Journal of Researches in Islamic Architecture

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Qazvin one of the main city in Safavid Era. This city is a capital of Iran in these era. Many of buildings in Qazvin at capital period was built the reign of Shah Tahmasp. At now these buildings and complex were destroyed and only a few evidence of them remain. Some of these demolitions have been so great that at least the existing signs of building and complex have been lost and their names can be seen only in historical texts and documents. One of these safavid Era elements in Qazvin which has been destroyed, is the main square of the city. The square in the capitals of the Safavid Era, was one of the important elements of government and in addition physical aspect, it was remarkable functional point of that. Past Studies of the Safavid city of Qazvin have attempted to depict the atmosphere of the royal city, especially during the era of greatness, although there are some differences in their final results. In some of these studies, the main square of safavid city is Sa’adat square (Meidān-e Saādat or Senke Maidan), which is mentioned simultaneously with the Meidān-i Asb-i Shāhī (Atmeidan). Sa’adat square is the subject of this article. There is no detailed study or paper about Sa’adat square independently with analyzing all the evidence. This square is often mentioned during the study of the safavid city of Qazvin. As a result studying and identify the historical evolution of the square highlighted the need for a more detailed study about that. The physical condition of this square, as well as located and how it relates to the Meidān-i Asb-i Shāhī, has formed the general structure of this research. This study, tries to provide a show of the situation of Sa’adat square by examining and analyzing historical documents, physical evidence and especially existing historical descriptions. In addition to these studies, field surveys have also been considered and physical evidences around the market (Bazar) and the square area have been studied. In addition to addressing the physical and functional condition of the square in the Safavid era, the historical evolution of the square in the Qajar and Pahlavi eras has been reviewed. The interaction and relationship between the main square of Safavid Qazvin with other key elements of the city and the area of Qazvin Bazaar and its elements have been studied. According to the results, Sa’adat square is a public urban square, along with the bazaar and other key elements, has also been a place of representation of the Shah's policies and meetings. The location of this square, although presented with two possibilities, seems to be more filled later by Qazvin Bazaar and its constructions. It should be noted that an accurate and definite understanding of the location, dimensions, shape and characteristics of the square requires field studies and especially archaeological excavation that must be considered.