Historic City of Yazd

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Historic City of Yazd from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Microclimate effects and outdoor thermal comfort of green roof types in hot and dry climates: Modelling in the historic city of Yazd, Iran

  Intensive green roofs significantly enhance thermal comfort and modify microclimate parameters in Yazd, Iran's hot and arid climate, outperforming extensive green roofs and non-vegetated roofs. Simulation using the ENVI-met model revealed that intensive green roofs reduced air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and longwave radiation while increasing wind speed and relative humidity, creating more comfortable conditions (PMV = 0.18) during early morning hours (7:00–9:00 am). However, despite these improvements, all scenarios remained classified as 'very hot' or 'hot,' indicating limited effectiveness under Yazd's extreme climatic conditions, characterized by high temperatures, intense radiation, and severe water scarcity. The study suggests that while green roofs can ameliorate microclimate and thermal comfort, their practical application in such harsh environments is not advisable.

  Karimian, Z., & Mahdizadeh, S. (2025). Microclimate effects and outdoor thermal comfort of green roof types in hot and dry climates: Modelling in the historic city of Yazd, Iran. PLOS One, 20(6), e0325494. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325494

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• Estimating Litter production amount and quality for Eldar pine and umbrella Elm trees in historic city of Yazd

  A comparative analysis of litter production between Eldar pine and umbrella Elm trees in Yazd's historic city reveals no significant difference in total litter amount, though Elm exhibits higher specific leaf area (169.38 cm²/g vs. 29.96 cm²/g for pine) and lower C/N ratios. Annual litter production is estimated at 1.622–4.507 ton/ha for pines and 1.642–4.562 ton/ha for Elms, with peak fall occurring in September (pine) and November (Elm). The study highlights the need to optimize conifer planting ratios to reduce municipal litter management costs while enhancing soil productivity. Litterbags were used monthly to measure nutrient content (N, P, Ca, S, C, Mg, K), revealing significant differences in organic matter but not in carbon, calcium, or magnesium levels.

  Kiani, B., Nasiri, S., Azimzadeh, H., Tabandeh, A., & Esmaeilpour, M. (2023). Estimating Litter production amount and quality for Eldar pine and umbrella Elm trees in historic city of Yazd. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3298599/v1

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• Investigation of Pirnia's orientation theory (Roon) in Yazd Qajar houses

  A study challenging Pirnia's long-standing theory on the orientation of Yazd Qajar houses reveals that religious factors, not climate or regional knowledge, primarily influenced architectural direction. Analyzing 40 traditional houses, researchers found that only five deviated from the southwest orientation proposed by Pirnia, yet climate factors like wind and sun had negligible impact. This undermines the theory's foundation, suggesting that past Iranian architects prioritized religious considerations over environmental ones, despite widespread academic endorsement.

  Jafari Sharami, H. (2023). Investigation of Pirnia’s orientation theory (Roon) in Yazd Qajar houses. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 12(5), 906–922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2023.06.002

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• Interrelations of Ancestral Textile Handicraft Weaving and Tangible Vernacular Karkhanehs (Workspaces) in the Historic Destination of Yazd, Iran

  A study reveals the deep interrelation between ancestral textile weaving and vernacular architecture in Yazd, Iran, highlighting how intangible cultural practices and tangible built heritage coexist across three scales: domestic karkhanehs (workspaces), neighborhoods, and the UNESCO World Heritage city. Using architectural analysis and Actor-Network Theory, researchers traced networks of actors—spanning genders, ages, beliefs, and practices—to show how these elements collectively shape heritage textiles. The findings also underscore the complex dynamics between economy, culture, society, and tourism in preserving such traditions while managing their impacts on conservation efforts.

  Seddighikhavidak, S., & Jamal, T. (2022). Interrelations of Ancestral Textile Handicraft Weaving and Tangible Vernacular Karkhanehs (Workspaces) in the Historic Destination of Yazd, Iran. Sustainability, 14(10), 6363. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106363

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• A tourism-oriented conservation plan for a historic neighborhood based on urban design qualities: The case of Yazd in Iran

  A tourism-oriented conservation plan for the historic Shah Abul-Ghasem Neighborhood in Yazd, Iran, has been proposed to balance heritage preservation with sustainable tourism growth. The study identifies key urban design qualities—environmental, functional, and aesthetic-experimental—that can guide conservation efforts while enhancing visitor experiences. Using a field survey approach, researchers categorized architectural and spatial elements through photography, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers and urban planners. This plan aims to preserve Yazd's UNESCO-listed heritage while supporting its role as a cultural tourism destination.

