Iranian Urban and Regional Caravanserais: Processes of Change and Strategies for Future Revitalization

Iranian caravanserais, recognized as part of UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2023, exhibit divergent evolutionary trajectories that challenge traditional conservation approaches. Regional caravanserais have transitioned into heritage and tourism destinations, while urban ones like the Vakil Caravanserai in Kerman have maintained commercial functionality through adaptive reuse. This study reveals that effective future conservation requires network-based, typology-sensitive strategies integrating heritage preservation, urban morphology, and adaptive reuse to sustain regional development and preserve the historical continuity of the Silk Roads. The research employs a historical-interpretative methodology, analyzing documentary sources, UNESCO documentation, historical maps, and architectural analysis to uncover these processes.

Abaee, M. (2026). Iranian Urban and Regional Caravanserais: Processes of Change and Strategies for Future Revitalization. Proceedings of the International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism-ICCAUA, 9(Special Issue 1), 2610542. https://doi.org/10.38027/iccaua2026en0542