Urban Sociology
somayeh shalchi; Maryam Allah dousti
Abstract
Highlights:
- Unilateral implementation of urban cultural policies is problematic.
- The process of renovation and reconstruction in Tabriz mirrors modern urban renewal.
- Identity is defined and redefined at the intersection of power and cultural shifts.
- Citizens call for democratic cultural policies ...
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Highlights:
- Unilateral implementation of urban cultural policies is problematic.
- The process of renovation and reconstruction in Tabriz mirrors modern urban renewal.
- Identity is defined and redefined at the intersection of power and cultural shifts.
- Citizens call for democratic cultural policies that reflect their diverse needs and values.
Introduction:
Understanding the significance of culture in shaping the meaning of place is crucial in today's world, as cities have become the primary environments for human life. These urban spaces are deeply affected by rapid cultural changes, which influence not only their physical form but also the lives and identities of their residents. In this context, Tabriz, a historically rich city, serves as an ideal case for examining how cultural policies affect urban life. This research investigates the cultural policies of Tabriz through a sociological lens, focusing on the narratives and perspectives of its residents. The main objective is to explore how these policies are perceived by the people of Tabriz and to understand what role they play in shaping the identity, memory, and cultural landscape of the city.
Theoretical Framework:
The theoretical framework of this research draws on the works of several key thinkers, including Lefebvre, Crinson, Simmel, Berman, Miztal, Doserto, and Benjamin. According to Lefebvre, urban space is inherently political and never neutral, as it reflects power structures and social relations (Lefebvre, 2015: 21). Crinson suggests that cities are remembered through their buildings, which serve as tangible representations of urban memory (Crinson, 2016: 17). Miztal emphasizes that any objectified entity in a city can evoke perception and memory, providing a narrative about the past (Miztal, 2003: 132). Doserto adds that resistance plays a key role in urban spaces, as individuals create meaning in the city through their actions and interactions (Doserto, 1997).
Methodology:
This research uses thematic analysis to collect and interpret narratives from residents of Tabriz who are over 25 years old, have lived in the city for more than 10 years, and possess sufficient knowledge about its cultural policies. The participants, both men and women, shared their insights through in-depth interviews. The goal was to gather a diverse range of opinions and experiences, capturing the different ways in which Tabriz's residents understand and engage with the city's cultural policies.
Results and Discussion:
The thematic analysis yielded several key themes, which are summarized below:
The Suffering of Forgetfulness: Drawing on Crinson's theory of urban memory, this theme highlights how urban renewal projects in Tabriz disconnect the present city from its past. As the city's infrastructure is modernized, its historical identity is eroded, leading to a sense of loss among residents.
Traces of Memory: Benjamin views the city as a complex site of perception and memory (Benjamin, 1986: 26). In Tabriz, the fast pace of renovations has resulted in the destruction of many historically significant areas, leaving residents with a fragmented sense of their city's past.
Repeated Collapse: Berman argues that modernity is a shared experience of both creation and destruction (Berman, 2016: 15). Tabriz, like many cities undergoing rapid modernization, experiences this duality—while modern urban development brings economic opportunities, it also threatens the city's cultural and historical fabric.
Memory Policy: Miztal’s notion of memory policy refers to the way in which official narratives are imposed from above, shaping collective memory (Miztal, 2003: 129). In Tabriz, the dominant political and cultural discourses often reshape the city's memory, leaving little room for organic, grassroots narratives to emerge.
The Other of the City: Simmel's concept of the duality of self and other is crucial for understanding the subjectivity of urban dwellers. In Tabriz, the coexistence of traditional and modern elements creates a complex dynamic between residents' historical identity and their adaptation to modernity. This is reflected in the city's proximity to Turkey, which shares similar historical and cultural contexts.
Channelization of Space: Lefebvre posits that urban planners play a crucial role in controlling and producing space (Lefebvre, 2015: 37). In Tabriz, planners have been instrumental in transforming the city through modernization projects that prioritize infrastructure over the preservation of historical sites, contributing to the loss of cultural memory.
Resistance Activism: Doserto's theory of power and resistance in urban spaces (Doserto, 1997) is evident in the actions of Tabriz's citizens, who strive to preserve their ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Through various forms of activism, they resist the homogenization of their city's identity and seek to retain its unique character.
Conclusion:
Cultural sustainability, which encompasses the preservation and expansion of history, values, and relationships, is a key component of urban life. In Tabriz, the process of renovation and reconstruction has been marked by rapid changes and widespread destruction. The residents of Tabriz experience this as a loss of their city’s historical and cultural identity. For Tabriz to develop successful cultural policies, its urban plans must prioritize the needs and interests of its citizens over cars and infrastructure. Moreover, these policies should be democratic and inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the population. The narratives of Tabriz's residents offer valuable insights into their levels of satisfaction with the city's cultural policies and their willingness to engage in its governance. As urban renewal continues to reshape Tabriz, it is crucial to listen to these voices and incorporate them into future policy decisions to create a city that honors both its past and its future.
