RE-DISCOVERING THE ORIGINAL FORM AND FUNCTION OF SHĪRĀZ TOOPKHĀNEH SQUARE BY HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS AND EXISTING EVIDENCE

The Arg or Toopkhāneh Square was an essential part of Karim Khān's citadel complex in his new capital, Shīrāz, Iran, in the mid-18th century, which was destroyed in the early 1920s. However, the studies conducted regarding its form and functions have not been accurate enough, and their hypotheses are inconsistent with reality. This paper calls into question previous studies and takes a new look at the design, geometry, and spatial relations of the Square in the days of the Zand dynasty (17511794) and studies the changes of the Square in the Qājār (1789-1925) and Pahlavi (1925-1979) eras. This study analyzed European travelogues and historical photographs with little existing evidence by applying a historical research method. The study revealed that the Arg, later named Toopkhāneh Square, was rectangular, about 130 by 185 meters, with an east-west orientation. The Arg square and its adjacent buildings should be considered a governmental-military open space with various internal relations. The architecture of the main gate and the Naqqāra Khāneh mansion were the prominent features of this Square, and its location has always been questionable. The previous studies did not have a correct understanding of the location of the Naqqāra Khāneh, the number of entrances to the Square, the height of the walls of the Square, as well as its layout. Finally, it is crucial to notice that The design of this Square differs from the example of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Safavid Isfahan and Toopkhāneh Square in Qājār Tehran.