Quarterly of Geographical Research

Objectives:
The main objective of this article is to explain and analyze the factors influencing the physical resilience of the informal settlement in the Shahid Maqool neighborhood of Mashhad against earthquakes. This research aims to identify the key variables that affect the resistance and reconstruction of these settlements, analyze the relationships among influencing factors, and determine the level of impact of each factor. For this purpose, multi-criteria decision-making models such as DEMATEL and ANP were used to identify causal relationships among indicators and prioritize key factors.

Methodology:
This study is applied research conducted with a "causal-comparative analysis" approach. DEMATEL and ANP methods were employed to identify and prioritize factors influencing the physical resilience of the informal settlement in the Shahid Maqool neighborhood against earthquakes. Data collection was carried out through specialized questionnaires, library studies, and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using MATLAB and SuperDecisions software.

Findings:
The indicators "institutional authority in drafting regulations" and "legal obligation for institutional collaboration" had the highest weights, emphasizing the importance of institutional coordination and appropriate regulations. The results showed that indicators such as "enhancing livability" were among the influencing factors, while indicators like "institutional formalization" were identified as dependent factors playing a key role in the management and resilience of settlements. Additionally, strengthening regulations and institutional interactions were recognized as effective strategies for improving urban management.

Conclusion:
The results of the study revealed that the physical resilience of informal settlements, especially in the Shahid Maqool neighborhood, depends on strengthening indicators such as institutional formalization, residents' motivation, and enhancing livability. Furthermore, adapting regulations to local needs and promoting institutional coordination at an inter-governmental level were identified as critical strategies for improving the conditions in these settlements.