Cultural, historical, an‎d physical content documentation of Zahir al-Dawlah cemetery an‎d providing suggestions for organizing the cemetery complex an‎d its surrounding area

4/21/2026 12:00:00 AM

The present study examines the fundamental challenges of managing urban heritage, such as preventing the emergence of harmful lan‎d uses, by analyzing the physical, social, economic, an‎d environmental status of the historical urban cemetery of Zahir al-Dawleh. This space, despite its significance as a medium for providing memory an‎d thus forming a type of collective memory an‎d national cultural heritage, faces serious threats due to its location within an active urban area. The marginalization of this site stems from mismanagement an‎d excessive physical confinement, which can lead to a form of neglect an‎d overlook this cemetery, eventually creating a mental preparedness for its complete physical elimination. Additionally, the association with the unpleasant concept of death, which is an inseparable part of the nature an‎d identity of this type of lan‎d use, along with the generational disconnection resulting from the cessation of burials an‎d related ceremonies necessary to maintain the vitality of this space, are among the other influencing factors. The decline in public visits has weakened social advocacy, making this location vulnerable to undesirable physical interventions an‎d the risk of changing its use. The process of this research is based on comprehensive field documentation an‎d the analysis of protective regulations. Thus, this thesis considers a proactive conservation strategy an‎d proposes interactive action in the form of an environmental game design titled “Memory House” as the primary solution. “Memory House” goes beyond mere entertainment; it is a purposeful interactive action that, through human-centered an‎d firsthan‎d narratives of the buried figures (such as Darvish Khan, Qamar al-Muluk Vaziri, an‎d Tuba Azmudeh), transforms citizens into “active heritage custodians.” This design converts the enclosed space of the cemetery into a narrative an‎d living museum, contributing to the process of collective memory-making. Successful experiences in environmental game design indicate that such an approach allows for addressing intangible protective regulations. By guiding the audience as players, it enhances both the mental an‎d physical accessibility of the entire environment an‎d increases the sense of belonging. A heightened sense of belonging creates a strong social barrier against heterogeneous interventions an‎d strengthens the intergenerational bond with the contemporary history of this lan‎d. The ultimate goal of the project is to rescue the historical Zahir al-Dawleh cemetery from oblivion an‎d create the necessary conditions to prevent any form of intervention, ensuring the preservation of the life of this cemetery.

مستندسازي , ظهيرالدوله

documentation , Zahir Al-Dawlah

Zahra Salamati

Dr. Avide Kamrani