Handicrafts as cultural creative clusters: a spatial-cultural planning approach for the regeneration of the urban historical fabrics

A quantitative analysis of 227 handicraft production units in Isfahan's historical fabric reveals that creative industries, spatial design, and socio-cultural factors significantly boost tourism, with mean impacts of 14.19, 19.07, and 15.11 respectively. Clustering, cultural resources, and tourism emerge as key drivers for the growth of Cultural Creative Clusters (CCCs), while innovation and cultural identity play lesser roles. These clusters enhance urban attractiveness and social cohesion, particularly around Naqsh-e Jahan Square, where handicrafts reinforce economic vitality and local identity. The study highlights a novel approach to urban regeneration through CCCs, offering insights for heritage conservation and tourism development in historical contexts.

Taheri, S., Khalilpour, F., Ashayeri, M., & Shabani, A. (2024). Handicrafts as cultural creative clusters: a spatial-cultural planning approach for the regeneration of the urban historical fabrics. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 10(4), 1393–1413. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijtc-02-2024-0042