Developing Desirable Indicators for Designing Islamic Cities Based on Islamic Cultural Values (Case Study : The New City of Sahand)

Introduction: Cities are the throbbing heart of modern society, serving as crucial hubs for cultural exchange, economic activity, and social interaction. As urbanization accelerates and populations swell, the need for well-designed cities that resonate with the values and cultural fabric of their inhabitants becomes ever more pressing. This research delves into the concept of "Islamic cities," environments meticulously crafted to embody Islamic cultural principles and values.
One of the central challenges in designing Islamic cities lies in harmonizing urban design principles with the expectations and aspirations of Muslim communities. This requires architects and urban planners to navigate a complex landscape, ensuring designs not only meet functional needs but also foster a sense of belonging and connection to Islamic heritage. Recognizing this critical juncture, this study embarks on a mission to explore and articulate desirable indicators for designing Islamic cities with a particular focus on Islamic cultural elements.
To delve deeper into practical considerations, the newly established city of Sahand serves as a case study. By meticulously analyzing and evaluating Sahand's cultural, social, environmental, and economic indicators, this research aims to establish a practical framework for designing Islamic cities. This framework can be instrumental in guiding the development of future Islamic cities that prioritize the needs and values of Muslim communities, ultimately fostering urban sustainability and well-being.

The Purpose of the Research: The core objective of this research is to analyze the current urban design paradigm of Sahand through the lens of "desirable public spaces" within Islamic culture. This analysis hinges on understanding the key criteria that exert the most significant influence on shaping such spaces. The chosen methodology is a descriptive-analytical approach, aligning the study with the category of applied research. In essence, this research seeks to translate theoretical principles into actionable strategies for designing Islamic cities in the context of Sahand.

Methodology: Data collection for this research employed a two-pronged approach: library information and a survey instrument administered through questionnaires. The target population was comprised of 100 experts from the Sahand municipality, representing a cross-section of relevant professionals. A stratified random sampling technique ensured a representative sample size of 80 individuals participated in the survey. The TOPSIS method, a multi-criteria decision-making technique, served as the backbone for data analysis. The research process unfolded in stages: initial exploration of the existing literature and relevant perspectives, followed by data analysis and the development of the research model. The final stage involved applying the developed model to analyze Sahand's urban fabric, culminating in the formulation of specific recommendations.

Findings and Discussion: The research findings unveil a compelling outcome: the housing construction and the residential areas design based on the principles of Islamic city planning emerged as the leading criterion, garnering a score of 0.504. This finding underscores the fundamental importance of residential spaces in shaping the character of an Islamic city. Interestingly, the interplay between the "pattern of mass and space" in urban design and "Islamic culture" emerged as a crucial factor. This points towards the necessity of adopting a combined approach that integrates physical design elements with considerations for fostering a cultural environment aligned with Islamic-Iranian values. The proposed approach advocates for urban spaces that not only function effectively but also resonate with Islamic principles and sensibilities.

Conclusion: The research findings illuminate the critical role of carefully chosen criteria in guiding the design of Islamic cities that prioritize Islamic cultural values.
One particularly impactful example is the application of Islamic ethical principles in the design of public spaces. By incorporating these principles, urban planners can create social spaces that are not only functional but also encourage positive social interactions and foster a community sense, ultimately leading to the development of thriving and sustainable Islamic cities. In the results of the research, the main suggestions have been presented in the categories form: neighborhood centrality, naturalism, housing, public spaces and mosque centrality. Anticipating the daily service families needs in each neighborhood center of Sahand city, preventing the view of the roads from being closed to natural landmarks, paying attention to the lighting of buildings in Sahand city due to its location in the mountainous region, giving importance to Iranian Islamic cultural symbols in contrast to Western symbols, can be mentioned in this context.