Designing Cultural Narratives to Promote Public Participation in the Protection of Intangible Heritage, Case Study: Tabriz Historical Bazaar

Esmaeili Sangari, Hossein; Parvin, Raheleh

doi:‌10.66224/kcr.8.3.78

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Volume 8, Issue 3 (11-2025) KCR 2025, 8(3): 78-96 | Back to browse issues page

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Esmaeili Sangari H, Parvin R. Designing Cultural Narratives to Promote Public Participation in the Protection of Intangible Heritage, Case Study: Tabriz Historical Bazaar. KCR 2025; 8 (3) :78-96
URL: http://journal.richt.ir/kcr/article-1-398-en.html

Designing Cultural Narratives to Promote Public Participation in the Protection of Intangible Heritage, Case Study: Tabriz Historical Bazaar

Hossein Esmaeili Sangari ^*

, Raheleh Parvin

Assistant Professor, Research Institute for Historical Buildings and Texture, Research Institute of Cultural Heritage & Tourism, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract: (11 Views)

Preserving intangible cultural heritage in historic urban spaces requires a nuanced understanding of culture, practices, and meanings, as well as active community engagement. This study examines the impact of designing cultural narratives on public participation in safeguarding intangible heritage within the buffer zone of the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex (Pasazh Alley). Using an integrated mixed-methods design, ethnographic self-documentation, field observation, and semi-structured interviews with residents and shopkeepers produced lived-experience data coded into 28 core items. A questionnaire based on these items was distributed to 50 users and 16 experts. Analyses included exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Results show significant relationships between cultural components (material, behavioral, spiritual) and place attachment. Designed cultural narratives were evaluated and ranked using the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision method. Findings suggest narrative design grounded in stakeholders’ lived experience functions as a practical tool to convey intangible values, strengthen place attachment, and promote active community participation in heritage protection.

Keywords: Intangible Cultural Heritage, Tabriz Historic Bazaar, Cultural Narrative, Community Participation.

Type of Study: Research, Original, Regular | Subject: Conservation and restoration of historical-cultural architectural objects and decorations.
Received: 2025/06/3 | Accepted: 2026/01/20 | Published: 2026/01/20

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