Journal of Razavi Culture

Elucidating the Identity Components of Holy Shrines in Iranian Islamic Cities: A Pilgrimage Tourism Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Asghar Molaei

Associate Professor Architecture and urban Design Faculty, Tabriz Islamic art University, Tabriz, Iran: A.molaei@tabriziau.ac.ir

https://doi.org/10.22034/farzv.2024.464780.2012
Abstract
 
Holy Shrines, as spiritual destinations for pilgrimages and excursions on urban and extra-urban scales, are considered an Iranian Islamic model in the manifestation of Iranian Islamic identity. From the perspective of Iranian Islamic identity, it is emphasized to utilize the existing areas of cities in promoting the cultural, social and economic dimensions of that city. Imamzadehs can be one of these valuable areas, an attraction for pilgrims and religious tourists, which in turn, with the arrival of religious tourists, emphasizes social homogeneity and strengthens the social identity of the city. The purpose of this article is to explain the importance of pilgrimage and Holy Shrines as an Iranian Islamic model of religious tourism in promoting Iranian Islamic identity for religious cities and to study practical solutions to strengthen this approach. This research is of a qualitative type that is carried out by describing and analyzing the content of texts and logical reasoning and documentary and library study methods. Such an approach will require planning to introduce, provide the services, facilities, and equipment needed, especially residential complexes, and design and develop the Imamzadehs in a contextual manner. In the cultural and social dimension, attracting individuals and groups of the community in a single space and instilling a religious and spiritual feeling, it is considered a sustainable cultural symbol and an unparalleled platform for displaying social identity. This contributes to the cultural and social stability of cities and provides a means to strengthen the psychological, social, and cultural security of the community. The Iranian-Islamic identity of pilgrimage settlements can be studied based on Imamzadehs as the beating heart of cities and villages. The holy shrines of Imamzadehs, while continuing sustainable life through the pilgrimage ritual, become the center of religious rituals and traditions, especially celebrations, feasts, and mourning on special occasions. In the physical dimension, Imamzadehs are located in key and structural points of cities and villages. In this regard, the connection and connection of the Imamzadeh spaces with the components and elements around them, especially the network of main and secondary passages and routes, mosques, markets and surrounding neighborhoods, is of considerable importance in the urban design of the aforementioned settlements.

Keywords

Holy Shrines, Iranian Islamic Identity, Pilgrimage, Pilgrimage Tourism Approach

Subjects

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