IMPACT OF URBAN CONSERVATION POLICIES ON TRANSFORMATION OF IRANIAN HISTORIC CITY CENTERS: YAZD CITY

Abstract

Developing a unified approach to deal with the conservation of historic city centers
has been a great challenge in many countries. Iran, the cradle of ancient civilizations has been the
center of debate regarding conservation of historic rudiments and forceful technology-driven
modernization. This paper presents different policies and approaches towards urban conservation in
Iran and their impact on city transformation with particular reference to Yazd city. This research
employs an in-depth case study method due to its qualitative and exploratory nature. Two areas within
Yazd city representing the conservation-led regeneration and physically-redevelopment approaches
have been chosen. The paper analyzes the formulation process of different approaches and identifies
their impact on city transformation. The paper concluded that reinforcement of institutional and
administrative framework, integration of policies, reducing the role of central government and
decentralization of responsibilities created a more successful path towards urban revitalization. It was
recommended that the latest trend of adopting and developing an integrated approach to the
conservation of historic environments can be further strengthened through the involvement of local
leadership and communities of historic city centers