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.
Dr. Masoome Amighpey, , Volume 8, Issue 3 (8-2026)
Abstract
Persepolis is a symbol of the glory and grandeur of ancient Iran. Persepolis is located next to the Marvdasht Plain and at the foot of Mount Rahmat in Fars Province, located in the city of Marvdasht, Iran. Unfortunately, the excessive extraction of groundwater in the Marvdasht Plain to provide water for agriculture has caused subsidence in this plain. Considering the importance of protecting ancient and historical monuments, it is important to investigate the extent of subsidence of the Marvdasht Plain within the Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam World Cultural Heritage Site in order to assess its impact on possible damage to this site. Calculations indicate widespread subsidence of the Marvdasht Plain with a maximum rate of 22.6 cm per year. Also, the results of the calculations indicate the expansion of subsidence of the Marvdasht Plain towards Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam in recent years. On the other hand, changes in the subsidence rate near these ancient monuments are significant. In order to preserve and protect these valuable ancient monuments, measures to combat the destructive effects of subsidence on them and sustainable management of the region's groundwater resources are proposed to prevent the subsidence of the Marvdasht Plain.
