Analysis of the Spatial-Functional Pattern of Important Elements of the Islamic City with a Focus on Comparative Analysis of the Physical Spatial Structure of Major Capitals in the Period 1290 to 1310 Anno Hegirae

The present study examines the location and functional relationship between important elements of Islamic cities in two main sections. The first part includes historical background of spatial-functional patterns of these elements through ancient documents and the second part includes study of these patterns through detailed analysis of Islamic cities' spatial structure based on detailed maps drawn over a period of 20 years from 9 major Islamic capitals. First step is related to descriptions and adaptation to the initial boundaries of cities and the second step is to analyze the developed map of 9 important cities and relies on space syntax theory. The research method in the first step is descriptive-analytical and in the second step is rational and comparative reasoning. For analysis in the second part, Depthmap software is used which is a specialized software for space analysis in architectural and urban structures. The question is that what are the characteristics of the location and functional relationship between the important elements of the Islamic city and in fact the spatial-functional model of this structure? Results show that among the four elements studied, market has the highest connectivity and structural integration and the proximity degree of Grand Mosque and other important mosques affect their accessibility and spatial-functional importance. In addition, this spatial-functional model, which depends on many factors such as functional needs, geographical conditions, design traditions, public justification, political motives, as well as grandeur, is influenced by the directions of city development and configuration integration.