Geographical Research

Objectives and Background: This research examines the compatibility of tradition and modernity in heritage tourism attractions and attempts to analyze the impacts of modernity on handicrafts and cultural identity.

Methodology: Based on the objective criterion, this research falls under the category of applied research. The statistical population of this study includes handicrafts in Natanz city. The sample size in this research equals 160 individuals, and the sampling method employed is convenience sampling. The data collection tool in this research is a questionnaire, and the data analysis tool is SPSS statistical software. To determine the existence or non-existence of influence between variables and to estimate and generalize the results obtained from the sample size to the statistical population, a one-sample t-test was used to evaluate the research questions.

Findings: From the perspective of activists in the field of Natanz handicrafts, there was a possibility of creating compatibility between tradition and modernity in heritage attractions, as the obtained mean for the compatibility variable between tradition and modernity (3.74) was significantly higher than the average level. Moreover, Friedman test results revealed that "preserving the authenticity of handicrafts" with a mean rank of 3 was considered the most important action for preserving and improving the characteristics of traditional arts, followed by "support and supervision of handicrafts" with a mean rank of 2.68 in second place.

Conclusion: Natanz handicrafts, despite challenges arising from modernity, have the capability to adapt to modern needs without losing their authentic identity. Creating an appropriate balance between preserving traditional values and responding to new needs proved to be an effective solution for preserving and developing heritage attractions. Preserving authenticity was recognized as the central core of any action for compatibility between tradition and modernity, and promotion played a pivotal role in advancing cultural heritage.