Objective: The formation pattern of rural living spaces is influenced by multiple factors, with the lifestyle of the inhabitants being one of the most fundamental and impactful. In this context, religion, rituals, and religious elements play a significant role in shaping lifestyle choices, as religion greatly influences culture, lifestyles, consumption habits, behaviors, thinking patterns, attitudes, and worldviews. This study aims to explore the role and impact of religious lifestyle components and rituals on the formation of rural living spaces.
Method: This research is qualitative in nature. Initially, through theoretical studies utilizing library resources and a descriptive-analytical method, three key topics were examined: lifestyle, religious rituals, and the relationship between religious lifestyle and rural living spaces and architecture. The dimensions and components of each were analyzed. Based on the theoretical findings and a conceptual model developed in the first phase, field studies were conducted using interviews and observations as tools for data collection. The gathered data was recorded and analyzed, and the effects of the identified religious components were examined in real-life examples within the selected village. The case study is the village of Kargan, located in Bostanabad County, East Azerbaijan Province.
Results: The study's findings indicate that religious rituals and elements influence various aspects of rural living spaces, including residential and livelihood-related areas, spiritual and religious zones, and socio-cultural and environmental aspects. For instance, the livelihood aspect is reflected in the creation of service spaces; the environmental aspect is observed in the use of renewable materials and the preservation of the natural environment; the socio-cultural aspect appears in the design of buildings and public spaces for specific ceremonies; and the religious and spiritual aspect is evident in the simplicity, privacy, and avoidance of extravagance in home design.
Conclusions: The results show that religion and faith lead to specific lifestyle choices, which in turn shape the unique spatial character of rural living environments. Therefore, one of the key factors influencing the spatial configuration of rural housing in the village of Kargan is the religious lifestyle of its inhabitants.