A Critique of Modern Shohada Square Based on the Principels of Islamic Iranian Urbanism

Squares as urban spaces are the arena for people formed by physical proportions and variety of functions such as religious, commercial, cultural, etc. Shohada square as a focal point in Mashhad , is one of the main arteries of access to Holly shrine of Imam Reza and makes access to utilities and major axes . According to the former urban pattern and its position in the traditional context of surrounding neighborhoods, access to the Holy shrine plays the memorial and historical role, that presents a very important position of the square. This paper clearly states that Esfahan school characteristics such as unity, diversity and balance, are an appropriate pattern for design and evaluation of urban spaces that can be used for reconstruction of old squares on historical context. The results showed that this pattern does not comply fully with Shohada square and modern architecture is visible in it. Also, serious damage has struck to the identity of the Shohada square by physical transformation with absolutely modern pattern after neglect of strong position of relation between Razavi shrine and Shohada square and religious traditional context and history. Egregious physical duality of new and old context shows lack of attention due to religious and national culture and context oriented environment.