Form and Function in the Chahartaqs of Orzooieh of Kerman

Chahartaq is one of the most outstanding components of Iranian traditional architecture. Despite the plentifulness of Chahartaq, there is no clear data and document about the origin and usage of such a beautiful structure. One of these vague buildings is located in Orzooieh plain at Kerman province including several Chahartaq cells that are constructed beside each other so-called close Chahartaq. In this research, in the beginning, some basic information about the physical aspect of these buildings was provided and an attempt was made to figure out their type and function. Also, the reason for their construction close to each other was reviewed. To answer the first question, descriptive-analytical method and the second question, logical reasoning method and comparative study tool were used. The results proved they were Chahartaq. Chahartaqs were constructed in different types including solitary in a collection like Soltan Abad Chahartaq, a Chahartaq with porch and room located in the complex like Deh Sheikh and finally a porched Chahartaq like Ali Abad and Rahmat Abad Chahartaq. These Chahartaqs’ structure is very similar to Fire place and they were probably used to hold a ritual ceremony. Also, each of the Chahartaqs is probably specific to a nearby village and there was no special connection among them.