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Volume 38, Issue 2 (2023)
GeoRes 2023, 38(2): 171-180 |
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Received: 2023/02/24 | Accepted: 2023/05/6 | Published: 2023/05/18
Received: 2023/02/24 | Accepted: 2023/05/6 | Published: 2023/05/18
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Haji Nili E, Mohammad Moradi A, Memarian G. Dynamic Conservation of Iran’s Historical Roads. GeoRes 2023; 38 (2) :171-180
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1- Department of Restoration, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
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Introduction
Roads, as vital arteries and among the earliest and most essential human needs, have been present in human life since the dawn of history. With the continuous growth of social life and the expansion of relationships among different human groups, roads, much like the capillary system in the human body, have developed into a complex network [Belloc, 1910; Durusoy, 2014]. The history of road construction on the Iranian Plateau, as evidenced by the ancient human settlements in this region, dates back to prehistoric times. The emergence of various cultures and the settlement of human groups across plains, valleys, and foothills gradually led to the formation of natural secondary and primary communication routes. With the advancement of civilization and the use of pack and wheeled vehicles, these roads were gradually modified, widened, and leveled through human intervention [Pirnia & Afsar, 1991; Bazazan, 2007]. Over time, Iran became a mediator between East and West, a major corridor for the movement of nations and the exchange of ideas, encompassing reception, development, and transmission [Ghirshman, 2007; Ehteshami, 2014]. In fact, Iran functioned as a bridge between civilizations, a cultural hub situated along ancient commercial and cultural routes, serving as a focal point for scientific, commercial, religious, literary, cultural, artistic, historical, symbolic, functional, and political interactions. It became a central link connecting chains of cultural and civilizational exchanges worldwide [Bastanirad, 2017]. This position profoundly influenced the evolution and expansion of road networks, related facilities, and settlement patterns along these routes. Historically, Iranian roads played a pivotal role in sustaining societies, facilitating the transfer of economic and cultural wealth, and fostering the growth of civilization. The continuity of history, the natural features of the landscape, patterns of human settlement, and the organic system of road networks have led to the accumulation of cultural and natural heritage elements along and around historical routes. These elements are reflected in Iran’s cultural, historical, and natural landscapes. Consequently, historic corridors today not only function as transportation routes that promote communication, security, political relations, and economic development, but also serve as major tourism and recreational attractions, offering a wide range of nature-based cultural and historical opportunities.
In the present day, understanding the civic, cultural, and social concepts and the often-overlooked phenomena of great human civilizations along these historical routes holds even greater significance than merely restoring their economic function [Karshenas, 1998]. Therefore, the protection and conservation of historic roads play a vital role in safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage, fostering diverse forms of tourism, promoting environmental sustainability, ensuring the livelihood of small settlements, and utilizing natural resources sustainably. In this regard, understanding the past is crucial for assessing the present condition and for planning and management decisions that guarantee the preservation and sustainability of historic roads [Tung, 2011; Marriott, 2010; Durusoy, 2014].
The significance of dynamic conservation of historic roads becomes evident when the inherently dynamic nature of these routes and their surrounding landscapes is acknowledged, recognizing that such heritage cannot be separated from modern life. In this context, Manian et al. emphasize that preserving traditional sustainable systems, along with the ingenuity of local communities in designing these systems adapted to environmental and climatic constraints, promotes growth and vitality. This approach results in biodiversity and cultural preservation, sustainable production and consumption, optimal use of environmental capacities, strengthening of the local economy, and the flourishing of dynamic tourism and, inherently, dynamic conservation [Manian et al., 2022]. Similarly, Min and Zhang stress sustainable use as the key to inheriting heritage, protecting traditional lifestyles and indigenous systems while benefiting from environmental capacities for sustainable production. They argue that dynamic conservation must adapt to changing conditions over time and thus requires modernization to maximize employment in heritage communities. They identify five major mechanisms to achieve this: broad functionality, multi-stakeholder participation, legal support and institutional frameworks, government financing, and interdisciplinary scientific support [Min & Zhang, 2020].
