The Formation of Shiraz Historic City and Its Irrigation Network

This paper examines the formation of Shiraz historic fabric in response to its lifelines by employing a methodology that could be replicated in studies of other cities, as well. For this purpose, (i) the formation of alleys in response to topography and irrigation network is explained; and (ii) the impact of the irrigation network on formation of key monuments is reviewed. The subterranean and surface channels of an important irrigation network Kheirat Qanat— is followed between ca 13 century AD to ca 19 century AD as a case demonstrating this paper’s hypotheses. To this end, a literature review ascertains the gravitational direction of irrigation channels. Then, a hypothetical network of alleys is developed based on topography and the irrigation network. This yields a hypothetical direction for water flow connecting key monuments built in 13 century. Reference to existing documentation verifies the existence of a water aqueduct, while a field visit reveals remnants of its flow.
The location of later monuments is thus explained by continuation or disruption of this hypothetical water channel.