Elucidating a Dynamic Conservation Framework for the Historical Bazaar of Isfahan Based on the Sustainable Values of Iranian Bazaars: A Case Study of the Qeysariyeh an‎d Chitsazha Bazaars

1/27/2027 12:00:00 AM

Over time, the historic bazaar of Isfahan, as one of the most iconic examples of Iranian markets, has inherited a set of management mechanisms that have evolved an‎d continuously developed in direct interaction with the economic, cultural, an‎d environmental needs of society. This has allowed it to play a central role in sustainable development an‎d the improvement of urban life quality. However, today, with major shifts in lifestyle an‎d the emergence of new management systems, an‎d without sufficient attention to the bazaar’s rich historical background an‎d its internal an‎d external management mechanisms, it has become a complex issue in terms of urban an‎d heritage management of Isfahanʹs historical fabric. Therefore, the present study aims, using a qualitative approach (focused on practical objectives), to explore the foundational pillars of a dynamic conservation framework for the historic bazaar of Isfahan (case study: the Qeysariyeh an‎d Chitsazha bazaar complexes), focusing on the inherent capacities of the developed management system of Iranian markets. The findings of the study, focusing on the inherent capacities of the management system of Iranian-Islamic markets, particularly the historic bazaar of Isfahan, show that the traditional management mechanisms of these bazaars can be examined in five dimensions: self-recognition, the constant recreation of ICH, cultural identity, preserving authenticity, an‎d the physical manifestation of these concepts in the urban setting. On the other han‎d, an analysis of the capacities, challenges, an‎d needs of the Isfahan historic bazaar (case study: the Qeysariyeh an‎d Chitsazha bazaar complexes) today reveals that despite its diverse capacities—including spatial (architectural-aesthetic), cultural-social, economic-commercial, historical, an‎d trans-temporal characteristics—the bazaar’s management structure faces several challenges due to instability in elements of power, trust, an‎d legitimacy, in interaction with both internal an‎d external bazaar systems. Furthermore, stakeholder participation at various operational levels has significantly decreased. At the same time, the analysis of the ideal management model for the Isfahan historic bazaar, using the dynamic conservation approach, in three levels: elements, processes, an‎d results, as well as the corresponding management style for each of these attributes, reveals that this bazaar can be seen as an authentic example of participatory governance based on the inherent capacities of the developed management system. On one han‎d, it requires the establishment of a combined model based on directive urban management laws (development, conservation, an‎d crisis management) an‎d non-directive urban management laws (the regulations an‎d powers of local an‎d professional organizations). On the other han‎d, it involves defining legal frameworks an‎d institutional frameworks to ensure the proper execution of these laws, supported by resources an‎d processes, so that through a multi-layered an‎d decentralized institutional structure (internal an‎d external organizations an‎d institutions), it can manage bazaar affairs in an integrated manner. Moreover, this management framework, based on a productive mindset an‎d a comprehensive value system (both tangible an‎d intangible), allows for the participatory management an‎d utilization of various resources (human, social, intellectual, cultural, financial, an‎d physical) by different bazaar stakeholders. Additionally, the planning process in this framework emphasizes the preservation of the bazaarʹs cultural, functional, an‎d spatial diversity an‎d, to achieve this goal, employs a multi-layered, open (cultural inclusivity), an‎d intercultural (local, regional, national, an‎d transnational scales) approach to the diverse activities within the bazaar, enhancing self-initiated participation from all stakeholders. In this transition, the effective implementation an‎d eva‎luation of bazaar management laws an‎d programs will depend on strategies such as educating specific an‎d general stakeholders an‎d activating a network of formal (internal an‎d external) institutions, civil, professional, local, community-based organizations, an‎d others. Ultimately, the results of this model include management plans an‎d strategies that contribute to preserving the bazaarʹs internal capacities an‎d managing its changes (coherent economic an‎d social drivers an‎d infrastructure development) while simultaneously ensuring the resilience of the bazaar’s management system through the possibility of restructuring management frameworks an‎d dependent mechanisms over time.

چهارچوب حفاظت پويا , ظرفيت هاي ذاتي نظام مديريتي , مديريت ميراث فرهنگي , حكمراني مشاركتي , بازار تاريخي اصفهان

Dynamic Conservation framework , inherent capacities of the management system , cultural heritage management , participatory governance , historic bazaar of Isfahan

Shoeleh Vahdatpour

Dr. Fatemeh MehdizadehSaradj- Dr. Asghar Mohammad Moradi