The Impact of Islam on the Principles of Urban Planning in Iran
Subject Areas : Islamic urbanism
mino alikhani
1
,
neda mohammadrahimpanah
2
,
saeid sharifkazemi
3
1 - Ph.D Student in Urban Planning, Research Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - M.A of Urban Planning, Campus Science and Technology Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3 - Ph.D Student in Urban Planning, Research Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Islamic city, Iranian urban principles, Islamic teachings, Iranian city.,
Abstract :
The Impact of Islam on the Principles of Urban Planning in Iran
Minoo Alikhani*
Neda Mohammad Rahimpanah**
Saeid Sharif Kazemi***
Every city emerges from a specific philosophy and ideology and is shaped by its physical, natural, and political conditions, giving it a unique character. Furthermore, based on historical occurrences, each enduring thought has had its own city with distinctive traits. Divine religions, as ideologies and meta-paradigms, also have particular principles and foundations regarding the city, which influence the formation of the city accordingly. The aim of this research is to develop a comparative framework to assess the alignment between Islamic urban principles—or teachings of Islam—and Iranian urban principles. Specifically, it examines how closely Iranian urban principles, prior to the advent of Islam in Iran, align with Islamic teachings. To achieve this understanding, the study employed documentary and library research methods, with a descriptive-inferential approach. The key indicators were extracted based on the most significant qualitative characteristics from Islamic teachings and Iranian urban principles (before Islam). These indicators were then compared. Ultimately, by quantifying these qualitative indicators, it was concluded that the entry of Islam into Iran served as a remedial and supplementary influence, aiming to modify and improve pre-existing urban conditions.
Keywords: Islamic city, Iranian urban principles, Islamic teachings, Iranian city.
Introduction
Urban planning, as a reflection of the culture, worldview, and social structures of each civilization, has always been shaped by ideological, religious, and environmental factors. Iran, with its rich history in urban development, witnessed the emergence of diverse styles such as Persian, Hellenistic, and Parthian before the advent of Islam. Each of these styles evolved in accordance with the political, economic, and cultural circumstances of their respective eras (Habibi, 1999: 65). With the introduction of Islam into Iran, a new system of values and thought was established, which naturally influenced the principles of urban planning in the country.
The main question of this study is whether Islamic teachings led to fundamental changes in Iran’s urban planning principles or served primarily as corrective and complementary influences. To what extent do Islamic teachings align with the pre-Islamic urban planning principles in Iran? Previous studies have indicated diverse perspectives on this issue. Some scholars argue that the advent of Islam resulted in a complete transformation of Iranian urbanism, while others believe that Islamic teachings mainly acted as reforms to the existing structures (Naghi Zadeh, 2010: 60). This study adopts a comparative approach and uses both qualitative and quantitative indicators to address the issue.
Research Methodology
This research employs a descriptive–analytical method with a comparative approach. Data collection was conducted through library and documentary research, reviewing scientific articles, historical texts, Islamic sources, and research reports related to Islamic and pre-Islamic urban planning.
Identification of Indicators
In the first stage, qualitative indicators were extracted from Islamic teachings and the principles of pre-Islamic Iranian urbanism. The most important indicators include monotheism (Tawhid), servitude and worship, piety, remembrance, justice, reform, contemplation, security, moderation, urban construction principles, and hygiene (PurMohammadi et al., 2019: 34). These indicators were derived from specialized texts and Islamic scriptures and then compared with the physical and social features of pre-Islamic Iranian cities.
Data Analysis Method
For evaluation, two conditions were considered for each criterion. First, if a criterion existed in pre-Islamic Iranian urbanism, it was marked with a qualitative (+) and assigned a quantitative value of 100. Second, if absent, it was marked with a qualitative (–) and assigned a value of 0.
For criteria with sub-criteria, each was evaluated separately, and their quantitative scores were aggregated to determine the final score. Based on an inferential hypothesis, results falling within:
- 0–33% indicate a significant gap between Islamic teachings and Iranian urban planning, implying a fundamental transformation (akin to a full-scale surgical change) post-Islam.
- 33–66% reflect a relatively complete worldview in Iranian urbanism, requiring corrective reforms by Islamic teachings.
- 66–100% suggest a highly compatible and robust urban system, largely unaffected or only strengthened by Islamic teachings (SaberManesh et al., 2022: 3).
The Boolean method was employed to measure conformity, assigning a score of 1 for presence and 0 for absence, and calculating the overall percentage.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Methodology
The main strength of this method lies in its ability to quantify qualitative aspects, providing a clear picture of conformity levels. The use of diverse historical and Islamic data adds analytical depth. However, its main weakness is the reduction of complex qualitative concepts to simple numerical values, potentially overlooking philosophical and social intricacies (Kalantari et al., 2014: 18).
Findings and Discussion
The findings revealed an overall conformity rate of 63.64% between Islamic teachings and pre-Islamic Iranian urban planning principles. This percentage falls within the 33–66% range, suggesting that Islamic teachings primarily acted as corrective and complementary reforms to existing urban principles (Pourjafar et al., 2015: 5).
Manifestation of Monotheism (Tawhid):
Tawhid, the core of the Islamic worldview, manifests in both physical and social dimensions of Islamic cities as a reflection of unity. Pre-Islamic Iranian cities (Persian and Parthian styles) exhibited elements of social unity, but these were mainly based on hierarchical and governmental structures rather than divine centrality (Naghi Zadeh, 1998: 52).
Justice
Justice, a fundamental principle of Islamic urbanism, ensures equitable social relations, distribution of resources, and spatial design. In contrast, pre-Islamic cities, structured around caste systems, lacked true social justice (Naghi Zadeh, 1998: 47).
Servitude and Worship (Ibadah):
Islamic cities centered around spaces for worship, with mosques playing pivotal roles. Pre-Islamic Iranian cities had temples and fire altars, but these were primarily accessible to specific social classes (Naghi Zadeh, 1998: 52).
Security:
Islamic urbanism encompasses multidimensional security—social, economic, and physical. Pre-Islamic cities emphasized physical security through fortifications but paid less attention to social security (Akbari Nasrabadi et al., 2016: 5).
Reform and Contemplation:
Islam emphasizes land development and learning from history. Pre-Islamic practices, such as irrigation systems and qanats, show similarities in these areas (YousefiFar, 2010: 147).
Hygiene:
Islam integrates public health into urban principles, focusing on both physical and mental well-being. Ancient Iranian texts also reflected environmental consciousness, but Islamic approaches were broader and more human-centered (Khalandi, 2017: 114).
Conclusion
The study concludes that pre-Islamic Iranian urban planning, while relatively complete in its physical and organizational aspects, lacked the human-centered and spiritual dimensions emphasized by Islamic teachings. The integration of Islamic ideology resulted in a synthesis that enhanced both traditions. With a conformity rate of 63.64%, Islamic teachings functioned as corrective and complementary influences rather than initiating fundamental structural changes. The prominence of human dignity in Islamic urbanism contributed to significant moral and social transformations, while Iran’s robust urban principles provided a physical foundation compatible with Islamic ideals.
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* Corresponding Author: Ph.D Student in Urban Planning, Research Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
mi.alikhani@iau.ac.ir
** M.A of Urban Planning, Campus Science and Technology Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
neda_rahimpanah@yahoo.com
*** Ph.D Student in Urban Planning, Research Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
persiancheif@gmail.com
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