In parallel, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines change as an inherent characteristic of ecological, social, and economic systems and emphasizes that the dynamic nature of these systems must be integrated into conservation efforts. The program asserts that spatial and temporal flexibility enhances conservation outcomes [UNEP, 2004]. Wang and Fu likewise argue that the dynamic identity of cultural landscapes should be preserved by adapting functions rather than freezing them in time. This requires maintaining historical evidence as a link between past and present, keeping functional systems active, ensuring the continuity of original landscape functions, and applying conservation tools appropriate to the site’s cultural, historical, and natural values [Wang & Fu, 2014]. Koohafkan and Altieri further highlight the role of dynamic conservation in balancing protection, adaptation, and socio-cultural development. They proposed a comprehensive dynamic conservation framework consisting of two key phases: (1) understanding the context, issues, and vision, and (2) defining the project framework at national, local, and community levels. This framework includes strategy definition, vertical and horizontal linkages, a logical framework (results, outputs, activities, assumptions), management organization (stakeholders, cooperation structure, financial management), and mechanisms for monitoring and adaptive management [Koohafkan & Altieri, 2011].
A common thread throughout these discussions is the concept of sustainable development, which, when combined with modernization and a sustainable economy, can lead to sustainable production, revitalized local economies, optimal use of environmental resources, protection of cultural and natural heritage, stabilization of local populations, and the enhancement of vibrant residential fabrics and tourism economies.
The active role of roads throughout history and the accumulation of cultural, historical, and natural heritage along them have shifted perspectives toward viewing these linear heritage assets as tourism destinations. Since the late 20th century, the planning and development of cultural routes have been discussed as a regional-scale approach to the conservation of cultural and natural heritage areas [Karatas, 2011]. Today, this concept has evolved into a practical tool for dynamic conservation and the continued use of historic roads worldwide, achieving significant progress particularly in developed countries. The potential of these routes has been recognized as a crucial step toward understanding the diverse nature of human heritage, raising awareness of natural and cultural values, and promoting social mobility, economic and cultural development, and ultimately the improvement of local quality of life [World Heritage Committee, 1994; Kiper et al., 2016].
With the expansion of the cultural routes concept as part of the World Heritage framework, numerous studies have been conducted globally, especially in the United States, Australia, Italy, China, and Turkey. Examining these experiences can provide valuable insights for planning the conservation of historic roads in Iran [World Heritage Committee, 1994; ICOMOS, 2008].
The majority of research on Iran’s historic roads has focused on identifying and documenting these routes across different geographical regions and historical periods. Subsequent studies have primarily addressed the preservation and restoration of roadside structures, especially caravanserais and bridges; the study, analysis, and conservation of archaeological sites and historic towns along these routes; and the role and significance of historical roads. Only a few studies have explored the revitalization of historic roads (such as the Velayat Route and the Silk Road) [Sadegh, 2015; Yoosefzadeh, 2012] or the redesign of historical routes (e.g., the Silk Road in Tabriz) [Mogharab Fasqandis, 2020]. To date, however, no comprehensive or integrated research has been conducted specifically on the conservation of Iran’s historic roads.
Therefore, to refine the present study, Iran’s historical road protection system was examined through historical and contemporary documents. Findings indicate that in the past, the physical structure and setting of roads, their users, and associated landscapes and assets, shaped by geographical, human, and physical factors, played major roles in the formation and development of Iran’s historical road network.
Given the emphasis of previous studies on the historical background and characteristics of Iran’s historic roads, as well as their close connection with other domains, the importance of protecting these routes is evident not only at local and national levels but also at transnational scales. This significance stems from the shared exchanges and interactions of humanity across history facilitated by Iran’s transnational routes. These roads, which once fostered prosperity and cultural flourishing, continue to hold invaluable assets and advantages, not only for the present but also for the future. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to identify and analyze the key dimensions influencing the conservation of Iran’s historic roads.
