World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 71 2012

Masouleh: A City; a History

Mahshid Kakouei, Mina Kakouei, Kumaran Suberamanian, Sabzali Musa Kahn, Afshin Jahangirzadeh, and
Shatirah Akib

design of Masouleh traditional architecture pattern are

Abstract—Human always tried to create a suitable situation for estimated; these factors are included the resourceful use of
their life according to environmental conditions. In fact, geography indigenous materials, to careful consideration of function,
has an important role in the shape of our living area. Iran also as a climate and location, also with less waste of energy.
four-season country has different climate type: hot and humid, hot
and dry, mid and humid, and cold; therefore, we can find different
architecture styles in Iran. Gilan’s traditional architecture is a II. STUDY AREA
suitable sample of sustainable construction in Iran. Because the main Gilan is a Northern Province of Iran which is located in the
factors of every dwelling are the climatic, social, economic and Southern west of the Caspian Sea; Gilan is divided into three
cultural effects which demonstrate the interaction between parts based on the nature: The eastern is plain, Central is
environment and people settlement.
forest and Western is mountainous [8], [9], [10]. The
This paper was determined the interaction between environmental
factors and the rural dwellings in the Gilan province. Also, traditional existence of rain-bearing winds of north and western north,
village (city) of Masouleh as a rare sample of rural and sustainable Alborz mountain ranges in the south and the Caspian Sea in
architecture was introduced. the north have amounted to particular climate in the north of
Iran with heavy rains, high humidity, hot summer and cold
Keywords—Masouleh, Traditional architecture, vernacular winter.
materials, sustainable architecture
A. Climatic Effects on Gilan Architecture
I. INTRODUCTION Gilan residences life style is totally different from other

T HE remained monuments are witnesses a contradiction parts of Iran, because of the specific climate condition [5],
between the residents and climatic problems. Because of [11]. Therefore, traditional architecture of this region has
this, there are different native architectures in various climate reached some solution to this climate situation to provide
and culture throughout the world. In Iran, as a result of the peace and comfortable for dwellers along with living, social
different geographical parts and culture, there are several and cultural factors. As a result of climatic condition, there are
vernacular architectures. Furthermore, Gilan`s rural several architectural characteristics such as air condition,
architecture mirrors its settlements` interaction with the spatial characteristics and materials.
environment, social and economic status, and also worldview, One of the most suitable climate solutions of traditional
artistic talents and technical building skills [1]. Thus Gilan is a houses in Gilan for using the ventilation is appropriate
suitable case study for traditional architecture investigation. orientation and the height of building. With the linear
Different studies were done about arid and mountainous expansion of the building in east-west direction, the
traditional architecture of Iran [2], but limited experts pay inhabitants enjoyed enough sunlight and local airflow. Thus,
attention to Gilan with the specific climate and architecture. balcony (Fakoon) was built in one or several faces of the
The most common subject of Gilan studies have been the building in order to prevent rain from hitting the building
environmental, social, anthropology and cultural body [4], [7].
investigations [3], [4]. However, few researchers have been Because of continuity and severity of rain, the roofs of
studied about traditional architecture in some part of Gilan [5] traditional houses were built with two or four slopes. In some
and the sustainability reasons of this structure pattern [6], [7]. places there are strong winds which those parts are completely
Based on this, Masouleh as a unique style of Gilan`s closed by a long roof. The space between sloped roof and
architecture was selected. upper floor roof caused the air to flow and the humidity to
All in all, the purpose of this paper is investigation of green decrease in warm season. Also, since this space is usually
architecture in Masouleh. Also, involved factors in successful filled with hay in cold season, it functions as insulation
against cold [12], [5].
As a result of high humidity, wet soil and overwhelming
M. K. is with the Indian studies Department, University Malaya, Kuala
rivers, houses have been built in two storeys to avoid the
Lumpur 50603 (phone: +60176369916; e-mail: Kakouei_mahshid@
yahoo.com). penetration of land moisture into the houses. The foundation
M. K. is with Conservation Institute of Malek, museum of Tehran, Iran. area was built with wood in plain area and was used stones.
K. S. is with the Indian studies Department, University Malaya, Kuala However, there are some differences between the height of
Lumpur 5060.
S. M. K. is with the Culture center Department, University Malaya, Kuala foundation in different parts of Gilan; for example, because of
Lumpur 5060. the surface of groundwater and sticking soil, the houses are
J. A. is with the University of Malaya, Student, CO 50603 Malaysia. made in 100-150 cm above the grand land; while this height is
A. S. is with the University of Malaya, Lecturer, CO 50603 Malaysia.

