Localization of the Right to the City Theory in Iran: A Critical Study of the Palestine Neighborhood in Zanjan

Subject Areas : Urbanism

saeid gholami ¹ , ATOOSA MODIRI ² , Ali Tayebi ³

1 - Department of Urban Planning, CT .C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Department of Urban Planning, CT .C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3 - Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Received: 2025-07-27 Accepted : 2025-07-31 Published : 2025-06-19

Keywords: Spatial Justice, Informal Settlements, Commodification of Space, Social Participation, Right to the City Theory.,

Abstract :

This research critically revisits Henri Lefebvre's "Right to the City" theory and explores the feasibility of localizing it within the Iranian social context. The primary aim is to adapt the key concepts of the theory, including spatial justice, commodification of space, and social participation, to address the specific urban challenges of Iran. Using Lefebvre's spatial triad framework (conceived space, lived space, and perceived space), the study highlights that spatial inequality, weak infrastructure, informal settlements, and limited citizen participation are major issues facing Iranian cities.

The case study of the Palestine neighborhood in Zanjan, as an informal settlement, provides a clear depiction of these challenges. Deficiencies in public services, proximity to environmental pollution, and inadequate access to educational and recreational infrastructure are the main problems in this area. Moreover, centralized policies and large-scale development projects, such as Tehran's District 22 and Iran Mall, have prioritized economic benefits, exacerbating spatial inequality and restricting low-income groups' access to public spaces.

The study identifies power centralization and the weakness of civil institutions as the primary obstacles to localizing the Right to the City theory in Iran. However, opportunities such as increased social awareness and strengthening the discourse on spatial justice could lead to positive changes. A reevaluation of urban policies and a shift toward justice-oriented planning are among the recommendations of this study for achieving spatial justice and improving the quality of life in Iranian cities.

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