Methodology
This qualitative study was conducted in 2022 using the content analysis method and an inductive reasoning strategy. The research process followed the steps described by Mayring (2000).
To ensure a comprehensive review of relevant sources, texts associated with the keywords conservation, historic roads, ancient roads, historic routes, ancient routes, and cultural routes were collected from both Persian and English literature. Persian books were retrieved from the Elmnet database, while English books were obtained from Open Library. In addition, academic research works, including master’s theses and doctoral dissertations completed between 2011 and 2022 in various universities, were reviewed (Persian studies from Elmnet; English studies from ProQuest). The study also examined research and project reports, as well as scientific–research journal articles published during the same period (Persian texts from Elmnet; English texts from Scopus). Furthermore, relevant international charters were included in the dataset.
In the initial screening, 8 Persian and 16 English sources were reviewed. After multiple rounds of evaluation, 10 accessible sources that were most closely related to the topic and the geographical context of Iran were identified and selected for detailed analysis.
Through examination of these sources, initial codes related to two primary themes of (1) the principles of conservation of historic roads and cultural routes, and (2) the framework for conserving historic roads and cultural routes—were identified and extracted. The analytical process (feedback loop) proceeded step by step through inductive reasoning, whereby subcategories were derived based on the similarities and differences among the initial codes and were subsequently organized into several core categories.
The extraction of initial codes was carried out independently by two coders. The intercoder reliability was verified using Holsti’s coefficient, which measured the correlation between the number of jointly coded instances and the total number of coded instances by each coder. The reliability coefficient was 0.83 at the stage of initial code extraction and 0.89 at the stage of core category identification, confirming the consistency and reliability of the coding process.
Findings
In this study, a total of 118 initial codes related to the principles influencing the conservation of historic roads and cultural routes were identified. These codes were organized into 30 subcategories and subsequently classified into six main (core) categories. Similarly, in relation to the framework for conserving historic roads and cultural routes, 61 initial codes were extracted and categorized into 18 subcategories and six main categories.
Analysis of the reviewed literature revealed that among the principles affecting the conservation of historic roads and cultural routes, the strategic management category had the highest frequency of occurrence, appearing 44 times. This was followed by conservation of assets and resources (37 times), sustainable economic development (24 times), identification of assets and resources (17 times), flexibility (15 times), and education, knowledge development, and creative interpretation (14 times). These results highlight the critical importance of integrated management, resource protection, and sustainability-oriented planning in preserving historic road networks.
Regarding the framework for conservation, six key categories were identified, with the highest emphasis placed on future-oriented decision-making (26 occurrences). This was followed by identification of assets and resources within the historic road corridor (20 occurrences), networking and synergy (16 occurrences), evaluation of the significance of the historic road corridor (14 occurrences), semantic network of the road (8 occurrences), and definition of the historic road corridor (2 occurrences). The recurrence of these categories across the analyzed texts underscores the necessity of a holistic and forward-looking approach—one that emphasizes understanding the tangible and intangible assets of historic corridors, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and establishing an integrated framework for their sustainable protection and management.
Discussion
The aim of this study was to identify and reinterpret the dimensions influencing the dynamic conservation of historic roads in Iran. Regarding the principles affecting conservation, various sources have highlighted different approaches: some have emphasized the modernization and flexibility of conservation actions and the need to balance preservation, adaptation, and development [Marriott, 2010]; others have focused on reviving routes through tourism-oriented development [Sadegh, 2015]; and some have approached conservation through the revival of historical identity and heritage [Keke, 2019].
Other researchers have specifically focused on the communities living along these routes, underscoring the economic and livelihood roles of historic roads and their sustainable use to promote sustainable tourism and stabilize local populations while enhancing the local economy [Dharugh National Park et al., 2005; Agnew, 2010; Durusoy, 2014; Van Meerbeek et al., 2017; Zhang & Zhao, 2022]. In addition, studies on the conservation of cultural routes have stressed the transnational significance of historic roads and their potential to foster and maintain global peace, calling for interpretation and international cooperation frameworks to ensure effective conservation and sustainable development [ICOMOS, 2008; Council of Europe, 2015].
