Shaping Space: The Impact of Socio-cultural Practices on the Spatial Organization of Kharanaq Fort, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

Kharanaq Fort, a historic castle in Yazd, Iran, stands as a testament to the adaptive evolution of spatial organization shaped by centuries of socio-cultural transformation. This study aims to identify the impact of socio-cultural configuration of the community on the formation of the physical structure and the spatial organization of the fortress of Kharanaq village. From this perspective, the study questions whether social construct, cultural patterns and financial conditions have been effective in shaping the physical character of the fort or not, and if so, to what extent it has influenced the architectural characteristic of the fort; A fort that, in addition to its long history, it is also considered as one of the few completely inhabited forts (without a governing system) in Yazd and even Iran. The aim of this research is to introduce a unique example of vernacular architecture in Iran and delve into its deeper socio-cultural context, while addressing the mutual influence of the residents' socio-cultural behaviours and beliefs on the spatial organisation and the architectural characteristics of the fort. The data presented in this study is the result of extensive field works and visits of the village and the fort as well as, historical recourses available about the fort. Drawing on insights from archaeological excavations, field research, historical studies, and critical analysis of available texts, this article concludes that the fort's physical structure—shaped historically through a coherent design centred around a core nucleus—was essentially influenced by underlying social, cultural, and religious principles. Therefore, fully understanding its architecture requires a deep awareness of these guiding concepts, as the physical and conceptual elements are inseparably intertwined.