SAQA NEFARS: A HISTORICAL WOODEN STRUCTURE IN THE VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF IRAN

The vernacular buildings in Mazandaran, one of the northern states of Iran, which are called Saqa Nefar, can be construed as religious structures that are the outcome of the evolvement of construction techniques over thousands of years. Saqa Nefars optimised the use of materials, and were designed in accordance with the climatic considerations, the requisites of Shi'a Islam, and the cultural heritage of the people who live in this region. In this study, the type of traditional wooden buildings used as religious structures in Mazandaran are introduced and their features are discussed. The study is based on documentation and descriptive analysis of the architectural and religious aspects of these wooden constructions in respect of their classification. In addition, the application of certain techniques in respect of the existing environmental parameters in the design of these buildings is taken into consideration. Dependent upon the availability of the information and access to the remaining structures, the author chose some historical sites to determine the current condition of the buildings and their exact functions based on observational studies.