A Comparative Study of Urban Development and Architecture in Shiraz: From the Achaemenid Citadel to the Islamic City

Abstract:In the Achaemenid era, Persepolis, or Takht-e Jamshid, served as the capital, while Estakhr was the main center of the province of Fars, playing a significant role in the political, cultural, and economic management and development of this great empire. In this context, Shiraz, also known as "Tirazis" or "Tirasi," was situated as a fortress or citadel between Persepolis and Susa, another Achaemenid capital. With the advent of Islam in Iran and the Muslim conquest of Fars, the city of Estakhr, which held the center of Fars, gradually declined, while the burgeoning city of Shiraz, developed near the citadel of "Tirazis," derived its name and prestige from this citadel and gradually replaced Estakhr as the new center of Fars province. Today, Shiraz is considered one of the significant historical and cultural cities of Iran, having experienced numerous changes in its architecture and urban planning influenced by various historical periods, particularly the Islamic period. Renowned for its gardens, historical buildings, and beautiful mosques, Shiraz remains one of Iran's vital cultural and historical centers. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of the evolution of urban planning and architecture in Shiraz from ancient times to the Islamic period, examining architectural patterns, the design of public and private spaces, and the cultural and social impacts of each era. Utilizing analytical and comparative methods, the research investigates historical documents and archaeological remains related to the architecture and urban planning of Shiraz. The findings indicate that significant changes occurred in the structure and design of urban spaces in Shiraz, correlated with the cultural, political, and social factors of each historical period. These changes clearly reflect the city’s identity transformations and the influences of different historical eras on urban development and architecture in this region. By exploring these transformations, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between architecture and urban planning in Shiraz and the impacts of various historical periods on them.Keywords: Shiraz, urban planning, architecture, ancient Iran, Islamic period, comparative studies.