The inquiry to identify the cultural contex of architecture from Nefar to Saqa-Nefar

The Saqa-Nefar are specific architecture of Mazandaran province, and the origin of their formation are date to ritual traditions of pre-Islamic periods. Currently, those are known as architecture of Ashura that are in order to protect the sanctity of water and attributed to Aboulfazl (AS). Their architecture is combination of architecture combination with semantic components in format of motifs and formation, local and structural symbols which had undergone transformation of structural and formation according to cultural context during various historical periods. The current research is seeking to answer for this question: what cultural backgrounds were due to choose Nefar for keep up Ashura event and what signs remain in those from pre-Islamic ritual architecture? This research is fundamental and theoretical research that had been done through descriptive and analytical method. Data collection is based on library source and field surveys. In regard to the research goal that it is finds Causes of evolution Nefar to Saqa-Nefar according to cultural context. The results of this research show: the cherishing of water origin from ancient ritual of Iran that it be conformed to Islamic attitudes during Islamic period. The name of the nep, existence wells, holly trees and historical geography of this region expresses signs of goddess of water (Anahita). There were two kinds of Nefar during pre-Islamic period: one type belongs goddess of water that was beside water source to worship, another type was used beside the farms to care water. Thus, from beginning, Nefar had two duties (protection and worship). For this reason, they had transferred Nefar as Saqa-Nefar during Islamic period. In perspective of physical and decoration structure are continuation of ancient temple that aligned with Shieh symbols.