Abstract:
Problem statement: The meaning of a place is a factor that distinguishes that particular place from other places and spaces. The meaning of place can be examined from two aspects: mental and objective or physical dimensions. The purpose of this study is to explain the meaning in the architecture of religious buildings of the Safavid period of Isfahan, using the analysis of physical features of their architectural space. Research objectives: The present study seeks to answer the central question which of the mosque spaces has more meaning in physical terms and what is the reason for the significance of mosque spaces? For this purpose, among the historical periods, the Safavid period, which has semantic values and among the religious buildings, the Ali Mosque of Isfahan, which is used for prayers, was selected as a case study. Research method: The research method in the present study is descriptive-analytical. Its analysis method also uses space Syntax method, analysis of interviews by protege software and statistical analysis by Spss 22 software and analysis of architectural morphological components such as integration , permeability, variety, intelligibility, transparency, scale and proportion, flexibility and spatial unity in different spaces of Ali Mosque. Conclusion: After analyzing the maps by “DepthMap” software, distributing and analyzing the questionnaire and interviewing the statistical population, it was concluded that the yard due to the location between other spaces and establishing communication and access to them in addition to transparency and continuity. Visual vision has a higher degree of integration. Among the spaces of the mosque, the users of Ali Mosque consider the courtyard to have physical components, through which the space is called meaningful. The achievements of this research can be used in designing meaningful architecture according to its physical components and in designing new mosques according to new requirements and needs.