Historical Analysis of Identical Structural Changes in Ancient Iranian Islamic Cities, Case Study: Kashmar, Iran

Abstract The way of thinking about the world, and social, cultural and political conditions had shaped the urban structure and identity of Iranian cities. The structure of cities has been incredibly changed during history; therefore, analysis of the spatial structure of the city and identification of identity elements are crucial. Torshiz (Kashmar), dating back to the 2000s with history of the residence of People of the Parthian Empire, was a city with vicissitude history, found different physical form consciously or unconsciously. The purpose of this article is to investigate the structural and identity changes of Kashmar from the Zoroaster era to date, and identify the city elements important in the urban structure. This research has historical content based on with descriptive-analytical and interpretive research method. The general approach is based on the analysis and study of the impact of historical events on the spatial structure and elements. The results are the identification of the main and secondary structure of the city and emphasizing the city center as an integral combination of master mosque, bazaar, seminary, caravanserai and commercially active edges, and it is proposed to preserve and redevelop them to promote identity in the new developments of Kashmar.