Comparative Analysis of Imam Khomeini Square in Hamadan and Rynek Główny in Kraków: Urban Form, Function, and Evolution

This study examines the comparative urban dynamics of Imam Khomeini Square in Hamadan, Iran, and Rynek Główny in Kraków, Poland, with a focus on their historical transformations, spatial functions, and socio-cultural roles. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining historical archival analysis, field observations, and interpretive contextual studies, supported by urban theories of Kevin Lynch and Jan Gehl. The findings reveal both similaritises, such as their centrality in commerce, public gatherings, and heritage representation, and differences in spatial configuration, walkability, and urban governance. These contrasts influence the patterns of daily use and urban integration. The study concludes that incorporating cultural and historical specificity into urban design enhances the livability and sustainability of public spaces in diverse contexts.