالله ه.ق 8و  7 565
 Tomb السلام شهيد ثقه قاجاريه 566
 Tomb شعرأ   567
 Tomb دمشقيه (قاضي)   568
 Tomb قائم مقام فراهاني ه.ق 13 569
 Tomb سلطان محمود غازان ه.ق 697 570
 Tomb ملاباشي   571
 Tomb وهسودان و مملان   572
 Tomb يديلر   573
 Mosque كبود ه.ق 9 574
 Mosque جامع دورة سلجوقي 575
 576
مغول نيمه اول قرن 
 Mosque عليشاه هشتم ه.ق
 Mosque استاد دو شاگرد ه.ق 742مغول  577
 Mosque امام جمعه (سبز) ه.ق 1255 578
 Mosque لامالاس حجت ه.ق 1235 579
   580
اوغلي (ملاحسن  خاله اسماعيل
 Mosque پيشنماز)
 Mosque حسن پادشاه   581
 Mosque وذال دال   582
 Palace شهرداري تبريز شمسي 1312 583
 Mansion ربع رشيدي 8يا اوايل  7قرن  584
 Garden آباد صاحب   585
 Garden صفا قاجاريه 586
 Garden شمال قويونلو تعمير:  آق 587
 295
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 صفويه
 Mansion گولي (شاهگلي) ائل قاجاريه 588
 589
 1341ش 1337
  Museum آذربايجان كامل شد
 590
ه.ق مرمت: 1247
 House كوزه كناني 1344
 Tower خلعت پوشان اواخر دوره صفويه 591
 Mansion قاپو) العماره (عالي شمس زنديه 592
 Palace هشت بهشت قويونلو دوره آق 593
 Mansion غازان شنب مغول 594
 595
ه.ق تخريب:  1266
 School اكبريه شمسي 1345
 School جعفريه   596
 597
 - 1326تعمير: 
 School حاج صفرعلي 1327
 School خواجه علي اصغر قاجاريه 598
 School صادقيه   599
 School طالبيه   600
 School ظهيريه ه.ق1089 601
 602
خت بنا پايان سا
 School كاظميه ه.ق1271
 School نصريه   603
 604
 1845ميلادي  1821
 Church سركيس مقدس تجديدبنا
 Church آدونتيست   605
 Church ارامنه ميلادي 1845 606
 Church شوغاگات مقدس (شوقات) ميلادي 1975 607
  Museum ارامنه ش 1345 608
 Church مريم مقدس ميلادي 1785 609
 Church ها پروتستان ميلادي 1957 610
 Church كاتوليك (عذراي توانا) ميلادي 1910 611
 612
قرن پنجم و ششم 
 Church سهرقه ميلادي
 613
نهم ميلادي (سوم 
 Church موجومبار ه.ق)
 سنگ قيزيل داش (سنگ سرخ)   614
 مزار پيررجب   615
 مزار شيخ اسماعيل ه.ق 8و  7قرن  616
 Mosque محمد حنفيه   617
 Tomb باله حسن   618
 Mosque جامع ه.ق 731 619
 Mosque مرند Bazaar   620
   621
 كول) آتشكده يا Palace
 Ancient Hill  - Ancient
  Ancient Hill (خاكستر  Hill
 Caravansary مرند يCaravansary ه.ق 731 622
 296
 Date Name of Place Type of place  
 Mosque پير بالا   623
 Mosque دينسيد فخرال   624
 Palace سن سارود ميلادي 14و13 625
 626
قرن هفتم قبل از 
 سنگ سنگ نبشته ماكو ميلاد
 627
هزاره دوم قبل از 
 ظرف ظرف گلي به شكل اسب ميلاد
 مجسمه مجسمه شتر   628
 Palace جوق چهGarden قاجاريه 629
 Mansion كلاه فرنگي قاجاريه 630
   دشت چالدران   631
 Church (تاتلوس) Churchقره  دهم ميلادي 632
 Palace قبان   633
 634
ماد سده هشتم پيش از 
 سنگ دخمه سنگي (ايوان فرهاد) ميلاد
 گورستان پير احمد كندي دوره ساسانيان 635
 636
دوران صفويه و سده 
 پل پنج چشمه دهم هجري قمري
 637
هزاره اول قبل از 
  Ancient Hill خليل آباد ميلاد
   638
سنت استيانس (معروف به قزل 
 Church ونگ) يا معبد دانيال
 معبد معبد سنگي دوره اورارتوها 639
 640
مربوط به زمان شاه 
 عباس دوم
 درساي كتيبه و بارو و Tower
 كتيبه سنگي قيه
   آثار تاريخي شهر دامبات   641
 خرابه هاي قديمي گزلو خرابه   642
 Church گزلو   643
   644
هاي  آثارديوار وخرابه
   چه جوقGarden
 سنگ آثار و علائم منقوش در سنگ   645
   هاي زيرزمينCaveلالال و    646
 647
شهر روسا يا 
 Palace Palace جم خور Castle
 بناي سنگي اطاق سنگي   648
 پل پل شبكوز   649
 خرابه هاي سه گوش خرابه   650
   اطاق سنگي 7 651
 Church روزروز قديم يChurch ميلادي 14و13قرن  652
 دير ديري از آن فرقه دمينيكن   653
 Church ماكو شهر مركز در Church   654
 سنگ اطاق سنگي   655
 Church مريم ننه   656
  