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lower in forest part about 80-120 cm [5], [13] (Fig. 1). range with peculiar architecture of its own. Spread over 100
On the other hand, as a result of different climate condition hectares, Masouleh is located at the southern end of the humid
in mountainous areas, architecture typology is completely Caspian Sea in a river valley. This city is 1050 meters above
different from the plain areas; for instance, the houses are sea-level. Because of the beauty of nature and unique
located in the hearts of mountains, including Roodbar, traditional architecture of Masouleh, the village was registered
Masouleh and Deylaman which have staircase structure. In as a national monument in 1975 with the number of 1090 (Fig.
addition, the wooden roofs of these houses are flat and 2) [14].
customary are used adobe, stone and mud to build the houses.
Consequently, the livelihood and dwelling style of rural
families has adapted to climatic strategies after many years
leading to harmony in the architecture of rural houses and
sustainability of this structure.

Fig. 2 Arial photograph of Masouleh

B. Climatic Condition of Masouleh

Being close to sea, Masouleh is located in a mountainous
and high altitude region. Hence, its climate is a blend of mild
mountainous weather (winter) and humid coastal climate
(summer).Because of the heavy rain, the relatively humid is
87% in this village. Rainfall is generally around 700
millimeters and snow is 800 millimeters per year [15]. Forests
and mountain have created a beautiful landscape for whole
seasons of Masouleh.
C. Historical Background
Masouleh in local language was named Khoortab Khani
(Xortāb Xāni), Bishatol Baghar (Biša-tol-baqar ) and Masalar
(Māsālār). Based on the traditional anecdote, this village had
located in near Masalar Mountain, thus village `s name change
to Masouleh during the years. The date of Old Masouleh back
to 8th century (After Hegira) as excavation on ancient site. In
addition, new Masouleh was made in near ruined city after
outbreak of plague (1565) in Old Masouleh [16].
Fig. 1 The sample of height expansion houses in Gilan
D.Characterization of Masouleh Houses
III. DESCRIPTION OF MASOULEH AND ENVIRONMENTAL 1. Architecture Characteristic
CONDITION Since Masouleh is built on a steep hill, a unique
architecture is used for its construction. The houses form rows
For years, Masouleh has been an obvious type in fantastic
of huge steps and each house roof is the yard for the house in
harmony between nature and human. This historic town as a
the upper row. Courtyards and roofs both serve as pedestrian
national relic is an obvious type of the historic habituate of
areas similar to streets. In the other words, when we cross a
mankind. The influence of culture from one side and the
road, we are actually walking on the rooftops of the other
nature from other side are the creature of specific architecture
houses. This way it is the most unique village in Iran with
and urban development in Masouleh. By this order, in a
such prohibition, actually the narrow streets and many stairs
continuous and constant cooperation, it has created wonderful
also would not make it possible for vehicle to enter (Fig. 3).
dynamism in historic lifetime of Masouleh.
A. Geographic Condition
Masouleh is a Beautiful village near the Alborz mountain

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Fig. 3 Access routes and allays in Masouleh Fig. 5 The location of Bazar in Masouleh

