INVESTIGATING THE CULTURAL ECOSYSTEM OF THE SARHAD AREA OF BALUCHESTAN BASED ON HOUSING INDICATORS

Torshabi, Karimbakhsh; Hasanpur, Mohammad

doi:10.22034/jsbs.2024.494363.1058

INVESTIGATING THE CULTURAL ECOSYSTEM OF THE SARHAD AREA OF BALUCHESTAN BASED ON HOUSING INDICATORS

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Karimbakhsh Torshabi ¹

Mohammad Hasanpur ²

¹ Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran.

² Department of Handicrafts, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran.

10.22034/jsbs.2024.494363.1058

Abstract

The Sarhad area, situated within the expansive province of Sistan and Baluchestan, is bounded by Sistan to the north, Makran to the south, Pakistan to the east, and Kerman to the west. The presence of the Zagros mountain range extension in this area has contributed to distinct climatic and environmental conditions, which have significantly shaped the cultural characteristics and subsistence systems of its inhabitants. In this context, the interplay between the local lifestyle, climatic conditions, and other socio-environmental factors has given rise to diverse forms of indigenous housing, including black tents (Siah Chador), hand-dug dwellings, and stone and adobe houses. These housing types are deeply intertwined with unique cultural practices, predominantly rooted in a nomadic way of life. Consequently, an examination of the cultural ecosystem of this area through the lens of housing indicators offers valuable insights into its cultural evolution and adaptation. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining field-based cultural research and oral history methodologies, to address the following research question: “How can indigenous architectural practices and their associated cultural indicators be leveraged to inform and enhance the future architectural development of the Sarhad area?” By analyzing the indigenous architectural structures of this area, it becomes possible to identify design principles and housing typologies that are not only aligned with the local culture, livelihood systems, and climatic conditions but also responsive to contemporary living requirements. Among the notable examples of indigenous architecture in Sarhad are black tents and hand-dug structures, which serve as effective models for temporary settlements and the creation of secure spaces for passive defense purposes. These traditional housing solutions demonstrate a profound understanding of environmental adaptation and resource efficiency, offering valuable lessons for sustainable architectural practices in similar contexts. This research underscores the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage into modern architectural frameworks, thereby fostering a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation in the urban and rural environments.

Keywords

Cultural Ecosystem

the Sarhad area

Baluchestan

Stone Housing

Hand-dug Housing

Black Tents

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