In alignment with these findings, the present study identified strategic management, protection of assets and resources, and sustainable economic development as the most frequent and influential principles. These correspond to the four pillars of sustainability, culture, society, environment, and economy, as defined in the Hangzhou Declaration [UNESCO, 2013]. As Lay [2007] argues, roads are key elements of national and world heritage sites, linking communities across space and time; understanding their role extends beyond mere physical connectivity. This perspective aligns with the notion that recognizing the interconnected social–ecological systems is essential for achieving sustainability [Fischer et al., 2015].
While the conservation principles identified in this study emphasized a comprehensive understanding of the natural, biological, and cultural diversity of historic roads and their influence beyond their physical boundaries, some researchers have focused only on their physical dimensions, surrounding environments, and functional attributes. For example, Marriott [2010] highlighted engineering standards, safety, and physical characteristics, whereas Keke [2019] emphasize historical functions based on natural and historical features. Conversely, Zhang et al. [2022] and Dharug National Park et al. [2005] extend their attention to the broader cultural landscape and local communities, acknowledging the roads’ roles in environmental cohesion and socioeconomic sustainability. Nonetheless, only a limited number of studies have explicitly addressed the need to define historic road corridors [Agnew, 2010; Van Meerbeek et al., 2017].
The other principles and dimensions related to the framework for historic road conservation identified in prior research are largely consistent with the findings of this study. For instance, several scholars have underscored the importance of facilitating dialogue between experts, non-specialists, and communities [Jameson, 2014], as well as the interpretation of heritage to enhance stakeholder participation and collaboration, ensuring a balance between conservation and valorization [Buonincontri et al., 2021]. The frequent emphasis on networking and synergy, along with the necessity of evaluating significance and future-oriented decision-making to promote sustainable economic development and strategic management, aligns closely with this study’s outcomes [ICOMOS, 2008; Zhang et al., 2022].
However, this study encountered several limitations. A major constraint was the scarcity of domestic (Iranian) sources, which required extensive effort to identify and translate relevant international literature. Another limitation was the absence of prior studies on the interpretation of historic road characteristics in Iran, which the researchers addressed through a comprehensive review of historical and contemporary documents. Future studies should further explore each extracted category in depth, particularly in relation to the assessment of assets and resources, and the formulation of dynamic conservation policies. These can support the sustainable development of various tourism activities, such as cultural tourism, cultural routes, and ecotourism, within historic road contexts.
Overall, among the factors influencing the conservation of historic roads and cultural routes, the core categories of strategic management, asset and resource protection, and sustainable economic development were the most recurrent. The subcategories of these cores are fundamentally aligned with the principles of dynamic conservation. Nevertheless, comparing these findings with the identified conservation framework dimensions reveals a persistent gap: despite the theoretical emphasis on dynamic conservation and sustainable development, these principles have not yet been fully realized or effectively reflected in the practical frameworks and processes governing the conservation of historic roads.
Conclusion
The fundamental and key dimensions in developing a framework for the conservation of historic roads include “future-oriented decision-making,” “identification of assets and resources along the historic road corridor,” “networking and synergy,” “evaluation of the significance of the historic road corridor,” “semantic network of the route,” and “definition of the historic road corridor.”
The realization of dynamic conservation of historic roads is achievable through six main components: strategic management, protection of assets and resources, sustainable economic development, identification of assets and resources, flexibility, and education, knowledge development, and creative interpretation. Among these, strategic management is recognized as the most influential and decisive component in ensuring the effective and sustainable conservation of historic roads.
Acknowledgments: None declared by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None declared by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: None declared by the authors.