297 
APPENDIX B: Questionnaire for analyzing successful 
placemaking  
Purpose of questionnaire: 
There have been many researches dedicated to investigate the notion ‘place’ in 
urban studies. This questionnaire aims to capture the views of some experts 
regarding the relation between some intangibles for place making in urban 
studies.  
The information gathered from this questionnaire will support proposed key 
factors/design criteria to analyze 12 places in Silk Road cities in Iran. This data 
will be gathered and examined by PhD candidate Payam Mahasti, as a part of his 
PhD dissertation in Architecture department, Architecture faculty of Eastern 
Mediterranean University, under supervision of Prof. Dr. Sebnem Hoskara.  
How anonymity is protected: 
This anonymous questionnaire has been made just for urban design experts in the 
field of place/place making. Please do not include your name anywhere on the 
questionnaire.  
How to fill: 
In the following pages you may find 3 tables with keywords about place theory 
introduce by some scholars in columns and on the rows some assessments on 
298 
placemaking derived from other theories (the diagrams on the next page). Please 
mark the amount/level of relationship (in the scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the least and 
5 being the most, 0 means no relation) from your point of view, in the following 
tables.  
Since relation between some of these keywords and assessments depends on 
some conditions (which are not a part of this research like climate, social ...) of 
place, therefore, it would be logical to assume an optimum condition for place 
and fill the tables according to this criterion.  
The aim of this questionnaire tied up to find the amount of relationship between 
keywords and assessments so the quality of relation (like indirect or direct, 
negative or positive) shouldn’t affect your answers.  
Thank you in advance  
Payam Mahasti (PhD candidate) 
Should you require any further information about this project, please email me at 
payam.mahasti@cc.emu.edu.tr or call me by *********   
299 
 
 
     Place                                            Physical attributes 
Well defined 
boundary 
Figure-Ground 
Relationship 
Existence of 
Residential 
houses 
Linkage/access 
Semi open spaces 
(In proper 
climate)  
Height limitation 
(for Historical 
Urban Quarters) 
PlaceMaking 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 
U
se
s 
&
 A
ct
iv
it
ie
s Local business ownership                                                                         
Land use patterns                                                                          
Property values                                                                         
Rent Levels                                                                         
Retail levels                                                                         
Co
m
fo
rt
 &
 
Im
ag
e Crime statistics (Decline)                                                                         
Building conditions                                                                         
So
ci
ab
ili
ty
 
Social networks                                                                         
Evening use                                                                         
Street life                                                                         
A
cc
es
s 
&
 
Li
nk
ag
e Pedestrian activity                                                                         
Parking usage pattern                                                                         
  
 
 