  Dehghan Pour Farashah, M., & Aslani, E. (2021). A tourism-oriented conservation plan for a historic neighborhood based on urban design qualities: The case of Yazd in Iran. Konwersatorium Wiedzy O Mieście, 34(6), 83–98. https://doi.org/10.18778/2543-9421.06.08

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• Sustainable Tourism Development in Historic Cities of Arid Regions with the Revival of Qanat (Yazd City)

  Qanats, ancient underground water channels, hold significant potential for sustainable tourism development in arid historic cities, including Yazd, Iran. Recognized as both a cultural and geological heritage by UNESCO, qanats can enhance geotourism while promoting conservation efforts. A study using the Delphi model and SWOT analysis identified key strengths and opportunities for qanat-based tourism in Yazd, emphasizing strategies such as investment, local community involvement, and the creation of museums within qanats to boost tourism sustainably. This approach not only revitalizes a traditional water management system but also supports the preservation of Yazd's World Heritage status.

  MOAYEDFAR, S. (2021). SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN HISTORIC CITIES OF ARID REGIONS WITH THE REVIVAL OF QANAT (YAZD CITY). GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 35(2), 428–436. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.35222-669

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• Urban Public Policy and the Formation of Dilapidated Abandoned Buildings in Historic Cities: Causes, Impacts and Recommendations

  A significant disparity exists between urban public policy intentions and their outcomes in historic Iranian cities, leading to the proliferation of dilapidated abandoned buildings (DABs). These structures are linked to socio-spatial disadvantage, yet current governance frameworks involving three key agencies lack effective implementation. A qualitative study, comprising 19 in-depth interviews across Yazd, Kashan, and Isfahan, identified critical gaps in policy execution through thematic analysis. The findings highlight the need for integrated management strategies to mitigate DABs, offering a blueprint for revitalizing historic urban areas. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to address urban decay while preserving cultural heritage.

  Tavakoli, H., & Marzbali, M. H. (2021). Urban Public Policy and the Formation of Dilapidated Abandoned Buildings in Historic Cities: Causes, Impacts and Recommendations. Sustainability, 13(11), 6178. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116178

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• Estimation of Carrying Capacity in Historic City of Yazd for Walking Tourists during Nowruz Holidays

  During the Nowruz Holidays, the Historic City of Yazd's walking tourism pathway experiences significantly lower visitor numbers compared to its estimated carrying capacity. This study, using a combination of library-documentary and analytical methods, including AutoCAD software for spatial analysis and expert panel consultations, reveals that current tourist influx falls well below sustainable limits. To address potential overcrowding during peak seasons, the research proposes strategic interventions such as developing alternative attractions, redistributing crowds to less congested pathways, implementing time-limited tours, extending visiting hours in the first half of the year, enhancing urban space quality, and organizing trained tour guides for effective crowd management.

  Aslani, E., Dehghan Pour Farashah, M., & Fadaei Nezhad Bahramjerdi, S. (2020). Estimation of Carrying Capacity in Historic City of Yazd for Walking Tourists during Nowruz Holidays. Ara: Revista de Investigación En Turismo, 10(1), 25–50. https://doi.org/10.1344/ara.v10i1.31208

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• Investigation and Optimisation of a Sidewalk Restoration Program in Human Transportation in an Ancient Sustainable City

  Sidewalk conditions in Yazd are deteriorating with a condition index ranging from 55 to 70, indicating moderate distress. This study highlights the critical role of sidewalks in maintaining pedestrian dynamism and urban development, particularly in historic cities like Yazd, which attracts global tourism. To address this, researchers employed the SCI method—similar to the pavement condition index (PCI)—to assess sidewalk quality systematically. The findings underscore the urgent need for proactive restoration programs to prevent further decline and preserve Yazd's cultural and functional integrity.

