From ancient times, Islamic buildings, especially mosques, have been one of the most important and fundamental elements in the development of cities. The construction of mosques played a special role in the development of cities, and in Islamic cities, they are defined as symbols of glory and, to some extent, as symbols of Islamic identity. Religious buildings, such as churches and mosques, have always been an integral part of urban designs, and mosques have played a prominent role in shaping the urban form and development process. This article aims to demonstrate the importance, position, and role that mosques play in the city of Yazd as a main manifestation of their identity role in the city's development. Through various analytical methods and tools, this article aims to emphasize the significance of mosques in the urban development of Yazd. Therefore, this research is analytical and based on field surveys, which can be considered as one of the applied methods in this field in terms of purpose. The tools used in the research process include Geographic Information System (GIS) and spatial analysis tools for displaying the spatial development trend of the city. The research results indicate that the spatial distribution of mosques has a close relationship with urban development. Thus, spatial information about mosques in a historical period can be used to examine the city's development during that period.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Yazd is a historical city with an ancient background. This city, during the pre-Islamic period and until the rule of the Al-Kakoyeh, held a similar status to that of the villages like Aqda, Haftadar, Faharj, and other villages of that era. From the early days of Islam, during the time of Uthman until the late 4th century AH, it continued to exist as a small town alongside other living centers. After this period, Yazd attracted the attention of rulers. With its development, several buildings were erected in the city, among which the mosques built during various periods are of significant importance. Numerous mosques in the religious and scientific center of Yazd are historically, artistically, and architecturally significant. These places can be categorized into two types as neighborhood and congregational mosques, with the former being simple and unadorned, consisting of a domed hall, courtyard, hot room, and winter prayer hall. The purpose of this article is to answer the question:
-Can the historical development of Yazd city after Islam be examined through the historical and geographical information related to the location and position of its mosques?
Accordingly, we hypothesize that the spatial distribution of mosques in Yazd can reflect the constructed urban areas and, in other words, the city's development during different periods.
 
Methodology
In this research, the study method is of an analytical-survey type, conducted by collecting necessary information using both library and field study approaches. The data collection method is based on documentary methods, which involve consulting books, publications, and relevant scientific websites, along with note-taking, organizing, and summarizing the materials. In the main section of the research, a survey method was utilized, and observation and interviews were the primary techniques considered. A cluster sampling method was employed to select the participants examined in this study. Initially, the development trend of Yazd over different years was extracted, and then, among the mosques in Yazd, historical mosques of significant age, which predominantly aligned with the city’s development path, were selected as case studies. In this context, the tools used for data analysis also include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis tools.
 
Results and discussion
The periods studied in this article span from the advent of Islam until the 14th century of the Islamic calendar (late Qajar period) and are divided into six periods based on significant ruling dynasties in the city. These periods are the rule of the Al-Kakuyah, the Atabakan, the Al-Muzaffar, the Timurid, the Safavid, and the Qajar. The constructed areas of the city during these periods were determined using various sources, and their maps were prepared using GIS. In 443 AH, the rulers of the Al-Kakuyah aimed to develop the city, which expanded around its initial core and to the southwest. The second period pertains to the rule of the Atabakan in Yazd. During this time, the city developed towards its eastern and southeastern sides. In the period of the Al-Muzaffar, the city's expansion can be seen in both the southeastern and southwestern directions. During the Timurid period, the city expanded to the south. One significant reason for the change in the direction of the city's development towards the south may be attributed to the establishment of the Amir Chakhmaq complex during this period, which laid the groundwork for the formation and growth of the city center in subsequent periods. In the Safavid era, the city expanded more towards the west and southwest, and during the Qajar period, Yazd's development was directed towards the south and southwest.
 
Conclusion
The results indicate that during the Atabakan period, the average center of mosques shifted northward towards the city center. The expansion of mosques within the city limits and around the central core during this period was the reason for this trend. In the Al-Muzaffar period, the average center deviated slightly to the south and shifted westward, while in the Timurid and Safavid periods, it leaned towards the southwest. During the Qajar period, the average center moved southward.
 
Funding
This research is the result of field observations and analyses conducted by the researchers, and no funding has been received from any organization or entity for it.
 
Authors’ Contribution
The authors of the article have equally and jointly participated in the research process and have closely and precisely monitored the observations made and the data produced.
 
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the authorship or publication of this article.
 
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank and appreciate everyone who assisted us in conducting this research.