Author Contributions: Haji Nili E (First Author), Principal Researcher/Discussion Writer/Statistical Analyst (40%); Mohammadmoradi A (Second Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist (30%); Memarian Gh (Third Author), Introduction Writer / Methodologist (30%)
Funding: This article is derived from the first author’s doctoral dissertation, supervised by the second and third authors. The research was independently funded by the first author.
Roads, as vital arteries and among the earliest and most essential human needs, have been present in human life since the dawn of history. With the continuous growth of social life and the expansion of relationships among different human groups, roads, much like the capillary system in the human body, have developed into a complex network [Belloc, 1910; Durusoy, 2014]. The history of road construction on the Iranian Plateau, as evidenced by the ancient human settlements in this region, dates back to prehistoric times. The emergence of various cultures and the settlement of human groups across plains, valleys, and foothills gradually led to the formation of natural secondary and primary communication routes. With the advancement of civilization and the use of pack and wheeled vehicles, these roads were gradually modified, widened, and leveled through human intervention [Pirnia & Afsar, 1991; Bazazan, 2007]. Over time, Iran became a mediator between East and West, a major corridor for the movement of nations and the exchange of ideas, encompassing reception, development, and transmission [Ghirshman, 2007; Ehteshami, 2014]. In fact, Iran functioned as a bridge between civilizations, a cultural hub situated along ancient commercial and cultural routes, serving as a focal point for scientific, commercial, religious, literary, cultural, artistic, historical, symbolic, functional, and political interactions. It became a central link connecting chains of cultural and civilizational exchanges worldwide [Bastanirad, 2017]. This position profoundly influenced the evolution and expansion of road networks, related facilities, and settlement patterns along these routes. Historically, Iranian roads played a pivotal role in sustaining societies, facilitating the transfer of economic and cultural wealth, and fostering the growth of civilization. The continuity of history, the natural features of the landscape, patterns of human settlement, and the organic system of road networks have led to the accumulation of cultural and natural heritage elements along and around historical routes. These elements are reflected in Iran’s cultural, historical, and natural landscapes. Consequently, historic corridors today not only function as transportation routes that promote communication, security, political relations, and economic development, but also serve as major tourism and recreational attractions, offering a wide range of nature-based cultural and historical opportunities.
In the present day, understanding the civic, cultural, and social concepts and the often-overlooked phenomena of great human civilizations along these historical routes holds even greater significance than merely restoring their economic function [Karshenas, 1998]. Therefore, the protection and conservation of historic roads play a vital role in safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage, fostering diverse forms of tourism, promoting environmental sustainability, ensuring the livelihood of small settlements, and utilizing natural resources sustainably. In this regard, understanding the past is crucial for assessing the present condition and for planning and management decisions that guarantee the preservation and sustainability of historic roads [Tung, 2011; Marriott, 2010; Durusoy, 2014].
The significance of dynamic conservation of historic roads becomes evident when the inherently dynamic nature of these routes and their surrounding landscapes is acknowledged, recognizing that such heritage cannot be separated from modern life. In this context, Manian et al. emphasize that preserving traditional sustainable systems, along with the ingenuity of local communities in designing these systems adapted to environmental and climatic constraints, promotes growth and vitality. This approach results in biodiversity and cultural preservation, sustainable production and consumption, optimal use of environmental capacities, strengthening of the local economy, and the flourishing of dynamic tourism and, inherently, dynamic conservation [Manian et al., 2022]. Similarly, Min and Zhang stress sustainable use as the key to inheriting heritage, protecting traditional lifestyles and indigenous systems while benefiting from environmental capacities for sustainable production. They argue that dynamic conservation must adapt to changing conditions over time and thus requires modernization to maximize employment in heritage communities. They identify five major mechanisms to achieve this: broad functionality, multi-stakeholder participation, legal support and institutional frameworks, government financing, and interdisciplinary scientific support [Min & Zhang, 2020].