     Place                                            Activities 
Variety of owners 
(public, private, 
...) 
Web of shopping 
(Active relation 
between shops 
e.g. Bazaar) 
Diversity of 
economic uses 
Night life 
PlaceMaking 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 
U
se
s 
&
 A
ct
iv
it
ie
s 
Local business ownership                                                 
Land use patterns                                                  
Property values                                                 
Rent Levels                                                 
Retail levels                                                 
Co
m
fo
rt
 &
 
Im
ag
e Crime statistics (Decline)                                                 
Building conditions                                                 
So
ci
ab
ili
ty
 
Social networks                                                 
Evening use                                                 
Street life                                                 
A
cc
es
s 
&
 
Li
nk
ag
e Pedestrian activity                                                 
Parking usage pattern                                                 
 
 
     Place                                            Conceptions 
Sacred place (In 
attractive 
manner) 
Spirit of place Path Node Cultural features 
PlaceMaking 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 
U
se
s 
&
 A
ct
iv
it
ie
s Local business ownership                                                             
Land use patterns                                                              
Property values                                                             
Rent Levels                                                             
Retail levels                                                             
Co
m
fo
rt
 &
 
Im
ag
e Crime statistics (Decline)                                                             
Building conditions                                                             
So
ci
ab
ili
ty
 
Social networks                                                             
Evening use                                                             
Street life                                                             
A
cc
es
s 
&
 
Li
nk
ag
e Pedestrian activity                                                             
Parking usage pattern                                                             
303 
 
APPENDIX C: Tables of general information about SRCS in Iran 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Sarakhs   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
    281 m 
      
A
re
a 
(h
a)
 1
06
0 
D
en
si
ty
 
      
      
        
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
1-This City was between Neyshabour and Marv Ribat-i-Sharaf circa 1114 
           
               
               
               
                  
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed 
Maximum-Summer   Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month average   Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter   Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference (summer)   The Number of Frost Days   Fastest Wind 
Temperature Difference (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind 
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years             2006 
Total of District              87,442 
Capital (Urban)             33,571 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
304 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Mashhad   
New Texture     
  Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
The city is located, in the valley of the Kashaf River, between 
the two mountain ranges of Binalood and Hezar-masjed. The 
city benefits from the proximity of the mountains, having 
cool winters, pleasant springs, mild summers, and beautiful 
autumns. 
  985 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
 
 4
58
 
D
en
si
ty
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
In 808 when Harun al-Rashid, Abbasid caliph, was passing through 
there to settle down the insurrection of "Rafi ibn Leith" in 
Transoxania, he became ill and died. He was buried under the palace 
of Hamid ibn Qahtabi. Several years later in 818 Imam Ali al-Reza 
was martyred by Al-Ma'mun and was buried beside the grave of 
Harun. After this event this place was called as Mashhad al-Rida (the 
place of martyrdom of Ali al-Rida). 
Goharshad Mosque 1418 CE 
Khaje Rabi Mauselum 682 CE 
Nader Shah Mauselum 1963 
Astan Qods Razavi 810 
         
         
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed 
Maximum-Summer 43.8 Annual Average of Rainfall 255.2 Spring     
Minimum-Summer 4 The Most Rainy Month average 55.6 Summer     
Maximum-Winter 28.2 The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter -28 Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference (summer)   The Number of Frost Days   Fastest Wind 
Temperature Difference (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind 
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County             2,848,370 
Capital (Urban) 250,000 400,000 600,000 1,450,000 1,750,000 1,800,000 2,410,800 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
305 
 
Name Map 
l  
Source Document Land Use 
      Old 
 
    
Neyshabur   New  
    
  Green 
 
  
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
In northeastern Iran,  
The region's economy is largely agricultural, based on grain and cotton,and 
also it is the second industrial city in Khorasan, and it is one of the most 
prosperous localities in Iran. Nearby are the turquoise mines that supplied 
the world with turquoise for at least two millennia. 
situated in a fertile plain at 
the foot of the Binalud 
Mountains, near the 
regional capital of 
Mashhad. 
1250 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
 
   
   
