Bilingual
En/Fa
Geographical Research is Published in both Persian and English Full-text.
Volume 40, Issue 4 (2025)
GeoRes 2025, 40(4): 295-304 |
Back to browse issues page
Article Type:
Subject:
History
Received: 2025/10/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/9 | Published: 2025/12/12
Received: 2025/10/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/9 | Published: 2025/12/12
How to cite this article
Bagheri R, Rashidvash V, Sharbatian Y, Karimian H. Anthropological Analysis of the Role of Qajar-Era Architecture in Tourism Development in Shiraz. GeoRes 2025; 40 (4) :295-304
URL: http://georesearch.ir/article-1-1868-en.html
URL: http://georesearch.ir/article-1-1868-en.html
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Rights and permissions
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
1- Department of Social Sciences, Central Tehran Campus (CT.C.), Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Sociology, Garmsar Campus (Ga.C.), Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran
2- Department of Sociology, Garmsar Campus (Ga.C.), Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran
Abstract (1100 Views)
Aims: The purpose of this research was to explain the cultural and functional role of Qajar architecture in Shiraz in the sustainable development of cultural tourism with an anthropological approach. The study sought to bridge the gap in previous research which primarily focused on formal and technical dimensions.
Methodology: The research employed a qualitative method, specifically an interpretive case study with a dominant ethnographic approach, which was conducted in 2024 in Shiraz. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts and field observations of prominent Qajar buildings in Shiraz, including Narenjestan-e Ghavam, Eram Garden, Afif Abad Garden, Zinat al-Mulk House and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. The collected data, including interview transcripts and ethnographic notes, were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings: The thematic analysis yielded two core themes: a) Qajar architecture as a Cultural Text (symbolic reading), evidenced by visual symbolism and light (e.g., stained glass in Nasir al-Mulk Mosque), and the role of decorations in transferring narratives. b) Qajar architecture as a Functional Institution (social reading), demonstrated by the function of representing power and status and preserving privacy and social relations. These features successfully conveyed a sense of authenticity and continuity of identity to cultural tourists.
Conclusion: Qajar architecture in Shiraz functions beyond a mere physical form, operating as a “cultural institution” and a “living text” that influences tourists’ experiences from both semantic and functional perspectives. From a semantic standpoint, the symbolic interpretation of decorative elements and the interplay of light and color establish a profound connection between national identity and the visitors’ lived experiences. From a functional perspective, spatial organization and the delineation of domains reflect the social structure and cultural values of the period.
Methodology: The research employed a qualitative method, specifically an interpretive case study with a dominant ethnographic approach, which was conducted in 2024 in Shiraz. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts and field observations of prominent Qajar buildings in Shiraz, including Narenjestan-e Ghavam, Eram Garden, Afif Abad Garden, Zinat al-Mulk House and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. The collected data, including interview transcripts and ethnographic notes, were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings: The thematic analysis yielded two core themes: a) Qajar architecture as a Cultural Text (symbolic reading), evidenced by visual symbolism and light (e.g., stained glass in Nasir al-Mulk Mosque), and the role of decorations in transferring narratives. b) Qajar architecture as a Functional Institution (social reading), demonstrated by the function of representing power and status and preserving privacy and social relations. These features successfully conveyed a sense of authenticity and continuity of identity to cultural tourists.
Conclusion: Qajar architecture in Shiraz functions beyond a mere physical form, operating as a “cultural institution” and a “living text” that influences tourists’ experiences from both semantic and functional perspectives. From a semantic standpoint, the symbolic interpretation of decorative elements and the interplay of light and color establish a profound connection between national identity and the visitors’ lived experiences. From a functional perspective, spatial organization and the delineation of domains reflect the social structure and cultural values of the period.
