Investigating the Change in Urban Identity of Imam Khomeini (Toepkhaneh) Square in Tehran City

Urban identity is the birthplace of social inclinations within an urban structure which has its own shape and formation. Therefore, urban identity is a complex and multi-dimensional conception that derives from the history and culture of a city and also from the governing community of the city. Squares, as city-identity elements have gone through various changes in Iran during ages, which have led to changes in their functions and identity. This study examines the factors that have changed the multi-functional Imam Khomeini square as a Forum to a simple urban square. The method adopted in this research is a descriptive-analytical and historical method. Factors such as changing political, social and religious trends, the end of centrality of the square, the excessive traffic of vehicles, the disappearance of previous architectural magnificence and urban grandeur, the decrease in the activities of the people living there, all these factors have turned Imam Khomeini Forum (Toepkhaneh) into a simple urban square and hence vanished a major part of urban identity of this city.