At the moment, there are more than 350 residential units. 3. Functional Spaces in Masouleh Architecture
The 70% of houses are two-floor high, such that one- storey, The formation of traditional houses is normally made by
and three- storey houses are rare. room, entrance, corridor, staircase, Chghm, Soumeh (Svmh)
Bazar of Masouleh is seven- storey and there are 120 shops and storage. Dimension of smallest house in Masouleh is 60
in there (Fig. 4). m2 and the greatest one is 300 m2.
In multi- storey houses, the upper floors which are free
from the moisture are suitable places for the habitation of the
dwellers. These floors are included rooms and balcony.
Corridor (Daalan) is a functional factor in traditional houses
of Masouleh. In one- storey houses, Daalan has a conjunctive
space function which called Chghm. In two and three- storeys,
the spaces near the corridor were allocated to livestock spaces
such as stable, yarn, foodstuff storage places, also bathroom,
toilet and staircase. Staircase is also generally made by wood
and is connected to Chghm.
In this architecture, the upper floor consists of some rooms
allocated to dwellers living space. Rooms, according to the
dimensions, location and the number of windows have
Fig. 4 The main financial part of Masouleh, Bazar different name; the great one called Pilla Ke, the small one
called Rooke, the upper one called Jera Ke, the down one
o Anatomy of Masouleh City called Kafi Ke and the middle one called Mena Ke. In
Masouleh generally is divided to six parts, five districts and addition, rooms have one, two and three windows called Ie
one market. The districts of Masouleh are known as Khaneh Baria Ke, Du Baria Ke and Se Baria Ke respectively. In the
Bar, Kashteh Sar, Asad Mahalleh, Masjed Bar and Reyhaneh other words, the houses with window called Baria Ke (Fig. 6)
Bar. Also, its market which is hub of trade has independently and those have Talar and balcony called Talare Ke (Fig. 7).
to each district (Fig. 5). Rooms, generally did not have any special function and
were used differently based on season and family`s
2. Orientation of Masouleh Houses requirement. The great room which commonly seen in the rich
Masouleh is located in the hearts of mountain and people`s house called Talar and allocated to guests. Talar is
mountainous cities should not located in down of valley; located behind the balcony.
because village not only face to flood, but also is suffered Balcony was located in one or more sun-facing sides of
from the cold weather at night. On the other hand, as a result building which was the place of daily activities such as
of cold and heavy wind, the village could not make on the top cooking, eating, doing house chores, living and even sleeping
of mountain. Therefore, the middle and south of foothill is the during some suitable months of year; while in the cold seasons
most suitable part for village construction. of the year these activities were transferred into the house.
With the expansion of Masouleh houses in south or south Also The hall where located behind the rooms or Talar in
west, the dwellers enjoyed enough sunlight in winter and local local language is called Soumeh, which is also the family
airflow in summer. winter quarter [7].

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stone were provided walls of other storeys (Fig. 9, 10).

Fig. 6 The sample of Baria Ke house

Fig. 7 The sample of Talar Ke house

4. Structural Elements of Masouleh Houses

The existence of rainforest because of humid and mild
climate, has led to utmost using of Local materials in Fig. 9 Ingredients of wall in Masouleh houses
vernacular architecture. Hence, wood, stones, wild ferns and
adobe were used as the main sources of building in Masouleh.
The foundation and basement were consist of thick lumbers
and stones. The stones of foundation and basement were
avoided the penetration of land moisture into the houses and
absorb the warmth of sunlight during the day [8], [10], [17]
(Fig. 8).

Fig. 10 Adobe and stones were provided walls

Horizontal beams (Oak wood) were installed on the cradles
of the walls, also some other beams which called Kalile put in
as parallel as the horizontal beams to make roof; Kalile was
distribute the stress. As a next step, timbers (Beech wood)
were connected to the beams in each 20 or 30 centimeters.
Fig. 8 Basement was made by stone Then the crevices among the timber of floor were covered
Oak, Aspic, Zelkova Carpinifolia, Elm, Maple, Linden, with cob, wild fern and Fal-gel with 8%-10% slope; wild ferns
Alder and Walnut are commonly in use for foundation, doors grow abundantly in Masouleh and acting as an insulator
and windows; because, they have enough resistance against against water. Also Fal- gel is a common plaster which is
humidity and termite invasions. mixture of clay, shattered rice stalk and water; shattered rice
After making the foundation, wooden column were erected stalk should not be longer than 10 centimeters (Fig. 11).
and installed on the beams of the foundation. Columns with
the upper beam were made a frame for the rooms. In first
storey, the space between the columns was covered with
stone. Then adobe (30×30×8) (in diagonal directions) and

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Fig. 13 The sample of Window in Masouleh houses

