The Role of Waqf in Growth and Development of Urban Spaces in Qajar Period(Case Study: Historical Context of Kermanshah City)

The system of Waqf not only made many of the valuable spaces and elements of cities; but also has been closely links to religious affairs to the sustainability of urban spaces over time. The Continuity of Waqf with Islam caused considerable attention from society; as in the history of the Islamic period would be seen many schools, mosques, tekyes, caravansaries, baths and markets that product of Waqf. In Kermanshah, the tendency to the Waqf more than the preceding periods has become popular; especially more prosperity with the coming of Mohammad Ali Mirza Dolshah and Emad Al-Dawlah sons and descendants of Fat Ali shah. According to the necessity, this research intends to use historical documents such as the endowments and written works of researchers who have studied in this regard, Analyzed the important elements of architecture and urbanization in city of Kermanshah during the Qajar period.Therefore, the fundamental question of research is Waqf as a religious factor, has played what role in the development and prosperity of the city of Kermanshah during the Qajar period? Considering above issue, it is assumed with the support of the Qajar princes from the waqf system and the economic prosperity created during this period, the waqf of numerous monuments is expanding considerably, as important buildings of the city such as mosques, tekyes, shops and caravansaries have been dedicated. The Waqfs of the city of Kermanshah have played a significant role in the prosperity and development of the city during the Qajar period. During this period, Donors has devoted a lot of buildings that if we remove these buildings from the urban context of Kermanshah, virtually no remarkable building will remain. The only material presence in the form of a mosque, shrine, market or caravanserai is not important; But their significance for the city even more because of their presence as important social and economic institutions.