University of Kashan Journal of Iranian Architecture Studies 2252-0635 13 26 2025 03 15 Fundamentals of Conserving Settlements Related to Historic Gardens in Birjand Fundamentals of Conserving Settlements Related to Historic Gardens in Birjand 127 158 114791 10.22052/jias.2025.256247.1362 FA Maryam Rezaeipour Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Urban Planning, NT.C. Islamic Azad University Mohammadreza Farzad Behtash Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, NT.C. Islamic Azad University 0000-0002-6681-7262 Hamidreza Sabbaghi Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, NT.C. Islamic Azad University Alireza Anisi Associate Professor, the Research Center of Historical Buildings and Fabrics, the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Journal Article 2024 11 04 A number of settlements that were formed and developed in the proximity of historical gardens maintained a historical connection with said gardens. It can be stated that the social, physical, cultural, and economic life of these settlements was intertwined with the historical gardens surrounding them. The existence of numerous rural settlements in the proximity of historic gardens in the Birjand region allows for the study of the relationship between these settlements and the historic gardens. The connection between settlements and historic gardens is a rarely discussed subject. These settlements in the Birjand region, along with historic gardens and other remaining components and elements, formed a cohesive and interconnected totality. Thus, it is necessary to protect these settlements, which are at risk of destruction in numerous cases, as they hold historic, social, economic, and cultural value. Given the difficulties of protecting these settlements due to the multi-faceted and sometimes irreversible issues, this study employs four international documents that could prove reliable as an initial basis for protection. Moreover, a number of matters that seemed necessary in the protection of these settlements were processed by referring to historical sources, field observations, and analyzing historical narratives of the settlement inhabitants who had real-life experiences from the 60s and 70s. Therefore, this study combines interpretation, observation, and narrative analysis in its methodology. The findings indicate the existence of at least three types of settlements in the Birjand region that have experienced different damages despite their similarities. These settlements fall into four categories based on the type and severity of damage. The damages inflicted on the Kalatehs (small villages) are considerable, as these settlements inherently derived their life from historical gardens and were heavily dependent on the ruling feudal landlord. Thus, the life-giving conservation approach, which largely involves restoration and revival measures, is recommended for these types of settlements. Conversely, protective measures such as maintenance and empowerment are suggested for rural settlements that existed prior to the formation of historical gardens and continue to maintain social and economic life. A number of settlements that were formed and developed in the proximity of historical gardens maintained a historical connection with said gardens. It can be stated that the social, physical, cultural, and economic life of these settlements was intertwined with the historical gardens surrounding them. The existence of numerous rural settlements in the proximity of historic gardens in the Birjand region allows for the study of the relationship between these settlements and the historic gardens. The connection between settlements and historic gardens is a rarely discussed subject. These settlements in the Birjand region, along with historic gardens and other remaining components and elements, formed a cohesive and interconnected totality. Thus, it is necessary to protect these settlements, which are at risk of destruction in numerous cases, as they hold historic, social, economic, and cultural value. Given the difficulties of protecting these settlements due to the multi-faceted and sometimes irreversible issues, this study employs four international documents that could prove reliable as an initial basis for protection. Moreover, a number of matters that seemed necessary in the protection of these settlements were processed by referring to historical sources, field observations, and analyzing historical narratives of the settlement inhabitants who had real-life experiences from the 60s and 70s. Therefore, this study combines interpretation, observation, and narrative analysis in its methodology. The findings indicate the existence of at least three types of settlements in the Birjand region that have experienced different damages despite their similarities. These settlements fall into four categories based on the type and severity of damage. The damages inflicted on the Kalatehs (small villages) are considerable, as these settlements inherently derived their life from historical gardens and were heavily dependent on the ruling feudal landlord. Thus, the life-giving conservation approach, which largely involves restoration and revival measures, is recommended for these types of settlements. Conversely, protective measures such as maintenance and empowerment are suggested for rural settlements that existed prior to the formation of historical gardens and continue to maintain social and economic life. https://jias.kashanu.ac.ir/article_114791_42f99bec700638e7eb05323b8a48db6b.pdf