E. Destruction of Historical Construction

The depreciation of essence and spirit of Masouleh during
these 50 years is noticeable. After Manjil earthquake in 1990,
400 units of Masouleh houses were reduced to 100 residential
building which 90% of these 100 houses suffered from serious
destructions. Also, after 1990, 15% of traditional doors and
Fig. 11 The structure of roof at first until the end windows were remained. In reconstruction done by the
government, 250 new houses with modern technology and
5. Façade building materials were made during the last 10 years. In fact,
Beautification and ornamentation in Masouleh houses are the main reason of devaluation of Masouleh historical value is
wooden and muddy whether are used in balconies or doors the use of modern technology and changing the staircase style
and windows. Depending on the residences` economic of Masouleh structure in new construction (Fig. 14).
condition, parapets are simple or complex.
Based on the Masouleh weather, yellow clay coats the
exterior of most buildings in Masouleh, which provide the
chance for better visibility in the fog.
Often tree trunks are used as elements not only for the
structural use, but also for decorative components as doors
and windows [10]. Doors in Masouleh houses are made in
different way; the most common variety of doors in Masouleh
are single-leaf doors and double-leaf doors. Standard door size
in residential houses is 70 centimeter wide and 160-170 high,
but the door of some houses has 170 width and 200 centimeter
height for transportation of domestic animals (Fig. 12).

Fig. 14 New construction in staircase structure of Masouleh

Fig. 12 The sample of door in Masouleh houses
On the other hand, Villagers` dwelling pattern is changing
Windows were made in single (Ie Baria), double (Doo with time due to penetration of urban culture through mass
Baria) and triplex (Se Baria) types. Windows also have an media. Therefore, during last 60 years, Masouleh population
aesthetic role and craftsmen use the geometric and especially has decreased from 3500 to 900. This shows descending
circle motif for establishment [18] (Fig. 13). history progress of this ancient town (Fig. 15).
One of the important problems caused a lot of concern
among cultural heritage experts is the construction of villas
and residential settlements by non-domestic people in this

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historical village, which has intruded the cultural landscape houses. In addition, this policy will increase the construction
and historical texture of this national heritage site. of sustainable houses and will lead to appropriate
Furthermore, the road construction project for widening the developments in future.
road of Fouman to Masouleh is another problem, because it is
located in cultural landscape. REFERENCES
Historic village of Masouleh is the first Iranian city which [1] H.l. Rabino, “Les provinces caspiennes de la Perse. Le Guîlân,” (Trans.)
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[2] Sh. Khodabakhshi, M. Mofidi, “Sustainability construction in Iran
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[8] V. Ghobadian, “Climatic investigation of Iran traditional buildings,”
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[9] A. Farajollahi, “structural analysis on indigenous architecture of Gilan,
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[10] Gh. Memarian, “Residential architecture of Iran (outward oriented
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human and nature” Arch. urban P.L. J, Vol.24, Pp.4, 1993.
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[16] Z. Maraashi, “History of Gilan and Deylamestan,” Tehran: Manoochehr
Fig. 15 Old Masouleh and new Masouleh Sotoodeh, 1968, Pp. 392-393.
[17] Shokoohi Raad, H. (2005), Gilan indigenous architecture, the sample of
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IV. CONCLUSION 23.
Human, throughout the years, has lived compatible with [18] M.K. Pirnia, “Iran Islamic architecture,” Tehran: University of Science
and Technology, 2003, Pp. 347.
nature, creating an extraordinary habitat and architecture. In
fact, indigenous material and traditional dwelling pattern of
Masouleh is made it a unique model of outward oriented
architecture.
In this type of architecture, vernacular materials such as
wood, clay, stone and plants have been the most popular
ingredients and are in harmony with the environment. Also,
Masouleh’s architecture has had an appropriate orientation of
structure in relation to wind and sunlight, which has led to
create the balcony and Soumeh for summer and winter,
respectively; balcony provides ventilation in summer and
spring, also Soumeh was disconnected inside house from utter
side of the building reducing the waste of energy. This
concept is an important concern for the modern architecture.
Restoring the principle of region architecture based on
climatic conditions and the relationship of dwelling spaces is
the most important part of preserving. Therefore, attention of
experts to basic principles of this traditional architecture in
later development is necessary. Reconstruction by use of
indigenous technology and building materials encourage the
local people to pay attention to conservation of their own

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