In parallel, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines change as an inherent characteristic of ecological, social, and economic systems and emphasizes that the dynamic nature of these systems must be integrated into conservation efforts. The program asserts that spatial and temporal flexibility enhances conservation outcomes [UNEP, 2004]. Wang and Fu likewise argue that the dynamic identity of cultural landscapes should be preserved by adapting functions rather than freezing them in time. This requires maintaining historical evidence as a link between past and present, keeping functional systems active, ensuring the continuity of original landscape functions, and applying conservation tools appropriate to the site’s cultural, historical, and natural values [Wang & Fu, 2014]. Koohafkan and Altieri further highlight the role of dynamic conservation in balancing protection, adaptation, and socio-cultural development. They proposed a comprehensive dynamic conservation framework consisting of two key phases: (1) understanding the context, issues, and vision, and (2) defining the project framework at national, local, and community levels. This framework includes strategy definition, vertical and horizontal linkages, a logical framework (results, outputs, activities, assumptions), management organization (stakeholders, cooperation structure, financial management), and mechanisms for monitoring and adaptive management [Koohafkan & Altieri, 2011].
A common thread throughout these discussions is the concept of sustainable development, which, when combined with modernization and a sustainable economy, can lead to sustainable production, revitalized local economies, optimal use of environmental resources, protection of cultural and natural heritage, stabilization of local populations, and the enhancement of vibrant residential fabrics and tourism economies.
The active role of roads throughout history and the accumulation of cultural, historical, and natural heritage along them have shifted perspectives toward viewing these linear heritage assets as tourism destinations. Since the late 20th century, the planning and development of cultural routes have been discussed as a regional-scale approach to the conservation of cultural and natural heritage areas [Karatas, 2011]. Today, this concept has evolved into a practical tool for dynamic conservation and the continued use of historic roads worldwide, achieving significant progress particularly in developed countries. The potential of these routes has been recognized as a crucial step toward understanding the diverse nature of human heritage, raising awareness of natural and cultural values, and promoting social mobility, economic and cultural development, and ultimately the improvement of local quality of life [World Heritage Committee, 1994; Kiper et al., 2016].
With the expansion of the cultural routes concept as part of the World Heritage framework, numerous studies have been conducted globally, especially in the United States, Australia, Italy, China, and Turkey. Examining these experiences can provide valuable insights for planning the conservation of historic roads in Iran [World Heritage Committee, 1994; ICOMOS, 2008].
The majority of research on Iran’s historic roads has focused on identifying and documenting these routes across different geographical regions and historical periods. Subsequent studies have primarily addressed the preservation and restoration of roadside structures, especially caravanserais and bridges; the study, analysis, and conservation of archaeological sites and historic towns along these routes; and the role and significance of historical roads. Only a few studies have explored the revitalization of historic roads (such as the Velayat Route and the Silk Road) [Sadegh, 2015; Yoosefzadeh, 2012] or the redesign of historical routes (e.g., the Silk Road in Tabriz) [Mogharab Fasqandis, 2020]. To date, however, no comprehensive or integrated research has been conducted specifically on the conservation of Iran’s historic roads.
Therefore, to refine the present study, Iran’s historical road protection system was examined through historical and contemporary documents. Findings indicate that in the past, the physical structure and setting of roads, their users, and associated landscapes and assets, shaped by geographical, human, and physical factors, played major roles in the formation and development of Iran’s historical road network.
Given the emphasis of previous studies on the historical background and characteristics of Iran’s historic roads, as well as their close connection with other domains, the importance of protecting these routes is evident not only at local and national levels but also at transnational scales. This significance stems from the shared exchanges and interactions of humanity across history facilitated by Iran’s transnational routes. These roads, which once fostered prosperity and cultural flourishing, continue to hold invaluable assets and advantages, not only for the present but also for the future. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to identify and analyze the key dimensions influencing the conservation of Iran’s historic roads.
Methodology
This qualitative study was conducted in 2022 using the content analysis method and an inductive reasoning strategy. The research process followed the steps described by Mayring (2000).
