Cultural Dimensions Affecting the Formation of Ardabil City in the Safavid Period

An analysis of physical transitions of Ardabil City, an important sample of historical cities of Iran with its unique characteristics, requires a comprehensive research. During the Safavid period, this city turned out to be the cultural origin of the Safavid government and became the source of inspiration for the changes in other cities of Iran that rooted in the culture originally formed in Ardabil. The present study aims to study the cultural patterns of the Safavid era on the formation of cities with an emphasis on the city of Ardabil. To this end, based on Canter’s conceptual model of Facets of Place, the components of the location were analyzed first; next, the characteristics of the Safavid era urbanization and the cultural factors and patterns influencing the formation of the culture of Ardabil City in the Safavid period have been investigated. The results of the studies indicate that the bazaar, as the center of activities and the formation of urban acts, has played a pivotal role in forming the city and its rituals. Sheikh Safi’s Tomb, as the origin of the Safavid dynasty has been indicative of the identity of the city as well. In addition, Friday Mosque that was constructed by the states along with the formation of the city has had a history of honor and it indicates the political, economic, and social majesty of Ardabil. These key constituents or facets have been influential in forming the physical structure and culture of the city.