   
 3
1.
87
 
D
en
si
ty
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
On the Silk Road, Nishapur has often defined the flexible frontier 
between the Iranian plateau and Central Asia. The town derived its 
name from its reputed founder, the Sassanian king Shapur I, who is 
said to have established it in the 3rd century CE. the first ruler of 
the Seljuk dynasty, made Nishapur his residence in 1037 and 
proclaimed himself sultan there, but it declined thereafter, as 
Seljuk fortunes were concentrated in the west. 
Khayyam Maoselum  1960 
Attar Maoselum 1495 
Jami Mosque 1494-Final 
i  Old City Ruins Till 1320 CE 
Kamal-Al-Molk 1940 Decade 
Neyshabur Plantarium Contemporary 
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rat
 
Wind Directi
 
Speed 
( h) Maximum-Summer 42 Annual Average of 
 
  Spring   86 
Minimum-Summer 12 The Most Rainy Month 
 
34 Summer   85 
Maximum-Winter 26 The Thickness of Snow 
  
  Autumn   73 
Minimum-Winter -23 Profitable Number of Days   Winter   75 
Temperature Difference 
 
  The Number of Frost Days 17 Fastest Wind                                     
 Temperature Difference 
( i ) 
  The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
 Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 198
 
1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             270,972 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the 
 
              
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture 
d  
Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
306 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Sabzevar   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
Sabzevar is the commercial center for an agricultural region 
producting grapes and raisins. 
  950 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
 
26
.7
6 
   
   
   
 
D
en
si
ty
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
The history of Sabzevar goes back to 3000 years ago. The 
fire-temple 'Azarbarzin' which is still available is a sign of the 
ancient history of this town. After the invasion of Mongols to 
Iran, this town was the first part of Iran that moved towards 
its freedom. 
Jami Mosque 1330 
Pamenar Mosque 917 
Robat Kanoon 1874 
Molla Hadi Mausolum 1882 
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer 45.5 Annual Average of Rainfall 225 mm Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month average   Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter -20.8 Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference (summer)   The Number of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temperature Difference (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             214,589 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
307 
 
Name Map 
l  
Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Sahrood   New  
    
  Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
Some 410 kilometers to the east of Tehran, half-way between 
the capital and Mashad, and at the junction with the Gorgan 
road 
From the north, it is surrounded by 
the Alborz mountains, and from the 
south by the arid salty deserts. The 
river of Tash, after crossing this 
town, reaches the south deserts. 
1345 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
  
D
en
si
ty
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
In 2006, traces of a prehistoric, 8,000-year-old settlements 
were found in Shahrud.As a modern city, the city of Shahrood 
was merely a village before 1800, with two old palaces and a 
small farm. The surrounding areas however, such as 
Biarjomand, Miami and Bastam do have a distant history.  
    
    
    
    
    
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Directio
 
Speed 
(K h) Maximum-Summer   Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month 
 
  Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per 
Y  
  Autumn     
Minimum-Winter   Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference (summer)   The Number of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temperature Difference 
(Winter) 
  The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 198
 
1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             126,916 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the 
center 
              
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
308 
 
Name Map 
l  
Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Damgha
n 
  New 
 
    
  Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
a city in Semnan Province, Iran, 342 kilometres (213 
mi) from Tehran on the high-road to Mashad, at an 
elevation of 1,250 m 
  1250 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
  
D
en
si
t
y 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
Damghan was an important city in the Middle Ages, but was 
destroyed by the Afghans in 1723. Few remnants of that time 
remain, such as the ruined Tari-khaneh mosque with a number 
of massive columns and wood carvings and two minarets of 
the 11th century 
Tarikhane mosque 767 
Jami Mosque 1106 
40 girls tower 1054 
Pir-e-alamdar Mauselum 1026 
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Directio
 
Speed 
( h) Maximum-Summer   Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month average   Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter   Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference 
(summer) 
  The Number of Frost 
 
  Fastest Wind                                    
Temperature Difference 
(Winter) 
  The Average of 
 
  Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 197
 
1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)       34,05
 
    59,300 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
309 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Semnan   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
The city is located in 216 Km in the east of thehran. 
The capital of Semnan province.  
Semnan is situated at 1,138 metres 
above sea level at the southern foot 
of the Alborz Mountains. But the 
topography of city is almost flat.  
1130 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
  
