Typology Architecture of the Stone Caravanserais of the Seljuk Period in Qom Province

Abstract

The suburban caravanserai architecture, considering its environmental and climatic factors, has various patterns in Qom province. The study is related to the caravanserais of the Seljuk period which are limited in number and which have unique structures in terms of physical and architectural features. In Qom province, regardless of research carried out so far on suburban caravanserai architecture, there is still a dearth of studies for a complete understanding, and consequently no accurate typology has been provided for the caravanserai of Qom region yet. Therefore, the typology architecture of caravanserai in Seljuk period is important as a response to the question of what patterns have been followed and what materials were used for the construction? The purpose of this typology is to provide architects with specific patterns in construction. This is a qualitative study conducted through a descriptive-analytic method and sample observation. The samples were selected based on their construction period (i.e., Seljuk), research study and the suburban caravanserai of Qom. The data collection was through field survey and library documents. The results show that division and classification of the suburban caravanserai as regular quadrilateral (i.e., square or rectangle) followed the four-porch construction. This type of caravanserai has a variety of configurations with and without towers; special attention has been given to stone as the main construction material. The entrance to the caravanserai is simple and projects outward from the main façade. The caravanserais are decorated using construction materials that are separated by plaster work from the building façade. Keywords: