The Ritual Role of Water in the Formation of Semnan and Damghan Landscape

Water has been quenching people’s basic needs as the first condition of life in human communities. Water has had a significant role in shaping the landscape of cities in ancient religions and rituals in Iran and can be considered a natural element in creating the highest quality collective spaces. Hence, there are myths about it. Given its significance, some ceremonies and rituals have long been associated with this life-giving element, which is historically rooted in the beliefs of the Iranian and ancient religions. Due to its location in the hot and dry desert climate, Semnan has always faced the problem of difficult access to water. The agriculture-based economy and scarcity of this life-giving element have affected all spheres of people’s lives in the region. Water management in this region is considered critical in the city structure and quenching people’s needs. The need for water, as an element that fulfills other needs, has caused people to pay special attention to this element. Thus, water seems to have become a sacred and respected element by getting distant from its functional nature. Considering the three-day field visit to the historical texture of Semnan and Damghan, what draws the attention of the audience the most is the ritual role of water in shaping Semnan and Damghan. This role has had a significant effect on the city landscape objectively-subjectively. Moreover, its proper performance at the city level has created a different quality of space in the neighborhoods of the city. Hence, the study intended to analyze the ritual role of water in the formation of the Semnan and Damghan landscapes.