To ensure a comprehensive review of relevant sources, texts associated with the keywords conservation, historic roads, ancient roads, historic routes, ancient routes, and cultural routes were collected from both Persian and English literature. Persian books were retrieved from the Elmnet database, while English books were obtained from Open Library. In addition, academic research works, including master’s theses and doctoral dissertations completed between 2011 and 2022 in various universities, were reviewed (Persian studies from Elmnet; English studies from ProQuest). The study also examined research and project reports, as well as scientific–research journal articles published during the same period (Persian texts from Elmnet; English texts from Scopus). Furthermore, relevant international charters were included in the dataset.
In the initial screening, 8 Persian and 16 English sources were reviewed. After multiple rounds of evaluation, 10 accessible sources that were most closely related to the topic and the geographical context of Iran were identified and selected for detailed analysis.
Through examination of these sources, initial codes related to two primary themes of (1) the principles of conservation of historic roads and cultural routes, and (2) the framework for conserving historic roads and cultural routes—were identified and extracted. The analytical process (feedback loop) proceeded step by step through inductive reasoning, whereby subcategories were derived based on the similarities and differences among the initial codes and were subsequently organized into several core categories.
The extraction of initial codes was carried out independently by two coders. The intercoder reliability was verified using Holsti’s coefficient, which measured the correlation between the number of jointly coded instances and the total number of coded instances by each coder. The reliability coefficient was 0.83 at the stage of initial code extraction and 0.89 at the stage of core category identification, confirming the consistency and reliability of the coding process.
Findings
In this study, a total of 118 initial codes related to the principles influencing the conservation of historic roads and cultural routes were identified. These codes were organized into 30 subcategories and subsequently classified into six main (core) categories. Similarly, in relation to the framework for conserving historic roads and cultural routes, 61 initial codes were extracted and categorized into 18 subcategories and six main categories.
Analysis of the reviewed literature revealed that among the principles affecting the conservation of historic roads and cultural routes, the strategic management category had the highest frequency of occurrence, appearing 44 times. This was followed by conservation of assets and resources (37 times), sustainable economic development (24 times), identification of assets and resources (17 times), flexibility (15 times), and education, knowledge development, and creative interpretation (14 times). These results highlight the critical importance of integrated management, resource protection, and sustainability-oriented planning in preserving historic road networks.
Regarding the framework for conservation, six key categories were identified, with the highest emphasis placed on future-oriented decision-making (26 occurrences). This was followed by identification of assets and resources within the historic road corridor (20 occurrences), networking and synergy (16 occurrences), evaluation of the significance of the historic road corridor (14 occurrences), semantic network of the road (8 occurrences), and definition of the historic road corridor (2 occurrences). The recurrence of these categories across the analyzed texts underscores the necessity of a holistic and forward-looking approach—one that emphasizes understanding the tangible and intangible assets of historic corridors, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and establishing an integrated framework for their sustainable protection and management.
Discussion
The aim of this study was to identify and reinterpret the dimensions influencing the dynamic conservation of historic roads in Iran. Regarding the principles affecting conservation, various sources have highlighted different approaches: some have emphasized the modernization and flexibility of conservation actions and the need to balance preservation, adaptation, and development [Marriott, 2010]; others have focused on reviving routes through tourism-oriented development [Sadegh, 2015]; and some have approached conservation through the revival of historical identity and heritage [Keke, 2019].
Other researchers have specifically focused on the communities living along these routes, underscoring the economic and livelihood roles of historic roads and their sustainable use to promote sustainable tourism and stabilize local populations while enhancing the local economy [Dharugh National Park et al., 2005; Agnew, 2010; Durusoy, 2014; Van Meerbeek et al., 2017; Zhang & Zhao, 2022]. In addition, studies on the conservation of cultural routes have stressed the transnational significance of historic roads and their potential to foster and maintain global peace, calling for interpretation and international cooperation frameworks to ensure effective conservation and sustainable development [ICOMOS, 2008; Council of Europe, 2015].
