Publications
Gen Z social media storytelling in heritage tourism: the Sheikh Safi UNESCO World Heritage Site
Generation Z visitors to the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ardabil, Iran, are actively shaping social media storytelling around cultural heritage tourism. Their narratives focus on local tales, visual aesthetics, sensory experiences, and sociocultural dimensions, often shared digitally. This study, using thematic analysis of 20 interviews, identified four global themes—local narratives, visual experiences, sensory experiences, and sociocultural experiences—that highlight Gen Z’s engagement with heritage sites. The findings suggest that integrating social media storytelling can enhance tourism experiences and foster deeper connections with cultural heritage among this generation.
Comparative Study of Symbolic Motifs of Peacock and Simurgh in Selected Historical Monuments of the Safavid Period in Ardabil and Isfahan Cities (Iran)
A comparative analysis of peacock and Simurgh motifs in Safavid-era monuments reveals distinct symbolic interpretations between Ardabil and Isfahan. In Ardabil, these motifs—predominantly found in interior and exterior spaces—embody deep mysticism, divine union, and inner purity, reflecting themes of spirituality and transcendence. Conversely, in Isfahan, the same motifs appear mostly on facades and gates, symbolizing guidance toward heaven and protection against evil. Simurgh motifs in Ardabil suggest unity in plurality and divinity, while in Isfahan they represent human attempts to overcome conflicting soul concepts rooted in Zoroastrian dualism. The study employed fieldwork, content analysis, and historical documentation to uncover these regional variations, offering insights into the cultural and religious evolution of Safavid architectural symbolism.
Safavid architecture
Safavid architectural patronage was uniquely focused on the expansion and refurbishment of Shi‘i shrines, particularly around the burial site of Sheykh Safi al-Din in Ardabil, rather than grand congregational mosques. Unlike predecessors, Safavid shahs were interred within sanctified precincts, often near revered figures, with Shah Esma‘il being the sole exception—buried in a tomb tower adjacent to his ancestor, commissioned by his wife Tajlu Khanom between 1524 and 1529. This shift reflects the dynasty's complex relationship with authority, as royal investment in mosques was limited due to challenges in legitimizing their rule. The study examines these patterns through historical analysis of architectural projects, highlighting Safavid preferences for shrine expansions over mosque construction.
The Study of the Principles of Philosophy of Islamic Art
Islamic art, traditionally studied through art history and sociology, can be more deeply understood by integrating principles of Islamic philosophy and Sufism. This approach reveals that the sanctity of Islamic art stems not only from the Quran but also from philosophical and mystical doctrines that shaped its creation. The study applies concepts such as imagination, color, and calligraphy to analyze the Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, Iran, demonstrating how these principles enrich interpretation. By examining the ensemble through a philosophical lens, the research uncovers nuanced meanings that conventional methods may overlook.
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