D
en
si
ty
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
This has an old history but as a small village. The most 
influence for development of this city in contemporary period 
was happened after promoted by the capital of Semnan 
province.  
Jami mosque 815 
Imam Mosque 1814 
Arg-Gate 1884 
Climate 
Temprature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer 44.5 Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month average 140 mm Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter -6.4 Profitable Nomber of Days   Winter     
Temprature Diffrence (summer)   The Nomber of Frost Days 48 Fastest Wind                                    
Temprature Diffrence (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             126,780 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
    
  
310 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Tehran   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. it is also Iran's 
largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in 
Western Asia, and is the 21st largest city in the world. 
  1800-1050  m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
  
73
0 
 
D
en
si
ty
   
  
10
55
5 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
Tehran was well known as a village in the 9th century, 
but was less well-known than the city of Rhages (Ray) 
which was flourishing nearby in the early era. 
Shams-ol-emare Palace 1865 
Toghrol Tower 1100 
Golestan Palace 1524 
National Garden Gate 1883 
Sahebgharanie Palace 1800 
Old Bazzar 1800 
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer 43 Annual Average of Rainfall 232.8 Spring     
Minimum-Summer 5 The Most Rainy Month average 40.8 Summer     
Maximum-Winter 23 The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter -15 Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference (summer)   The Number of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temperature Difference (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average 22.7           
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban) 1,500,000 2,800,000 4,500,000 6,000,000 6,500,000 6,800,000 7,705,036 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
311 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Qazvin   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
Located some 165 km northwest of Tehran, in the Qazvin 
Province, it is at an altitude of about 1800 meters above sea 
level. The climate is cold but dry, due to its position south of the 
rugged Alborz range. 
  1278 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
   
D
en
si
ty
   
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
The city today known as Qazvin is thought to have been founded by 
Shapur II, King of Persia in 250 CE, under the name Shad Shahpur, 
when he built a fortification there to control regional tensions. 
Jami Mosque  1494 
Heidarieh Mosque 1119 
Al-Nabi Mosque 16th  
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer 41 Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer 8 The Most Rainy Month average 40 Summer     
Maximum-Winter 18 The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter -17 Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference (summer)   The Number of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temperature Difference (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             355,338 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
312 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Zanjan   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
It lies 298 km north-west of Tehran on the main highway to 
Tabriz and Turkey and approximately 125 km from the Caspian 
Sea. 
  1638 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
   
D
en
si
ty
   
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
Zanjan was built by Ardashir I, the first king of the Sassanid 
Empire and named as "Shahin". One important moment in the 
history of the city was in 1851 when the city became the center 
of Babism along with Neyriz and other cities. 
Seyed Ibrahim 1961 
Jami mosque 1826 
Bazzar 1798 
Laundry house 1926 
Climate 
Temprature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer   Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month average   Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter   Profitable Nomber of Days   Winter     
Temprature Diffrence (summer)   The Nomber of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temprature Diffrence (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             377,387 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
313 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Miyaneh   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
a city in East Azerbaijan province, Iran, situated in a valley. The 
original name of the city was Miyanej, and was often referred to 
as Garmrood. 
  1100 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
   
D
en
si
ty
   
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
Meyaneh passed through the hands of several dynasties and kingdoms. 
But much of the architecture in the vicinity of Meyaneh was built 
during the reign of the Mongols (13th-14th centuries)  
ImamZadeh-Ismaeel 1842 
    
    
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer   Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month average   Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter   Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference (summer)   The Number of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temperature Difference (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)               
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
314 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Tabriz   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
Tabriz is located in a valley to the north of the long ridge 
of the volcanic cone of Sahand, south of the Eynali 
mountain. With cold winters and temperate summers the 
city is considered a summer resort. 
The valley opens out into a plain 
that slopes gently down to the 
northern end of Lake Urmia, 60 
km to the west.  
1350 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
   
