Publications
Examining the Impact of Historical Place Regeneration and Sensory Marketing on Destination Brand Equity and Sustainable Creative Tourism in Isfahan (Case Study: Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Vank Cathedral)
A study on Isfahan, Iran, reveals that regenerating historical sites and employing sensory marketing significantly enhances destination brand equity, which in turn fosters sustainable creative tourism. The research, conducted through a descriptive-correlational survey involving 384 domestic and international tourists visiting Isfahan's historical landmarks during spring, used structural equation modeling to analyze data. Findings indicate that combining physical regeneration of sites like Naqsh-e Jahan Square with sensory experiences can elevate urban identity, improve destination perception, and promote sustainable tourism development in historic cities.
Identifying the Role of Physical Elements in Forming Citizens’ Mental Maps of Urban Environments Case Study: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan
A key insight from this study is that functional elements and their diversity are the most significant factors in shaping citizens' mental maps of urban environments, as demonstrated by Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan. The research analyzed visual perceptions by having participants draw cognitive maps of the square, revealing that functional elements dominated these mental representations, followed by structural elements like domes and columns, and then smaller architectural tools such as fountains. This finding underscores the importance of functionality in urban planning and spatial design, offering valuable implications for enhancing the spatial organization and appearance of urban environments.
Handicrafts as cultural creative clusters: a spatial-cultural planning approach for the regeneration of the urban historical fabrics
A quantitative analysis of 227 handicraft production units in Isfahan's historical fabric reveals that creative industries, spatial design, and socio-cultural factors significantly boost tourism, with mean impacts of 14.19, 19.07, and 15.11 respectively. Clustering, cultural resources, and tourism emerge as key drivers for the growth of Cultural Creative Clusters (CCCs), while innovation and cultural identity play lesser roles. These clusters enhance urban attractiveness and social cohesion, particularly around Naqsh-e Jahan Square, where handicrafts reinforce economic vitality and local identity. The study highlights a novel approach to urban regeneration through CCCs, offering insights for heritage conservation and tourism development in historical contexts.
Study of identifying formation process in recognizing the Geometric pattern of Naqsh-e Jahan Square and surrounding building in point of view of formalisms
A formalist analysis reveals that the geometric patterns of Naqsh-e Jahan Square and its surrounding buildings in Isfahan, Iran, follow structured design principles rooted in Islamic architecture. The study identifies a systematic formation process underlying these patterns, which integrates mathematical precision with artistic expression. Researchers employed a comparative approach, examining architectural elements such as symmetry, proportion, and spatial organization to decode the formalistic rules governing the square's design. This work contributes to the understanding of how geometric complexity in UNESCO-listed sites is achieved through deliberate formal structures, offering insights into both historical craftsmanship and modern conservation efforts.
City of Politico-Religious Reasons
Meidan Emam, Esfahan, is revealed as a pivotal politico-religious symbol in Iranian urban history, embodying the intersection of sovereignty and theological ideology. The study bridges architectural form with sociopolitical discourse, demonstrating how Meidan—particularly Naqsh-e Jahan Square—serves as a material manifestation of Iran's ideogram, integrating cognitive, symbolic, and cultural dimensions into its urban fabric. By reinterpreting Carl Schmitt’s political theology, the research uncovers the square's role in formalizing ideological power structures while advancing democratic discourse through spatial analysis. This approach offers a novel framework for understanding how public squares shape governance, identity, and collective memory in Islamic urbanism.
Dynamic Symmetry, Harmony, and Balance in Naqsh-E-Jahan Square of Ispahan
Naqsh-e-Jahan Square in Isfahan, a prototype of Persian urban design, exemplifies dynamic symmetry—a nuanced approach to balance and harmony that transcends traditional definitions. Unlike absolute symmetry, its architectural elements embody relative asymmetry within symmetrical frameworks, creating a fluid interplay that enhances visual and spatial coherence. This study redefines symmetry by analyzing the square's design, revealing how it achieves harmony through layered, evolving patterns rather than rigid uniformity. The research contrasts this dynamic approach with contemporary understandings of symmetry, offering insights into the adaptability of architectural principles across eras.