In alignment with these findings, the present study identified strategic management, protection of assets and resources, and sustainable economic development as the most frequent and influential principles. These correspond to the four pillars of sustainability, culture, society, environment, and economy, as defined in the Hangzhou Declaration [UNESCO, 2013]. As Lay [2007] argues, roads are key elements of national and world heritage sites, linking communities across space and time; understanding their role extends beyond mere physical connectivity. This perspective aligns with the notion that recognizing the interconnected social–ecological systems is essential for achieving sustainability [Fischer et al., 2015].
While the conservation principles identified in this study emphasized a comprehensive understanding of the natural, biological, and cultural diversity of historic roads and their influence beyond their physical boundaries, some researchers have focused only on their physical dimensions, surrounding environments, and functional attributes. For example, Marriott [2010] highlighted engineering standards, safety, and physical characteristics, whereas Keke [2019] emphasize historical functions based on natural and historical features. Conversely, Zhang et al. [2022] and Dharug National Park et al. [2005] extend their attention to the broader cultural landscape and local communities, acknowledging the roads’ roles in environmental cohesion and socioeconomic sustainability. Nonetheless, only a limited number of studies have explicitly addressed the need to define historic road corridors [Agnew, 2010; Van Meerbeek et al., 2017].
The other principles and dimensions related to the framework for historic road conservation identified in prior research are largely consistent with the findings of this study. For instance, several scholars have underscored the importance of facilitating dialogue between experts, non-specialists, and communities [Jameson, 2014], as well as the interpretation of heritage to enhance stakeholder participation and collaboration, ensuring a balance between conservation and valorization [Buonincontri et al., 2021]. The frequent emphasis on networking and synergy, along with the necessity of evaluating significance and future-oriented decision-making to promote sustainable economic development and strategic management, aligns closely with this study’s outcomes [ICOMOS, 2008; Zhang et al., 2022].
However, this study encountered several limitations. A major constraint was the scarcity of domestic (Iranian) sources, which required extensive effort to identify and translate relevant international literature. Another limitation was the absence of prior studies on the interpretation of historic road characteristics in Iran, which the researchers addressed through a comprehensive review of historical and contemporary documents. Future studies should further explore each extracted category in depth, particularly in relation to the assessment of assets and resources, and the formulation of dynamic conservation policies. These can support the sustainable development of various tourism activities, such as cultural tourism, cultural routes, and ecotourism, within historic road contexts.
Overall, among the factors influencing the conservation of historic roads and cultural routes, the core categories of strategic management, asset and resource protection, and sustainable economic development were the most recurrent. The subcategories of these cores are fundamentally aligned with the principles of dynamic conservation. Nevertheless, comparing these findings with the identified conservation framework dimensions reveals a persistent gap: despite the theoretical emphasis on dynamic conservation and sustainable development, these principles have not yet been fully realized or effectively reflected in the practical frameworks and processes governing the conservation of historic roads.
Conclusion
The fundamental and key dimensions in developing a framework for the conservation of historic roads include “future-oriented decision-making,” “identification of assets and resources along the historic road corridor,” “networking and synergy,” “evaluation of the significance of the historic road corridor,” “semantic network of the route,” and “definition of the historic road corridor.”
The realization of dynamic conservation of historic roads is achievable through six main components: strategic management, protection of assets and resources, sustainable economic development, identification of assets and resources, flexibility, and education, knowledge development, and creative interpretation. Among these, strategic management is recognized as the most influential and decisive component in ensuring the effective and sustainable conservation of historic roads.
Acknowledgments: None declared by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None declared by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: None declared by the authors.
Author Contributions: Haji Nili E (First Author), Principal Researcher/Discussion Writer/Statistical Analyst (40%); Mohammadmoradi A (Second Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist (30%); Memarian Gh (Third Author), Introduction Writer / Methodologist (30%)
Funding: This article is derived from the first author’s doctoral dissertation, supervised by the second and third authors. The research was independently funded by the first author.
Keywords:
References
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