Ancient pigeon houses: Remarkable example of the Asian culture crystallized in the architecture of Iran and central Anatolia

Abstract

Architectural heritage is considered a fundamental issue in the life of modern societies. In addition to their historical interest, cultural heritage buildings are valuable because they contribute significantly to the economy by providing key attractions at a time when tourism and leisure are major industries. The need for preserving historical constructions is thus not only a cultural requirement, but also an economical and developmental demand. Herein, among different Iranian heritage buildings, pigeon towers, or dovecotes, are of a great importance. Hundreds of dovecotes, dating largely to the Safavid period, dot the fields in the vicinity of Isfahan.On the other hand, valleys formed by creeks in central parts of Anatolia seem to have offered suitable environments for ancient settlements. Cappadocia region and two valleys nearby the town of Gesi accommodate a number of villages surrounded by hundreds of dove cotes in different types. This paper investigates different types of dovecotes in Iran plateau and Central Anatolia, Turkey. The results show there is a fundamental difference between the structures of dovecotes in these two countries. However, ancient dovecotes in Iran and Central Anatolia can be considered good examples of 'architecture without architects' or ' spectacular vernacular architecture'. Master builders who designed and constructed these buildings for such a simple function, created impressive forms without much pretension and bringing forth the tectonic aspects of the art of architecture.

Effects of Sunlight and Shadow on the Surfaces of Pigeon Towers in Central Asia: Case Studies in Iran, Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia

“…Unfired clay brick and glazed brick constitute the main materials used with utmost delicacy and creativity in building pigeon towers. Wooden beams have been also used in the structure of pigeon towers to increase their lateral and axial strengths (Bourgeois & Pelos, 1983;Amirkhani et al, 2010;Mattewes, 1951). Pigeon towers in Central Asia have square, rectangular, circular or multiple plans.…”

“…Indigenous materials were used in pigeon towers to meet the requirements of hot and dry or humid climates (Rafiei, 1974;Damirchi, 2004;Mirdanesh, 2007;Bourgeois & Pelos, 1983). Pigeon towers in Iran were divided into eight groups by their physical structure (Amirkhani et al, 2010). Five out of these eight forms still exist.…”

Transcriptome resequencing data for rock pigeon (Columba livia)

“…In Iran, due to several reasons such as decoration, food source and dry droppings pigeons have been considered for many years. Ancient pigeon houses (pigeon towers) in Iran plateau are an interesting historical example of pigeon production [ 3 ]. Next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have revolutionized the DNA sequencing.…”

Architecture as symbolic reverence for nature: case studies: Seed Cathedral – 21st Century and Pigeons’ Monastery – 16th Century

“…The exterior wall which is usually tapered and made by the combination of brick, straw clay, lime plaster, and gypsum requires a thickness of 4 to 5 feet [6]. The access/circulation space needs a width of about 10 feet.…”