Explaining the Semantic Components of the Islamic City in Line with Urban Sustainable Development

Subject Areas : Urban policy

Tahereh  Nasr ¹ (Associate Professor in Urban Planning, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.)
Sahar  Salahi ² (Ph.D student in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.)
Nejabat  Piran ³ (Ph.D student in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.)

Received: 2022-03-04 Accepted : 2022-06-10 Published : 2022-07-23

Keywords: "Signs", "Semantics", "Islamic Rules", "Urban Policy", "Components of Islamic City",

Abstract :

        In the policy-making of the Islamic city, the principles of religion, rules and hadiths should influence the decisions and decisions of the city. In various subjects of urban planning, by extracting semantic components, the (form) of the city can be studied and also the essence of existence (meaning) in the Islamic city can be achieved based on the urban form.In this regard, the present study has explained the semantic components of the Islamic city in line with urban policy-making. The method used in this research is a qualitative method that is descriptive and analytical and information collection is done in the form of libraries and documents. Studies were carried out according to the explanation of the concept of meaning and semantics and its origin in architectural works, as well as criteria for semantic analysis of urban space to elements such as signs and semiotics, as well as art.Then, the significant relationship between meaning and signs and aesthetics in the physics of the Islamic city was investigated and in addition to expressing the nature of the Islamic city, its principles, pillars, elements and expressing the shape of the Islamic city from the perspective of theorists, an analysis was expressed in terms of semantic components. The originality of existence, the originality of nature, the knowledge of phenomena, the unity of object and mind, the two-way relationship of meaning and form. Finally, the order of existence of the object was achieved in the Islamic city. It can be said that considering the important role of the form in today's societies and the lack of attention to semantic dimensions in urban bodies, the politics of the presence and relationship of semantic components in the Islamic city can lead the space to the main Islamic ideals.Extended AbstractIntroduction:      One of the problems of urban planning in today's cities is the lack of the necessary platform for the implementation and realization of new urban development plans and programs. But now most attention has been paid to the form and physic of cities and regardless of the main meanings in Islam and only the physical foundations of the Islamic city has spread everywhere. Therefore, based on this important matter, this study examines the main components of meaning in the Islamic city and what and why it is, as well as the manner and cause of meaning in the Islamic city and also its application in urban policy-making. In order to reach the components of meaning in the Islamic city, first the meaning and semantics from the perspective of Islam and what and its origin in architectural works are discussed. Then, the pillars, elements and components of the Islamic city in the direction of urban policy-making have been studied. In order to index it, semantic components in the Islamic city have been explained.Methodology:     The method used in this research is qualitative according to the elements of the Islamic city and has been done descriptively-analytically. The method of collecting information is in the form of libraries and documents, which has been done in the Islamic city due to the question-oriented nature of this research and addressing the main questions such as what and why and the main components of meaning. In the studies section, according to the explanation of the concept of meaning and semantics and its origin in architectural works, as well as criteria for semantic analysis of urban space, elements such as signs and semiotics as well as art studies are discussed. Then, the significant relationship between meaning and signs and aesthetics in the body of the Islamic city is investigated and an analysis is given in terms of the semantic components of the Islamic city in addition to expressing the nature of the Islamic city, its principles, pillars, elements and expressing the shape of the Islamic city from the perspective of theorists.Results and discussion:      According to the mentioned cases, it can be concluded that without the semantic components in the Islamic city (which was mentioned in different parts of this study), the atmosphere of good life, which is the main goal of Islam, can not be achieved. Therefore, based on the mentioned cases, it is possible to explain the semantic components in line with the policy-making of the Islamic city.Conclusion:      In this study, the semantic perspective and attention to it, in order to find the facts in urban policy-making has been considered. The significance of semantics in the policy-making of the Islamic city and its form and determining criteria for urban space to create an environment based on the presence of the pillars of Islamic religion in the daily life of society is one of the most basic factors in shaping the Islamic utopia. The policy-making of the main factors in the city, both meaningfully and inherently, and in form and appearance, is based on Islam and its principles. In this regard, paying attention to semiotics and understanding it is very important. Urban policy-making considers signs and semiotics from two perspectives of form and meaning, which can include artistic and aesthetic analyzes. Given the important role of the physic and form in today's societies and the lack of attention to semantic dimensions in urban physics, the politics of the presence and relationship of semantic components in the Islamic city can lead the space to the main Islamic ideals. Thus, when paying attention to physical factors (for example, the construction of mosques and its relationship with other urban areas), the issue of meaning and concept in the nature of phenomena should be considered to be able to use appropriate urban policy to the utopia of Islam acquired. An index is an objective or conceptual tool with or based on which the Islamicity of existing and proposed urban plans can be tested and based on them, executive solutions can be proposed to improve the current situation and planning in line with urban policy-making and design of modern Islamic cities. Also, proper policy-making for designing cities can solve the basic problem of the body in Islamic cities.