The role of architectural acoustics in advancing the aural tradition during the Safavid era
During the Safavid era (1501–1736), the Imam Mosque in Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Esfahan, demonstrated groundbreaking advancements in architectural acoustics. The mosque's design, influenced by Shaykh Baha'i's expertise in sound science and hyperbolic mathematics, created a tranquil soundscape capable of accommodating up to 15,000 people for synchronized prayer rituals with clear speech intelligibility. This study reveals how the mosque's volumetric design, material selection, ornamentation, and acoustic coupling mechanisms contributed to its sonic identity. The research analyzes sound energy exchange patterns and decay, providing insights into the connection between the soundscape and the intended function of these monumental spaces.
Excavations at the Jahānnamā complex: urban archaeology at Isfahan, Iran
Recent excavations at the Jahānnamā complex in Isfahan, Iran, have uncovered significant insights into the urban development of the city during the Safavid dynasty (AD 1501–1722), particularly under Shah Abbas I. The study revealed that a new avenue or boulevard, known as the Charbagh (Ḵiyābān-e Čahārbāğ), was constructed between AD 1595 and 1596. This boulevard not only served as a leisure attraction outside the city walls but also connected key institutions of the capital, reflecting the strategic urban planning of the era. The research utilized archaeological methods to explore the historical layers of Isfahan, providing a deeper understanding of its architectural and urban evolution during this pivotal period.
A Review on the Identity in Iranian Architecture (Case Study: Naqsh-E Jahan Square in Esfahan)
Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan, Iran, embodies the dynamic identity of Iranian architecture, reflecting its evolution and resilience over centuries. This study identifies key identifier characteristics that define this urban space as a significant manifestation of Iranian civilization, tracing its formation and transformation from inception to the present day. The research employs a descriptive-analytical approach, leveraging historical texts and field data to document interventions and extract lessons for future conservation efforts. By focusing on Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the study offers insights into how urban spaces preserve cultural identity, providing a model for understanding and safeguarding similar heritage sites globally.
Regenerating the “Creative Place”: A New Approach in Promoting Contemporary Heritage of Islamic -Iranian City (Case Study: Naqsh-E-Jahan Square of Isfahan)
A new model for sustainable urban development, rooted in cultural identity and contemporary heritage, has been proposed through the concept of 'creative place.' This approach integrates art, culture, knowledge-based organizations, and community projects to regenerate historic Islamic-Iranian cities, such as Naqsh-e-Jahan Square in Isfahan. By analyzing environmental components and leveraging the unique features of Iranian-Islamic architecture and urbanism, this study demonstrates how recognizing and utilizing contemporary heritage can establish a foundation for sustainable regeneration. The research employs content analysis and literature review to identify key factors that contribute to the realization of creative places, offering a strategic framework for balancing tradition with modern needs.
New Perspectives on Safavid Iran: Empire and Society (review)
A Festschrift edited by Colin P. Mitchell, 'New Perspectives on Safavid Iran: Empire and Society,' offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis of Safavid Iran's political, social, and cultural landscape. The volume, dedicated to Roger M. Savory, celebrates his pioneering work while incorporating new methodologies and interpretations that have emerged since the 1960s and 1970s. Key contributions explore inter-cultural relations between Safavid Iran and regions such as Central Asia, Anatolia, and Europe, with a notable focus on architectural studies, particularly regarding Meidan Emam (Imam Square) in Isfahan. The book also delves into the role of women in Safavid society, including their seclusion practices and participation in courtly circles. Despite some structural issues that could hinder readability for non-specialists, the volume stands out for its rich content and interdisciplinary approach, providing valuable insights into Safavid Iran's complex history.
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