This comprehensive study is aimed primarily at determining the features of the formation and development of shopping and fairgrounds in the context of the principles of continuity of the architectural and planning structure of cities. The identification of the main city-forming factor in various historical periods in this work is a fundamental and necessary stage of analysis. The relevance of this study is due to the need for a comprehensive reconstruction of citywide spaces formed initially as retail areas in the historical core of cities. The article considers the features of the layout and development of shopping and fairgrounds in such cities of the Lower Don and Azov region as Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog and Nakhichevan-on-Don in the period from the middle of the XVIII to the beginning of the XX centuries. The influence of economic and general political processes that took place in the country on the development of trade in the region and, consequently, on the definition of trade as the main functional specifics of the studied cities is studied. The role of retail spaces in the structure of master plans at various stages of urban development is determined. The main elements of the development of retail areas in various historical periods are revealed. The interrelation of the functional significance of squares with their shape, location relative to the main thoroughfares and the original planning core of the city is established. Historically formed and preserved to this day, the main shopping areas in the cities of the Lower Don and the Azov region still remain significant citywide centers. The problem of complex reconstruction of retail areas located in the historical core of the city makes relevant research aimed at identifying the patterns of their formation and determining the features of development. Earlier, the author identified the main periods of architectural and planning evolution of the cities under consideration in the context of the designated object of research. Based on this periodization, a comprehensive analysis of various factors (historical, economic, socio-political, etc.) that influenced the appearance and architectural and planning development of shopping and fairgrounds in the structure of cities is carried out in this work. The following methods were also used in the course of the work: search, analysis and comparison of various graphic materials (diagrams, maps, master plans, project proposals, historical photographs, primary text documents); field surveys and photo fixation; classification and systematization of the results obtained.

Keywords: city square, trade, Rostov-on-Don, fair, Taganrog, Nakhichevan-on-don, Novocherkassk

The article reveals the main aspects of the formation and evolution of the planning framework of the studied cities of the Lower Don and Azov region (Rostov-on-Don, Nakhichevan-on-Don, Taganrog and Novocherkassk). Particular attention is paid to the formation of both integral systems and individual squares in the structure of these cities. The main periods of architectural and planning evolution of the cities under consideration are determined.

Keywords: city square, Rostov-on-Don, Nakhichevan-on-Don, Taganrog, Novocherkassk, master plan, urban development