The Naghsh-e Jahan Square Open Space; Values and Issues

Naghsh-e Jahan square is one of the most important historical squares of Iran and the world that has changed a lot in its long history. Most of these changes include the open space of the square and its surrounding monuments are nearly the same as the past. In this paper, in addition of representation of open space characteristics in the square of Safavid period and analyzing its spatial values, the process of historical changes through time emphasizing present time was evaluated. Research approach is historical-analytical based on documents, transcripts, oral tradition and historical images related to the Naghsh-e Jahan square. For current situation, most of the data has been gathered through field work.
The aim of this research is representing the original condition of the square and documenting its historical changes particularly the current situation. This work provides a kind of comparative studies about the spatial values of the square in the current and past situations. The article has also analyzed the existing issues of the square open space and has offered a number of suggestions for improving the current condition. The results indicate that the previous situation of the square open space in Safavid period had caused the desirable condition and qualities such as climatic comfort, vitality and pleasant landscape that some of these qualities have been weakened because of changes during the past centuries. However, it is possible to increase spatial qualities to make the square more similar to its original situation by revitalizing the square open space.