The Centre for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia published: “Vernacular Architecture of the Northern Shores and Ports of the Persian Gulf”

7/20/2025 09:55

The book “Vernacular Architecture of the Northern Shores and Ports of the Persian Gulf,” authored by Niloofar Nik-Qadam, has been published by the Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia (Center for Iranian and Islamic Studies).

CGIE: The book begins with a foreword by Kāẓim Mūsavī Bojnurdī, the CEO of the Centre for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia (CGIE), in which he states: ‘Fortunately, in recent years, studies and research on the Persian Gulf’s shores have increased, raising hope that the civilizational and cultural profile of this important body of water and its connected lands—and its significant role in Iranian culture and civilization—will become even clearer. What adds to the importance of this topic is the discovery of remarkable artistic and historical connections throughout Iranian lands, showing that, despite diversity, all have been like ‘parts of one body.’

In the preface, the author, Niloofar Nik-Qadam, notes: The strategic position of the northern coast of the Persian Gulf has led to the construction of many different buildings throughout various historical periods, including religious, military, residential, and public structures. Due to the harsh climate, many of these buildings have suffered erosion and destruction, leaving only a few today. This book introduces native houses and historical buildings in cities, ports, and islands from the northern shore of the Persian Gulf to the southern slopes of the Zagros Mountains, covering four southern provinces: Bushehr, Hormozgan, and the southern parts of Khuzestan and Fars, across a broad historical period. The region’s intense heat and humidity have greatly influenced its architecture, with the main architectural goals being to moderate the temperature and humidity. These goals have led to features like creating shade, minimizing sunlight and heat inside buildings, and using natural airflow—defining the region’s architectural character.

Those interested in obtaining the book, which is 224 pages, published in 500 copies, and priced at 4,500,000 Rials, can do so through the following methods:

• Visit the CGIE Bookshop at No. 210, Pūr-Ibtihāj Avenue, Shahīd Bāhonar Square (Nīāvarān), Tehran - Iran
• Order Online at store.cgie.org.ir
• Call +98 21222976-77 and +98 9123931836