Physical and structural reconstruction of Buinzahra city before the 1962 earthquake

Purpose This research focuses on the reconstruction of the physical structure of Buinzahra before the 1962 earthquake, utilizing historical documents. For this purpose, the city of Buinzahra experienced an earthquake measuring 2.7 on the Richter scale, resulting in significant destruction and the loss of 12,000 lives. Design/methodology/approach Referencing various materials, such as ancient texts, existing documents, images and findings from field visits and oral history related to the city, provided us with invaluable insights, advancing our research significantly. In carrying out this research, the most crucial issue was how to pay attention to the historical architecture of re-creation and antique recognition of a settlement that has been destroyed by relying on historical documents?. Findings After obtaining answers to the research questions, the production of maps illustrating the layout of Buinzahra before the earthquake, including residential areas, gardens, aqueducts, passages and primary and secondary arteries, were produced. In addition, the architectural details and physical elements of the buildings and landscape were drawn based on historical documents. Originality/value The results obtained can help determine the boundaries of the city before the earthquake, its physical structure and architecture, and the context of the settlement before the disaster. This information is essential for conducting subsequent architectural research studies to recreate and reexamine historical collections.