Local Cultures – Global Spaces
Abstract
Attempts to make a junction between identity and modernity in the 19th-century architecture of Iran have left this question unanswered: Is “Westernization” the sole narration of modernization in the architecture of Iran?? A review of primary sources and architectural evidence of the Qajar era (1789-1925) proves otherwise: it was shaped by alternative narratives in defining modernization far from those prevalent in the West. To assert this claim, the research investigates the 19th-century architecture of Azerbaijan, where the Qajar ruler invested abundantly in modernizing the built environment through architecture. The general approach of this research to theory development is an abductive analysis of data with a bottom-up and iterative, interactive, and comparative approach to create a theory. The Qualitative-Quantitative mixed methodology is used for data gathering and analysis. In the article’s first part, the Russo-Persian War is considered the most important factor in arousing the need to start the process of modernity in Iranian architecture. The second part examines important military, administrative, and residential buildings. It is demonstrated that Iranian architecture of the time was influenced by a suite of complete yet interrelated factors from both within and outside. In the end, the article suggests an alternative model for defining modernity in light of Iranian early modern architecture.
Mohammad Sheykhi holds a Master’s degree in Architectural Studies from Tehran University, Iran, and graduated from the University of Urmia, Iran (Bachelor of Architecture). His research focuses on “Alternative Narratives of Modernization in Iran”. The primary objective of his research is to examine the influence of modernity on urban design and architecture within the context of Iran. He has several articles that are published or ready to be submitted. Also many other research, teaching, and designing experiences.
Dr Peyman Akhgar is a Lecturer in Architecture and Design at Griffith University, Australia, and Treasurer of the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand. He graduated from Shahid Bahonar University (Bachelor of Architecture) and Politecnico di Milano University (Master of Science in Architecture). Starting his PhD at the University of Queensland in 2017, he engaged in critical writing about everyday urbanism and design, space, place, people and cultural identity. His writings have been extensively published in leading journals, such as the Journal of Architecture, Fabrication Journal, and Architecture Australia Magazine, and he has presented his research at more than a dozen international conferences in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, France, Poland, and the UK. Peyman has also coordinated undergraduate and postgraduate design and research courses at UQ and Griffith University focusing on retrofitting contemporary cities, resilient communities and placemaking.;
Karine Dupre, Architecture Professor at Griffith University, Griffith Institute for Tourism Cluster Leader, Strategy leader with a passion to facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration and empowerment through social design. SAFA registered architect, accredited designer at the Design Institute of Australia and affiliate to the Planning Institute of Australia. Leader in social design with specialisation in regional and tourism development, specifically in Queensland and outback communities. Has considerable experience in various aspects of valuation of architecture, urban design and planning, tourism and their use to translate research into practice through decision-making, participation and design-solving. Real team-player.