Analyzing the Chapar Khanehs and Post Offices along the Tehran-Anzali Route during the Qajar Period through the Examination of Historical Texts and Archaeological Findings

Abstract
The Qajar era marked a significant evolution in the diplomatic and commercial interactions between Iran and Russia. The trade routes connecting Tehran to Bandar Anzali, situated along the northern frontier, emerged as a crucial geopolitical conduit within Iran’s communication framework with both Russia and Europe. This thoroughfare served as a vital passage for monarchs, politicians, merchants, and affluent individuals from Iran and Europe. The exchanges facilitated by this route acquainted Iranians with global advancements, fostering a desire to enhance and modernize the chapar khanehs and newly-established post offices along the highway. While the origins of chapar khanehs can be traced back to antiquity, their functionality and role underwent significant transformation during the Qajar period, reflecting a strategic governmental approach to communication services that catered to various societal sectors and bolstered diplomatic ties. The objective of this study is to examine the chapar khanehs and post offices along the Tehran-Anzali route during the Qajar period, specifically addressing the question of how geographical and cultural elements impacted their architectural design and operational functions. This historical research adopts an analytical methodology. The data collection involved a thorough review of library resources, including travel accounts, written records, reports, maps, and historical images from the Qajar era, complemented by archaeological findings from field investigations. The analysis conducted is qualitative. The results reveal that the chapar khanehs and post offices along the route in question possess similar spatial arrangements yet differ in architectural style, influenced by geographical and climatic factors, the prevailing cultural context of the country, and the imitation of Western trends, all orchestrated by a cohesive governmental and administrative framework.
Keywords: Chapar Khaneh, Route, Tehran, Anzali, Qajar Period.
 
Introduction
Following the introduction of European innovations in the 19th century to Qajar politicians and educated individuals, significant efforts were made to reconstruct roads and modify construction methodologies, blending traditional and contemporary approaches. The Qazvin-Tehran Road underwent its initial conversion into a chausse, or gravel road, in 1296 AH (1878 AD), with the project finalized three years later in 1299 AH (1881 AD). The extension of the roadway connecting Qazvin to Rasht during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah was executed by Iranian engineers, including Engineer Khan Suleyman, in collaboration with a Russian firm known as Iran Transport Insurance in the year 1298 AH (1881 AD). The project was overseen by a Russian official, Lazarpuliakov, from 1307 to 1309 AH (1889-1891 AD). Subsequently, in 1316 AH (1898 AD), the construction of this road was also taken on by a joint Russian-Iranian enterprise called the Anzali Road Company.
The regulation of traffic and the administration of road tolls were maintained by the Russians until the mid-20th century. However, by the end of the Qajar dynasty, following the events of World War I and the Russian October Revolution, this roadway emerged as one of the most active commercial routes, witnessing the annual movement of a significant quantity of goods and passengers. This development greatly benefited the Iranian postal treasury and the financial returns of chaparkhanehs along this corridor. Moreover, this route was recognized as the most direct access to Gilan for Western travelers, akin to European roads designed for high-speed transportation.
An examination of post offices and chaparkhanehs along this route, along with an analysis of the cultural and geographical influences on their architectural designs, can contribute significantly to the reconstruction of the cultural history of the Qajar era. Regrettably, many of these structures have been lost in recent years because of adverse environmental conditions and insufficient upkeep. Therefore, conducting archaeological research in this area is essential.
Research Questions and Hypothesis: How did geographical location, climatic conditions, and cultural influences shape the architecture and functionality of chaparkhanehs and post offices along the Tehran-Anzali route? The architectural styles of these structures appear to have been adapted to align with the surrounding geography, climate, and cultural context, while also reflecting the impact of contemporary Western trends. Nevertheless, they were all designed with comparable architectural layouts and operated within a unified governmental framework. This article represents fundamental research employing an analytical historical approach, utilizing qualitative research methods.
Chaparkhanehes and Post Offices of the Tehran-Anzali Road during the Qajar Period
During the early Qajar era, chaparkhanehs, or postal stations, were typically established adjacent to existing caravanserais, with portions of these caravanserais sometimes repurposed for postal functions. Following the formation of the Chapari organization under Naser al-Din Shah, chaparkhanehs were strategically located along postal routes, at the entrances and exits of urban and rural areas, and occasionally within towns along the designated paths. The majority of these structures were constructed using raw or pounded clay, and their architectural design drew inspiration from similar edifices from the Sassanid period. Notably, some chaparkhanehs were tailored to suit the climatic conditions of their respective locations, a feature evident in several stations along the route. Most of these buildings were positioned within expansive green spaces.
During the Qajar era, chaparkhanehs were typically accompanied by stables. Each chaparkhaneh featured a two-story structure, with the upper-level functioning as a guesthouse and the lower level designated for livestock. In the year 1291 AH, an Austrian delegation led by Gustav Rider, an official from the Austrian postal service, visited Iran to reform the postal system. Rider implemented substantial modifications to the Chapari organization. By 1294 AH, Iran became a member of the International Postal Union, and by 1296 AH, the term “chaparkhaneh” was officially replaced with “post”. Moreover, communication facilities were established on the postal highway from Tehran to the north of the country, a route crucial for Iran’s imports and exports to Europe. Rider also set up post offices in major cities and important villages along this route, which managed the transportation of goods and postal packages under government supervision. 
Conclusion
This study presents a compilation of 17 chaparkhanehs and 7 post offices, including their historical names. All the chaparkhanehs and post offices along this route were established following the reign of Naser al-Din Shah. While they shared a common functional purpose in terms of architectural spatial organization, the construction methods of their buildings varied. Factors such as geographical location, climate, and cultural context significantly influenced their architectural designs. The construction of “Kohdum” reflects the architectural characteristics prevalent in the northern regions of the country. The ornamental features adorning the ceilings at the entrances of “Qeshlaq” and “Pachenar” bear resemblance to European pediments, showcasing the impact of Western cultural influences. An examination of a photograph depicting the facade of the Qazvin guest house indicates that the architectural design of the post offices was inspired by the styles of more developed nations during that period. Field surveys have pinpointed the locations of Yengi Imam, Aghababa, and Kharzan. The edifices of Yengi Imam and Kharzan adhere to the tenets of traditional Iranian architecture, whereas the Aghababa mansion exhibits a blend of European neoclassical elements with traditional Iranian cultural motifs.