Explanation of the historical dynamic analysis model of business trips with a focus on Safavid era caravanserais

Problem statement: 

Caravanserais are among the most important types of historical architecture that have played a major role in trade. Among the main uses of Caravanserais, we can mention security about trips, temporary accommodation for passers-by, storage of goods for merchants, and taking care of their animals along their routes. Many researchers have paid attention to caravansaries structure, unless expanding cliodynamics in historical analysis, it wasn’t possible to find proportions between physical features of caravansaries and social behaviors about caravansaries. So this research tries to answer the current question: how can the physical spaces of Caravanserais influence preferences of business trips?

Therefore, the present article aims to propose a mathematical method that estimates business trip potentials relevant to caravansaries physical features.

This research is descriptive analysis method, using the library study and quantitative analysis. Also, in a case study, a quasi-experimental strategy was used with 3D simulations in 3D Max software and volumetric analysis in Rhino software. Within this context, an explanation of a formula, which has been tested in 16 case studies and 14 simulated trips. 

The results of this research have led to the explanation that Isfahan city in the Safavid era was the main destination of business trips, and the Kerman city was the origin of trips that lead to Isfahan. On the other hand, by paying more attention to the Silk Roadways, it became clear that the trade ring flowed from today’s Pakistan to Isfahan, and from this city to the northwest, northeast, and south of Iran.