Innovative Approaches to the Restoration and Revitalization of Historical Bazaars: Preserving Heritage, Enabling Sustainability

Abstract

The Kerman Bazaar and its historical fabric, with a long-standing history, harbor a unique treasure of various architectural styles. This historical fabric, similar to its counterparts in other cities, faces numerous social, economic, and structural challenges on one hand, and unregulated urban interventions and renovations on the other. Focusing on housing issues and providing design patterns, regulations, and criteria for construction will lead to the preservation of the physical and visual characteristics of the historical context, as well as the improvement of the quality of life for the residents, which are among the main goals of revitalization plans. The Kerman Bazaar, one of the most important and oldest bazaars in Iran, is recognized as a symbol of the region's culture and history. This bazaar, active as a commercial and social center since the Safavid era, has suffered severe erosion and damage due to natural and human factors. This research examines the current condition of the Kerman Bazaar and the challenges related to its restoration, presenting innovative and sustainable solutions for the restoration and revitalization of this historic bazaar. This study employs a qualitative analysis approach to gather and examine information about the structure of the Kerman Bazaar, the materials used in its construction, and the existing problems. Furthermore, the SWOT analysis in this research identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the restoration and revitalization of the Kerman Bazaar. These solutions include the use of new materials and technologies, community involvement in the restoration process, and the implementation of educational and cultural programs to preserve and revive this historic bazaar. The primary objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide for the restoration and revitalization of the Kerman Bazaar to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the region and optimize its capacities for sustainable development. The results of this research can serve as a reference for architects, urban planners, and local authorities in the field of restoration and conservation of historical buildings.