Characteristics and Archetypes of Courtyard Pattern in Iranian Historical Bazaar(Case Study: Tabriz Historical Bazaar)

Iranian Bazaar is an ancient space pattern that has a special importance in different civilizations, especially among Iranians. Urban Caravansaries are the space for the exchange of commercial goods and the need for a safe place to stay for traders and passengers, mainly in the vicinity of Bazaars for Caravans and people. The central courtyard is a fundamental pattern in Iranian architecture that has been in different forms in various periods and regions of Iran. This archetype, with its basic characteristics such as centrality, unity and plurality, vitality, provides a suitable space for the functions required. The Iranian Bazaar’ Serai has been a place for the presence of caravans, supply and exchange of goods. These spaces have a variety of functions that require different aspects of recognition in the contemporary era. Therefore, the aim of this paper is definition the Serai as a fundamental pattern in Iranian architecture, especially in the structure of the Iranian Bazaars, with emphasis on Tabriz's historical bazaar Serai. The research has a qualitative-quantitative approach, and was conducted using analytical, typological and logical reasoning research methods, field survey, typological and documentary study techniques. The research results showed that the basic characteristics of the Bazaars include centrality, cohesion and unity, square or rectangular geometry, functional flexibility, vitality, and the most important typological criteria in physical, economic, social cultural and environmental dimensions. Also, the typological criteria are shape, area, location, wholesaler and retailer, type of activity and vegetation. In the Tabriz historical Bazaar, a variety of physical and economic types have been used as public and specialty yards for various commercial, manufacturing, warehousing, and landscaping events from the past.