The role of Islamic institution of Endowment in the formation and development of Islamic cities (The Case study historical context of Birjand city)

Endowment is considered kind of measure and balance of people’s beliefs heart during Islamic periods that significant rise in the religious community. Several factors have been effective to the formation of Islamic cities¡ and one of the important factors that have been significant role in shaping urban spaces are endowment ideas. Has long been endowment buildings¡ including utilities and public services¡ dedicated a major part of architecture texture of Islamic cities to itself¡ that establishment them leading to an increase in population¡ expansion and development of the cities. In fact¡ the consecrated buildings in the shaping and development of urban spaces during the Islamic period have had an undeniable impact. This research that has been done on the basis of descriptive- analytical studies¡ with data collection method and by library and field method; intends to expression the importance of endowment and various aspects of its influence on how the emergence of and expansion of Islamic cities and spatial structure¡ especially in the historic context of the Birjand city. The results show that in addition to significant factors such as political¡ economic¡ and environmental; endowment has been another important factor in the formation and development of the historic context of Birjand city. Make multiple endowed buildings as the core and central to satisfy the basic needs of the people in most areas of the historical context¡ reflects the fact that this location is out of form of a village in the late Safavid period¡ and in early Qajar period¡ increased endowment thought and create endowment structures is caused formation and expansion of historical context of Birjand.