A Comparative Study on Iranian Nomads Housing

In the past two centuries, comparative studies and typologies are proposed in various sciences from biology to architecture. The comparative researches have produces theoretic contents, which have gained the same recognition and value of outstanding studies on space, shape and form in architecture. On the other hand, typology studies on human activities, material culture, and all other ancient and iterative manifestations of civilization can produce valuable results too.
In this respect, the present study aims to investigate valuable works of Iranian nomads throughout the history of their migration over the Iranian plateau. It is noteworthy that housing or home is generally considered the location and important factor in the wellbeing of two important human dimensions; body and mind.
It is also an accepted fact that the formation of the home is based on culture, climate, economy and the prevalent building techniques in each community. Another justification for the study of housing among the Iranian nomads is the increasing importance and need for movable and non-permanent houses for various reasons, including natural disasters, social problems, and other relevant phenomenon. Nomadic housing offers the possibility of total removal and speedy reconstruction in different locations. In addition, it has the potential to accord with all the previously mentioned features affecting the formation of a home, especially culture, livelihoods, economy and prevalent building techniques.
One important feature of a nomadic lifestyle is its propensity for movements and migration. However, for different political, national security, social or welfare reasons, there have been incidents were the nomads were required to settle down in one location. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that these temporary settlements could not be justified for long-term nomadic lifestyle, and did not have an altering impact on their culture. The migration of nomads is one of the oldest methods of social life and livelihood practice that has survived in spite of predominant industrialized lifestyle in Iran. The Iranian nomads continue to coexist and interact with the environment, and persistently adapt their lifestyle with climate, geographical conditions, and requirements of each region. They systematically adjust their livelihood choices and the proper modes of expending natural resources to fit their needs and even the different cultural traditions of different tribes.
Based on the methodology of this research, the data collected through the examinations of documents and on-site observation has been analyzed and categorized through a comparative study of different tribes. The ulterior purpose of the current study is the reexamination of nomads’ housing style and techniques for their adaptability to disaster sheltering necessities. The common criteria of high compatibility with the environment, ease of handling and performance, speed of reassembly, and the use of local materials are important initiatives for this proposal. It seems that using and integration of these principles in science and technology could be a step to enrich design and implementation of removable and portable houses.