D
en
si
ty
   
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
it was the second largest city in Iran until the late 1960s, one of 
its former capitals, and residence of the crown prince under the 
Qajar dynasty. The city has proven extremely influential in the 
country’s recent history.  
Blue Mosque 1465 
Municupality Palace 1935 
Governorship Palace 1789 
Climate 
Temprature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer 40 Annual Average of Rainfall 330 Spring     
Minimum-Summer 7 The Most Rainy Month average 60 Summer     
Maximum-Winter 17 The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter -17 Profitable Nomber of Days   Winter     
Temprature Diffrence (summer)   The Nomber of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temprature Diffrence (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             1,398,060 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
315 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Maku   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
a town in the northwestern part of the West Azarbaijan province 
of Iran. It is situated 22 km from the Turkish border in a 
mountain gorge 
  1634 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
   
D
en
si
ty
   
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
Maku was the capital of a Kangarli Khanate one of numerous small, 
semi-independent Khanates that resulted from the breakup of the 
Safavid empire in the 17th century. The city is well-known in Bahá'í 
history for its fort where the Báb had been exiled to and imprisoned for 
nine months 
    
    
    
    
Climate 
Temprature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer   Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month average   Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter   Profitable Nomber of Days   Winter     
Temprature Diffrence (summer)   The Nomber of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temprature Diffrence (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             41,865 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
316 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Hamedan   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
Hamadan has a green mountainous area in the foothills of 
the 3574-meter Alvand Mountain, in the midwest part of 
Iran.  
  1876 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
   
D
en
si
ty
   
 
13
6.
8 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
Hamadan is believed to be among the oldest Iranian cities 
and one of the oldest in the world. 
Ganjmane 521 BC 
Hagmatane 701 BC 
Tomb of Esther and Mordechai 1300 
Climate 
Temprature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer 38 Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer 6 The Most Rainy Month average 49.8 Summer     
Maximum-Winter 16 The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter -13 Profitable Nomber of Days   Winter     
Temprature Diffrence (summer)   The Nomber of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temprature Diffrence (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             550,284 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
317 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Kermanshah   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
located 525 km from Tehran in the western part of Iran and 
about 120 km from the border of Iraq. 
Kermanshah has a moderate 
and mountainous climate. 
1350 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
   
D
en
si
ty
   
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
Given its antiquity, attractive landscapes and rich culture, 
Kermanshah is considered as one of the cradles of prehistoric cultures 
such as Neolithic villages. 
Bisotun 521 BC 
Taq-e-Bostan 600 BC 
Mo'avenalmolk Tekiye 1902 
Climate 
Temperature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer 43 Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer 17 The Most Rainy Month average   Summer     
Maximum-Winter 20 The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter -27 Profitable Number of Days   Winter     
Temperature Difference (summer)   The Number of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temperature Difference (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban) 110,000 280,000 390,000 560,000 620,000 700,000 704,709 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources 
  
  
318 
 
Name Map Scale Source Document Land Use 
      Old Texture     
Qasr-e-Shirin   New Texture       Green Area   
  Housing   
  Road   
Geography 
Specification Topography Altitude  
The name of the city literally means the Palace of 
Şîrîn(Common Indo-Iranian female name which means Sweet) 
  333 m 
A
re
a 
(K
m
2)
   
D
en
si
ty
   
 
History 
Historical Development of The City Historical Places Period 
The city was a metropolitan during Sassanid dynastic era (226-651 AD). 
Ghasr-e Shírín a city with over 2000 years of history was famous for 
being the city of love.  
Khosrow Palace 7th 
    
Climate 
Temprature Degree Precipitation Rate Wind Direction Speed (Kph) 
Maximum-Summer   Annual Average of Rainfall   Spring     
Minimum-Summer   The Most Rainy Month average   Summer     
Maximum-Winter   The Thickness of Snow Per Year   Autumn     
Minimum-Winter   Profitable Nomber of Days   Winter     
Temprature Diffrence (summer)   The Nomber of Frost Days   Fastest Wind                                    
Temprature Diffrence (Winter)   The Average of Humidity   Prevailing Wind                              
Annual Average             
Demography 
Years 1956 1966 1976 1986 1991 1996 2006 
Total of County               
Capital (Urban)             15,437 
Urban County               
Rural County               
5 years growth rate of the center               
Economy 
Agriculture 1. Sector Industry 2. Sector 3. Sector 
   
Sources of Agriculture Products Industrial Production Resources