References:

1. Abbaszadeh, Sh., Gohari, H. (2014): Meaningful spaces and social squares in Islamic urban planning The lost pillar (interactive spaces) in Islamic Iranian metropolises today, Journal of Sustainable City, No. 1, pp 164-191. (in Persian)


2. Bemanian, M., Esfandiari M. Esfandiari S. (2015): Aesthetic paradigm in urban landscapes, International Conference on Research in Science and Technology.


3. Bemanian, M., Ali Nasab, M. (2012): An investigation of light’s role in explaining the spatial sequence of mosques’ architecture (case study: Sheikh Lotfollah mosque), Pajohesh-e-Honar Journal, 2(4), pp 71-82. (in Persian)


4. Bostani, Sepahvand, V. (2012): Application of New Semantic Methods in Quranic Studies, Quran and Hadith Studies Journal, volume 5, number1. pp 165-186. Doi: 10.30497/QURAN.2012.1003 (in Persian)


5. Brown, C.L. (1973): From Madina to Metropolis: heritage and change in the Near Eastern City, The Darwin Press, New Jersey.


6. Carmona, M. (2003): Public places – Urban spaces, The dimensions of urban design, Architectural Press, New York.


7. (2000): "By Design – Urban Design in the Planning System: Towards Better Practice", Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, London.


8. DUDLEY W. (1988): Guest Editional Lim Cities, Volum15, No 3.


9. Ehlers, E. (1993): Islamic city: model reality, adopted: Zia Tawana, M. H., Momenei, M., VAGHF Journal, volume 10, pp 50-53. (in Persian)


10. Einifar, A., Aghaltifi, A. (2011): Concept of Territory in Residential Complexes: A Comparative Study of two High-rise and Low-rise Complexes in Tehran, Honar-Ha-Ye-Ziba Journal, Volume 3, No, 47, pp 17-28. (in Persian)


11. Hashempour, R. (2016): Islamic architecture and urban planning in "form" or in "meaning", Green architecture Journal, No. 3. (in Persian)


12. Kaboudi, M., Noghrehkar, A. (2019): Artistic creation based on Qur'an and transcendental wisdom, Journal of Islamic Crafts, Volume 4, No. 1, pp 99-111. Doi: 10.52547/jic.4.1.99 (in Persian)


13. Khatami, M. (2019): Rethinking the Concept of Islamic City; Analysing Different Understandings of the Islamic City Concept and Explaining the Necessity of Ethical Reading, Naqshejahan- Journal of Basic studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning, Volume 9, No. 3, pp 157-166. Doi: 20.1001.1.23224991.1398.9.3.6.9 (in Persian)


14. Kiani, G., Afzali, K., Ziari, K. (2022): Explain the appropriate context for the implementation of strategic plans in urban policy Emphasizing the theory of good urban governance, Journal Urban Environmental Policy, Volume 1, No. 4, pp 1-14. Doi: 20.1001.1.27833496.1400.1.4.1.5 (in Persian)


15. Krier, R., Rowe, C. (1979): Urban space. Academy editions. 30,


16. Lang, J. (1987): Creating architectural theory: The role of the behavioural sciences in environmental design, New York; Wokingham: Van Nostrand Reinhold, London


17. Lapidus, I. (1988): a history of Islamic societies, Cambridge University, Cambridge.


18. Lynch, K. (2016): Image of City, Institute of Printing and Publishing, University of Tehran, Printing turn: 12. (in Persian)


19. Madanipour, A. (2000): Design of Urban Space: an inquiry into a socio- special process, Urban Planning publication, Tehran. (in Persian)


20. Mardani, Z. (2015): The Classification of Thinkers’ Views in the Field of Studies of Islamic City, Bagh-E-Nazar Journal, Volume 12, No. 35, pp 65-74. (in Persian)


21. Meshkini, A., Rezaei Moghadam, A. (2014): Investigating the components and indicators of the Islamic city with emphasis on the role and importance of culture in the realization of the Iranian Islamic urban planning model, Sustainable City, No, 1. (in Persian)


22. Mohammad Hassani, E., Toghraei, A., Mirgholami, M. (2016): Legible Urban Landmarks: a Typological Approach (Case Study: Vali’asr Street in Tehran), Hoviatshahr Journal, Volume 10, No. 1, pp 61-74. Doi: 20.1001.1.17359562.1395.10.1.6.1 (in Persian)


23. Moosavi, S., Shakoor, A. (2019): Investigation and role of urban signs with emphasis on identifying space (Case study: Shahid Chamran Boulevard, Shiraz), Research and Planning Journal, Volume 9, No. 35, pp 1-10. Doi: 20.1001.1.22285229.1397.9.35.1.4 (in Persian)

1. Mumford, L. (1961): The City in History, Harcourt, brace & world Inc, New York, USA.

25. Naghizadeh, M. (2015): Pattern, Basics, Pillars, Attributes and Principles of Islamic City, Culture of Islamic Architecture and Urbanism Journal, Vo;ume 1, No. 1, pp 63-80. Doi: 10.29252/ciauj.1.1.63 (in Persian)


