University of Kashan Journal of Iranian Architecture Studies 2252-0635 13 25 2024 09 21 Safavid Square: Symbol of the Ruler's Vision and Character, From Royal Squares to Ganjali Khan Square Safavid Square: Symbol of the Ruler's Vision and Character, From Royal Squares to Ganjali Khan Square 119 144 114603 10.22052/jias.2024.253822.1260 FA Fariba Kermani Faculty Member of Research Institute of Cultural Heritage & Tourism Journal Article 2023 11 05 In Iranian cities, the governor's thinking and worldview have always impressed the formation of the city's physical spaces. From the beginning of the Safavid era, during the reign of Shah Tahmasb, the creation of royal complexes next to a wide square was on the agenda. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, we encountered urban design for the first time in the post-Islamic era. The preferred place for new construction was mainly outside the old cities or in a new place. The purposeful use of space and architecture production was considered to instill the opinion of power. The square was the most significant symbol and manifestation of power in the Safavid government, and the Safavid kings, especially Shah Abbas, demonstrated significant interest in creating magnificent squares; its shining point was Naqsh Jahan Square in Isfahan. This research is based on the hypothesis that the thought system of the Safavid had an impact on other parts of the country, too. After examining Qazvin and Naqshe Jahan Squares, this study focuses on Ganj Ali Khan Square in Kerman, the region's administrative center. Ganjali Khan Zik, the ruler Shah Abbas chose for Kerman, built Ganjali Khan Square and the complex. Inspired by this policy, the city of Kerman was revitalized. The construction site of the complex was in the center of the old city, differing from the methods of the Safavid kings. Many buildings were purchased and destroyed to make way for it. This article deals with the Safavid fields of Qazvin, Naqshejahan, and Ganjali Khan by reviewing documents, previous research, and field observations. It investigates the influence of motivation and the governor's belief in their construction, focusing on aspects such as space, architecture, usage, and rituals. By emphasizing Ganjali Khan Square and its complex, the article proves that architectural patterns and urban landscape were evolving at the same time as the policies of the Safavid government. It concludes that Ganjali Khan Square, despite its smaller proportions and different uses compared to Royal Squares, was a complete and unique example of Safavid period Squares and was influenced by Ganjali Khan's style. In Iranian cities, the governor's thinking and worldview have always impressed the formation of the city's physical spaces. From the beginning of the Safavid era, during the reign of Shah Tahmasb, the creation of royal complexes next to a wide square was on the agenda. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, we encountered urban design for the first time in the post-Islamic era. The preferred place for new construction was mainly outside the old cities or in a new place. The purposeful use of space and architecture production was considered to instill the opinion of power. The square was the most significant symbol and manifestation of power in the Safavid government, and the Safavid kings, especially Shah Abbas, demonstrated significant interest in creating magnificent squares; its shining point was Naqsh Jahan Square in Isfahan. This research is based on the hypothesis that the thought system of the Safavid had an impact on other parts of the country, too. After examining Qazvin and Naqshe Jahan Squares, this study focuses on Ganj Ali Khan Square in Kerman, the region's administrative center. Ganjali Khan Zik, the ruler Shah Abbas chose for Kerman, built Ganjali Khan Square and the complex. Inspired by this policy, the city of Kerman was revitalized. The construction site of the complex was in the center of the old city, differing from the methods of the Safavid kings. Many buildings were purchased and destroyed to make way for it. This article deals with the Safavid fields of Qazvin, Naqshejahan, and Ganjali Khan by reviewing documents, previous research, and field observations. It investigates the influence of motivation and the governor's belief in their construction, focusing on aspects such as space, architecture, usage, and rituals. By emphasizing Ganjali Khan Square and its complex, the article proves that architectural patterns and urban landscape were evolving at the same time as the policies of the Safavid government. It concludes that Ganjali Khan Square, despite its smaller proportions and different uses compared to Royal Squares, was a complete and unique example of Safavid period Squares and was influenced by Ganjali Khan's style. https://jias.kashanu.ac.ir/article_114603_e6a2c45b56b130bc7a41ad59be7f04a4.pdf