An Amplification on the Semiotics and Solutions of the Semantic Theory of Ferdinand de Saussure in the Historical Houses of the Qajar Period in the Cities of Ardabil, Tabriz and Urmia

To explain the symbols and signs in the field of linguistics, there is an approach called symbolism or semiotics. Ferdinand de Saussure, as one of the first pioneers in the field of linguistics, believed that each of the signs that exist in the structure of linguistics, constantly had a cause and a defect that granted them meaning; furthermore, this method includes other areas in addition to the linguistic structure. In the meantime, architecture has not been an exception to this rule due to its artistic structure, and throughout the history of world architecture, it has always been explored by architects in various architectural designs. Among the historical monuments in Iran, those related to the Qajar period, specifically located in the cities of northwestern Iran, namely Ardabil, Tabriz and Urmia are studied in this paper. In this study, which emphasizes both interpretive-historical events and the interpretation and meaning of symbols and signs in architecture based on Saussure theories, the functional and conceptual causes of residential spaces from Saussure's semantic perspective is studied in the mentioned cities of Ardebil, Tabriz and Urmia due to having residential houses rich in Qajar culture and architecture. The results indicate that the structures of each building are different in the formation of meaning and architectural concepts in that area, nonetheless, the principles of using the signs in each of the houses introduced in each city are similar.

Introducing the symbols and signs used in the historical houses of the Qajar period in the cities of Ardabil, Tabriz and Urmia and the visual and conceptual analogy of each of the signs in the structures used. Assessing the quantitative and qualitative status of historical spaces and houses in the cities of Ardabil, Tabriz and Urmia.

Research questions:

What are the symbols of the historical houses of the Qajar period in the cities of Ardabil, Tabriz and Urmia according to the semantic theory of Ferdinand de Saussure? What is the purpose of symbolism and marking in the historical houses of the Qajar period in the cities of Ardabil, Tabriz, Urmia?