The Architecture of Transhumance: An Ethnographic Study of Animal Enclosures in a Pastoral Community in Iran

Ethnographic research over 13 years reveals that the vernacular architecture of animal enclosures (āqolhā) in Maymand, Iran, embodies the pastoral lifestyle and social structure of its transhumant community. These enclosures reflect seasonal migration patterns, cultural calendar, and communal organization, offering insights into how architectural design integrates with ecological and social rhythms. The study employs participant observation and informal interviews to decode the spatial and symbolic significance of these structures within their broader cultural context.

Izadpanah, F. (2016). The Architecture of Transhumance: An Ethnographic Study of Animal Enclosures in a Pastoral Community in Iran. Folk Life, 54(2), 98–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/04308778.2016.1227034