Abstract:
The integrity and harmony of historic towns are mostly perceived as the result of gradual growth and accumulative-restorative developments. However, there is sufficient evidence that macro-scale urban projects were not unknown in the past, and some magnificent historic towns have been totally or partially formed by large-scale interventions in the urban fabric. The old city of Kerman is such a place. The history of Kerman is the repetition of the same old story of raid, destruction, and rising from the ruins. One of the worst disasters in the long history of Kerman is no doubt the invasion of the city by Âgâ Mohammad Khân Qajar, resulting in its total destruction and the massacre of its people. However, after a while, during the reign of Fath Ali Shah, plans for its reconstruction were made, and Ebrâhim Khân Zahir-o-Dole was appointed the governor of Kerman. The steps he undertook in order to revitalize the demolished city, were not a series of constructive-restorative projects, but a comprehensive master plan, which took into account all aspects that allow a city to function properly. His plan for Kerman involved policy making, demographic restoration, and reconstruction of the urban infrastructure.... This paper would analyze the reconstruction of Kerman in this period as an example of a comprehensive plan for urban development in a traditional society, a plan which simultaneously maintained the integrity and harmony of the old town.
Posted in