Keywords:
References
1. Aghajan V, Abedi H, Behboodi O (2014). Investigating the role of cultural marketing in the development of the tourism industry. Tourism Space Geography. 3(10):39-51. [Persian] [Link]
2. Amirzadeh Dana E, Armaghan M (2023). Representation of urban space and architecture in Qajar women's memoirs. Women's Studies. 14(45):1-27. [Persian] [Link]
3. Avaznejad F, Sheibani H (2021). Study of color in the architecture of Nasir Al-Molk Mosque in Shiraz. Journal of Studies in Color World. 11(1):23-34. [Persian] [Link]
4. Cheng Z, Chen X (2022). The effect of tourism experience on tourists' environmentally responsible behavior at cultural heritage sites: The mediating role of cultural attachment. Sustainability. 14(1):565. [Link] [DOI:10.3390/su14010565]
5. Cooper C, Fletcher J, Gilbert D, Wanhill S (2001). Tourism: Principles and practices. Ghamkhar A, translator. Tehran: Faramad Publication. [Persian] [Link]
6. Danesh K, Khazaei M (2020). The symbolism of green color in Iranian-Islamic culture and art. PAYKAREH. 9(19):18-29. [Persian] [Link]
7. Etesam I, Mirmiran H (2009). Contemporary Iranian architecture: 75 years of experience in public buildings (2 Volumes). Tehran: PAYAM-E SIMA Publishing and Planning Company. [Presian] [Link]
8. Geertz C (2014). The interpretation of cultures: Selected essays. New York: Basic Books. [Link]
9. Ghobadian V (2021). Iranian contemporary architecture: Stylistics and theoretical foundations. Tehran: FEKR-E NO Publication. [Presian] [Link]
10. Goodarzi R, ShirazbakhtF (2020). Evaluation and comparison of the Tourism status of Eram, Jahan Nama, and Afif Abad gardens in Shiraz with an approach to improving citizen participation. Journal of Architecture. 3(16):51-59. [Presian] [Link]
11. Grigor T (2016). Persian architectural revivals in the British Raj and Qajar Iran. Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. 36(3):384-397. [Link] [DOI:10.1215/1089201x-3698959]
12. Karimi M, Rahmani A, Ashari E (2022). The role of advertising through modern visual media in the development of tourism in the Qajari gardens of Shiraz. Journal of Tourism and Development. 11(1):225-241. [Presian] [Link]
13. Kiyanmehr Q, Karimipur Davani Nezhad F (2024). An analysis of social factors influencing on the formation of tiling motifs in Shiraz Qajar Houses. Journal of Visual and Applied Arts. 17(43):43-61. [Presian] [Link]
14. Kutsal B (2013). The effects of the changing of urban identity on historic towns. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Architecture and Urban Design. Albania: Epoka University. [Link]
15. Malinowski, B. (1944). A scientific theory of culture and other essays. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press [Link]
16. Momeni K, Naseri N (2016). Surveying the tools and methods of creating privacy in the Zinat-ol Mulk traditional house in shiraz (based on the Quran verses and Islamic hadiths). Journal of Researches in Islamic Architecture. 3(4):18-35. [Persian] [Link]
17. Najjarnejad Mashhadi M, Afzalian K, Sheibani M, Seyedalhoseni SM (2020). Understanding the nature of maintenant patterns in Iranian native architecture (by adapting the concept of maintenance from Christopher Alexander's perspective on architectural patterns). Journal of Architectural Thought. 5(9):1-18. [Persian] [Link]
18. PanjehBashi E, Doulab F (2018). Study of the features and structure of the embellishments of facades in tiled buildings in Shiraz. NEGAREH. 13(48):104-125. [Persian] [Link]
19. Peirano MGS (1998). When anthropology is at home: The different contexts of a single discipline. Annual Review of Anthropology. 27:105-128. [Link] [DOI:10.1146/annurev.anthro.27.1.105]
20. Pirnia MK, Memarian G (2023). Acquaintance with the Islamic architecture of Iran. 27th edition. Tehran: Goljam Publications. [Persian] [Link]
21. Psarra S (2009). Architecture and narrative: The formation of space and cultural meaning. London: Routledge. [Link] [DOI:10.4324/9780203639672]
22. Ramyar R (2020). Learning from tradition: The role of environment perception layers in space making-the case of the Persian Garden. Journal of Urban Management. 9(2):238-249. [Link] [DOI:10.1016/j.jum.2020.02.002]
23. Rashidvash V, Yousef Nejad H (2021). Interpretation of culture from the viewpoint of Clifford Geertz with emphasis on symbolism school. Journal of Humanities Horizons. 5(50):101-120. [Persian] [Link]
24. Riyazi MR (2023). Qajar tilework. Tehran: Yassavoli Publication. [Persian] [Link]
25. Saraei MH, Shamshiri M (2013). Tourism situation study in the city of Shiraz towards sustainable development using the SWOT Technique. Journal of Geography and Environmental Planning. 24(1):69-88. [Persian] [Link]
26. Seamon D (2000). Phenomenology, place, environment, and architecture: A review. Journal of Architectural Education. 54(1):195-207. [Link]
27. Shafiei M, Fakhr M (2019). Performance evaluation of hotels affiliated to Shiraz municipality in order to promote tourism industry. Tourism Management Studies. 14(46):283-308. [Persian] [Link]
28. Shirazi M, Mousavilar A (2017). Retrieval of identity layers in Qajar Era (case study: Ceramics). NEGAREH. 12(41):17-29. [Persian] [Link]
29. Taslimi N (2010). Thought and aesthetics in ancient Iran and the Islamic World. Qom: Radnegar Publication. [Persian] [Link]
30. Zarei H, Shirvani Dashtak S (2022). Characteristics of mirror work in the houses of Qajar period in Shiraz City (in terms of implementation techniques and type of decorations). Archaeological Research of Iran. 11(29):223-244. [Persian] [Link]