Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, University of Tehran
Abstract
Looking at the history of Mashhad, it is noted that this city had been frequently invaded; therefore the construction of fortifications and guarding towers was essential for its protection against the attacks of enemies.
Most geographers, tourists and military-political agents of foreign states have described Mashhad only in terms of its general appearance, and they have at most enumerated its defensive characteristics.
Among various reports, sometimes we find the physical tissue of the city, which was disorganized, and we notice the street as the only public and important passage built on a regular basis. Considering the political-defensive role of Mashhad and the establishment of the governor or ruler of the whole region in this city, it is noticed that in addition to physical prominence of the shrine of Imam Reza, the governor's palace which was usually located in the Ark of this city, has been also distinctive in comparison with other urban structures.