26. Nghizadeh, M., Zamani, B., Karami, I. (2010): Cultural Consideration in Urban Facade Formation (Emphasize on urban facade formation in Iranian Islamic architecture), Hoviatshahr Journal, Volume 4, No. 7, pp 61-74. doi: 20.1001.1.17359562.1389.4.7.7.2 (in Persian)


27. Naghizadeh, M. (2009): Analysis and Design of Urban Space, Cultural and art research institute, Tehran. (in Persian)


28. Najafi, M., Naghizadeh, M., Toghyani Shirin ., M. (2020): The Compilation of Urbanism Texts by Using the Iranian's-Valuable Texts (With Emphasis on the Islamic Ethics), Journal of Researches in Islamic Architecture, Volume 8, No.1, pp 41-62. (in Persian)


29. Nasr, H., (2009): Islamic art and spirituality, Hekmat Press, Printing turn: 3, Tehran.


30. Nasr, T. (2016). Urban Physical Identity: Conceptual Basis and Theories, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research branch Publications, Tehran. (in Persian)


31. Nasr, T., Emadi, M. (2021): Investigating the Role of Socio-Cultural Sustainability Indicators in Urban Public Spaces’ Development (Case Study: Kholdebarin Park and Eram Garden Street, Shiraz), Journal of Urban Environmental Policy,Volume 1, Issue 4, 57-76. Doi: 20.1001.1.27833496.1400.1.4.5.9 (in Persian)


32. Pakatchi, A., (2008): Acquaintance with current semantic ideologies, Culture Communication Studies Journal, Volume 9, No 3, pp 89-119. (in Persian)


33. Pourjafar M., Pourjafar, A., Safdari, S. (2015): Various Types of Islamic City and Pointing Out to Defining the Major Aspects of Ideal Islamic City, Journal of Researches in Islamic Architecture, Volume 3, No 3, pp 1-17. (in Persian)


34. Raeesi, M., Noghrekar, A. (2016): The Ontology of Meaning in Architectural Works, Hoviatshahr Journal, volume 9, No. 24, pp 5-16. Doi: 20.1001.1.17359562.1394.9.24.1.5 (in Persian)


35. Roudgar M. (2010): Gender Equality according to Allameh Tabatabaei and Martyr Muttahari, The "Women's Book" quarterly, Volume 12, No. 46, pp 49-80. (in Persian)


36. Rowe, W. (1995): William Alston on the Problem of Evil, From the book The Rationality of Belief and the Plurality of Faith, Cornell University Press, https://doi.org/10.7591/9781501744839-005


37. Sajjadzadeh H. (2013): A realistic look at the meaning of urban space in an Islamic city, Islamic Iranian city studies, No. 14, pp 23-32. (in Persian)


38. Salavati, A. (2014): The unity or multiplicity of human beings according to Ibn Sina, Sheikh Ishraq and Mulla Sadra, History of Philosophy, No.16.


39. Sekhavatdoust, N., Alborzi, F. (2018): Contemplation on Semiotics of Qazvin Houses Entrance of During the Qajar Era from Aspects Ferdinand de Saussure, Charles Sanders Peirce and Umberto Eco, Hoviatshahr Journal, volume 12, No.2, pp 79-96. Doi: 1001.1.17359562.1397.12.2.7.8 (in Persian)


40. Seyedi, H. (2011): Semantic change in the Qur'an: A study of the textual relationship between the Qur'an and ignorant poetry, Sokhan Press, Tehran. (in Persian)


41. Shahi, Z., Amidzadeh, P. (2015): Study of the formation of the Islamic city and its elements, the third national conference on urban planning and architecture over time Qazvin, https://civilica.com/doc/572229.


42. Shokouhi, A. (2006): Theology of Master Motahhari, Andisheh Hozeh, No. 58.

44. Stringer, P. (1975): Environmental interaction: Psychological Approaches to Our Physical Environment, Surrey University Press, London, England.


45. Tabibian, M., Charbgoo, N., Abdolahimehr, E. (2012): The Principle of Hierarchy Reflection in Islamic Iranian Cities, Armanshahr Journal, Volume 4, No.7, pp 63-76. (in Persian)


46. Torkashvand, A., Majidi, S. (2014): Recognize some signs in urban spaces, Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism, Volume 4, No.2, pp 5-15. Doi: 30475/ISAU.2014.61971 (in Persian)


47. Qalambor Dezfuli, M., Naghizadeh, M. (2014): Urban Design in the Context of Social Interaction Enhancement (Case Study: Street between Neighborhoods), Hoviatshahr Journal, Volume 8, No. 17, pp 15-24. Doi: 20.1001.1.17359562.1393.8.17.2.5 (in Persian)


48. Zakerhaghighi, K., Ashurloo, M. (2021): Formulation of effective policies on creating a network of urban green spaces with an emphasis on spatial justice (Case study: Twelve districts of Hamadan city), Journal of Urban Environmental Policy, Volume1, No. 3, pp 17-30. Doi 20.1001.1.27833496.1400.1.3.2.4 (in Persian)


49. Zucker, P. (1959): Town and Square, from the Agora to the village Green, MIT Press, USA.