Analysis of construction history, architectural form and function of the Topkhaneh gate in the course of developments of Naghshe Jahan Square during the Qaja

Naghshe Jahan Square is one of the most important urban spaces in Iranian architecture. Considering the interactivity of this square with the surrounding urban spaces, there has been a significant number of entries in different periods. Among these entrances is a gateway to the western side and near the Ali Qapu that its use, construction and architectural features have remained so far unknown. By examining this gateway, in general, it is possible to reveal some of the formal and functional changes of the square, and in particular, the construction history, architecture, and architectural features of the gate. So far, a number of scholars have done some research on the developments in the square. This research first explains the construction history, function and form of the western gateway architecture. The data from this research is a combination of documentary and field data. In this study, by examining descriptive and visual documents of various historical periods and checking the present status, the current position of the gateway and its past usage were determined. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the form and function of this gateway as well as the reason for its construction. Investigations revealed that during the Safavid period, the entrance to this gate was the entrance without a specific door. In the Qajar era, where a large part of the square use is devoted to military operations, in spaces connected to the gate on the western side, a military barrack is organized in the square of Chaharhouze and surrounding areas. This gate has been the pass way between the military barracks and Naghshe Jahan Square. In addition, by comparing the architectural features of this gate with other gates belonging to the Qajar period, the time of construction can be considered this period. This gate was destroyed during the first Pahlavi era and this part of the square has returned to its former shape.