Architectural and Urban Development from Hegmataneh to Hamadan: A Comparative Study of Urban and Cultural Structures from Ancient Times to the Islamic Period

Abstract:Hegmataneh, or Hamadan, is a historical remnant of the assembly of elders and leaders of the Iranian tribes. The Medes were the first Aryan people who, during the process of societal evolution in ancient Iran, transitioned from a nomadic society to a rural and then urban society. Through this process, they established the first "city of power" on the Iranian plateau and the Median Kingdom under the name Hegmataneh. This city was used as a capital during the Achaemenid period and throughout most of the succeeding royal dynasties of Iran. Hegmataneh is also considered one of the earliest examples of advanced urban planning in ancient Iran, recognized as a well-organized and structured city and one of the most important urban centers of ancient Iran. The present-day Hamadan, known as one of the significant cultural and historical centers of Iran after the advent of Islam, continues to inherit the architectural and urban development transformations of various periods. This article, through a comparative study of urban structures, public and private buildings, and the cultural-religious influences on urban development in these two historical periods, seeks to answer how the city of Hegmataneh transformed into Islamic Hamadan and what fundamental factors led to the changes in its urban planning and architecture. This research adopts a descriptive-analytical and field-based approach, utilizing library resources to conduct a comparative analysis of the ancient city of Hegmataneh and contemporary Hamadan from the perspective of architecture and urban planning. The aim of this research is to analyze the differences and similarities in architecture, urban planning, and social changes between these two cities over time. By providing a comparative study of the urban planning patterns and architectural structures of Hegmataneh and Islamic Hamadan, this paper attempts to explain the influence of cultural and religious factors on urban development. Furthermore, it addresses contemporary challenges in the preservation and utilization of this historical heritage. The results of this study indicate that cultural and religious influences played a decisive role in shaping the identity of Islamic Hamadan and transforming its architectural patterns.Keywords: Hegmataneh, Hamadan, Islamic architecture, urban planning, comparative studies, ancient Iran, cultural heritage.