The Understanding of the ‘Maidan’ Based on Its Semantic Gestures

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of the ‘maidan’ (the Persian square) in the Iranian context, by pondering the word ‘maidan’ and the different aspects of its meanings. To do so, we draw upon Persian dictionaries and historical texts and explore the meanings of ‘maidan’ using linguistics techniques – such as discovering semantic fields, conceptual relationships, and metaphors – and interpretive research methods. The semantics of the maidan has evolved throughout history. Having found its origins, meanings, compounds, related concepts (synonyms, collocations, contrasts), and metaphors, we have placed ‘maidan’ within its conceptual network and then interpreted its nature in this context. Moreover, we have explored the history of its concept based on the changes in its conceptual network throughout history. The results of this research show that the maidan as a public space involves various semantic fields implying its numerous functions and forms and clarifying its roles, and at the same time demonstrating its flexibility. The maidan, in its most comprehensive sense, has been an open territory providing opportunities for a variety of events to take place: from trading as a quotidian activity, to special ceremonies and important annual festivals attended by rulers to demonstrate their power. It has been a container providing the possibility for performing as well as watching the performers and the audience. The history if the maidan is one of evolution from that of people as mere spectators into that of people as role-players in the public domain.