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1- Department of Restoration, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Scienceand Technology, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Restoration, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Scienceand Technology, Tehran, Iran ,mehdizadeh@iust.ac.ir
2- Department of Restoration, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Scienceand Technology, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (472 Views)
Throughout history, the Bazaar of Isfahan has maintained its vitality and continuity through the implementation of distinctive traditional management mechanisms. In recent times, however, with the advent of global shifts in lifestyles and the emergence of modern administrative systems—often introduced without adequate consideration of its rich historical background—the bazaar has become into a complex issue within the context of urban management and the heritage fabric of Isfahan. Consequently, safeguarding and reinforcing its status in the face of urban development processes necessitates a meaningful linkage to the sustainable strategies embedded in its traditional governance over time. This study aims to investigate these mechanisms using a historical-interpretive approach, grounded in the collection of information from historical documents, visual and descriptive sources, as well as field observations. The findings indicate that traditional governance in the historic bazaar of Isfahan extended beyond physical dimensions (tangible heritage), encompassing a wide array of intangible values such as the bazaar’s relationship with ruling authorities and religious institutions, the presence and engagement of merchants across multiple levels, the complexity and diversity of commercial activities, and the multiplicity of stakeholders. These dimensions called for a comprehensive management model to ensure the continuity of the bazaar’s functions and its sustainability within the urban fabric. These mechanisms can be categorized into six key domains:(a) the social system and the bazaar’s role in interaction with the urban structure;(b) property ownership and taxation systems;(c) the bazaar as a space for production and craftsmanship;(d) spatial organization and allocation of activities;(e) security provisioning within the bazaar;(f) guild organizations and their internal and external networks.Understanding these values contributes to the integration of traditional management principles with contemporary approaches to global heritage governance, particularly in relation to the fundamental aspects of intangible cultural heritage—namely self-identity, resilience, cultural identity, authenticity preservation, and alignment with human rights. Such insights are vital for advancing sustainable conservation strategies in historic urban contexts.
Keywords: Historic Bazaar of Isfahan, Traditional Management Mechanisms, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Physical Elements of the Bazaar, Sustainable Conservation
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Identifying the way of life based on the three components of the body, lifestyle and concepts - meanings
Received: 2024/12/30 | Accepted: 2025/05/5
Received: 2024/12/30 | Accepted: 2025/05/5
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