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Sarabi M. Reconstruction of Khanqah Rashidi and Identification of Its Location Based on Geophysical Analysis of the Large Structure's Plan on the Eastern Hill of Rab'-e Rashidi. JRA 2024; 10 (1) :119-131
URL: http://jra-tabriziau.ir/article-1-432-en.html

The Rashidiyya township in the northeast of Tabriz was constructed by the order of Khawaja Rashid al-Din Fazlollah Hamadani (7th-8th AH / 13th-14th CE). This township included two main sections: the central core and the Rashidi district. Unfortunately, this architectural complex suffered significant damage and destruction due to devastating earthquakes and governmental wars in Tabriz over various periods. Therefore, the existing documents for understanding the architectural structure and location of this complex are primarily limited to the Rab'e Rashidi endowment deed (Waqf-nameh) and archaeological findings. One of the central components of Rab'e Rashidi was the Khanqah.The main objective of the current research is to understand the architectural structure of the Khanqah and propose a preliminary plan based on the descriptions found in the endowment deed. Another aim of this study is to determine the probable location of the Khanqah within the historical site of Rab'e Rashidi.This article is a fundamental research study that begins by relying on the endowment deed of Rab'e Rashidi. Through content analysis, logical inference, and comparison with a similar surviving structure from the same period, the architectural plan of the Khanqah is reconstructed. Subsequently, based on archaeological data, the probable location of the Khanqah within the Rab'e Rashidi cultural heritage site is identified.The research findings demonstrate that the architectural plan of Rashidi Khanqah aligns with that of Chalabi Oghlou Khanqah in Soltaniyeh from the 8th century AH (14th century CE). However, Rashidi Khanqah was designed primarily as a residential space and was constructed without a mausoleum, contrasting with Chalabi Oghlou Khanqah which served religious and residential functions and included a mausoleum. These similarities suggest that the typical plan of Ilkhanid Khanqahs possibly included two stories, featuring a central courtyard with north and south iwans, halls on both sides, and chambers (rooms) surrounding the courtyard. Furthermore, based on geophysical studies and analyses conducted, the probable location of Rashidi Khanqah may be close to a structure discovered on the southeastern perimeter of the archaeological site of Rab'e Rashidi, dating back to the 8th century AH (14th century CE) according to researchers' estimations.