Cemetery as a Sociocultural Space in the Persian Cities

Subject Areas : Urban Design

Reza ShakerArdekani ¹ (Graduate Student in Research Master's Urban Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.)
Hamed Akhgar ² (M.A. in Urban Planning, Department of Art and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.)
Hossein Zabihi ³ (Associate Professor, Department of Art and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.)

Received: 2014-06-17 Accepted : 2015-03-11 Published : 2015-04-01

Keywords: cemetery, Urban space, Sociocultural Space, Persian Cities,

Abstract :

Examining the planning of cemeteries in the urbanism system of Iran does not show a goodcondition. In fact, cemeteries in the most Persian cities have become large-scale open spaces outside the city. This couldcause irreparable damage to the cities because of the partial and/or improper use of the capacity of urban lands. Alongwith this, historical cemeteries within the cities have been abandoned. However, it seems that urban space with functionof the cemetery has a specific sociocultural potential. Cemeteries can be very effective elements in the symbolic networkof the city. As a result, it is also an essential element which must be associated with the structure and organisation of thecity and the neighbourhoods, not as a waste and marginal element. In addition, examining this symbolic space achievea symbolic dialogue which will result in exploring the beliefs, emotions, dreams, and imaginations of ancestors whichmeans these urban areas need a specific attention. This paper, by using descriptive-analytical research method, attemptsto explain sociocultural functions of cemeteries as an urban space, and to scrutinise its pathology through reviewing itsposition in the urban plans in Iran. In the following, via an emphasis on the sociocultural role of the cemetery, a seriesof strategies will be expressed for promoting its position within cities.

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