  KHABIRI, M. M., AFKHAMY MEYBODI, P., & AFSHARI, A. (2020). INVESTIGATION AND OPTIMISATION OF A SIDEWALK RESTORATION PROGRAM IN HUMAN TRANSPORTATION IN AN ANCIENT SUSTAINABLE CITY. Scientific Journal of Silesian University of Technology. Series Transport, 109, 61–72. https://doi.org/10.20858/sjsutst.2020.109.6

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• Assessment of Local People Opinion After World Heritage Site Designation, Case Study: Historic City of Yazd, Iran

  A majority of local residents in Yazd, Iran, expressed dissatisfaction with the city's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List, with over 80% reporting no change in their quality of life post-designation. The study, based on interviews with 400 individuals, revealed a lack of awareness and misunderstanding about the roles of national and international organizations in heritage management. This challenges the assumption that local communities are inherently supportive of World Heritage Site (WHS) designation. The research highlights the need for better communication and engagement to align WHS conservation efforts with local expectations.

  Nasrolahi, A., Roux, J.-M., Ghasvarian Jahromi, L., & Khalili, M. (2019). Assessment of Local People Opinion After World Heritage Site Designation, Case Study: Historic City of Yazd, Iran. Heritage, 2(2), 1739–1747. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2020106

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• Soundscape preferences of tourists in historical urban open spaces

  Motorcycle and automobile noises significantly disrupt acoustic comfort in Yazd's historic squares, while sounds of children’s play, water, conversation, and businesses enhance it. A study involving 632 foreign tourists in Khan Square and Fahadan Square identified these key factors through surveys, correlation analysis, ANOVA, and multiple regression. The findings underscore the importance of managing urban soundscapes to improve environmental quality for tourism, particularly in UNESCO-listed heritage sites like Yazd.

  Montazerolhodjah, M., Sharifnejad, M., & Montazerolhodjah, M. (2019). Soundscape preferences of tourists in historical urban open spaces. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 5(3), 465–481. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijtc-08-2018-0065

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• Learning from Urban Heritage Conservation in Yazd: Achievements and Warnings

  Yazd's urban heritage conservation offers valuable lessons for preserving Iranian cities, highlighting the significance of open public spaces as catalysts for historic city recovery. The study identifies key challenges and achievements, including the high costs and uncertain outcomes of private interventions, community involvement, transportation systems, and the underutilized potential of religious endowments. By analyzing local authorities' roles, development plans, conservation methods in public and private spaces, and social engagement, the research provides insights into effective strategies for urban heritage preservation. It underscores the transition from generic objectives to specialized planning, emphasizing the importance of balancing central functions and soft mobility solutions.

  Cinà, G., Kamjou, E., & Tavangar, M. R. (2018). Learning from Urban Heritage Conservation in Yazd: Achievements and Warnings. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 9(1), 53–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/17567505.2018.1424617

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• Strategic Planning of Cultural Tourism Development in Historic City of Yazd (Case Study: Fahadan Neighbourhood)

  A strategic plan for cultural tourism development in the Fahadan neighborhood of Yazd, Iran, prioritizes offensive strategies to capitalize on its strengths and opportunities. Key recommendations include establishing eco-hotels, organizing walking tours, enhancing national and international advertising, strengthening social capital through NGO support, hosting handicraft fairs, providing financial incentives via tax laws, and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation plans. The study employed the SWOT matrix, IFE and EFE matrices, and expert opinions to assess the neighborhood's potential, identifying offensive strategies as the most viable for implementation.

  Dehghan Pour Farashah, M., Aslani, E., & Khademzade, M. (2019). Strategic Planning of Cultural Tourism Development in Historic City of Yazd (Case Study: Fahadan Neighbourhood). Almatourism - Journal of Tourism, Culture and Territorial Development, No 18 (2018). https://doi.org/10.6092/ISSN.2036-5195/8285

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• Redefinition of Pedestrian Route-Finding Networks as a Tool to Return Vitality and Responsiveness to Yazd Khan Plaza

  A strategic redefinition of pedestrian route-finding networks can effectively restore vitality and responsiveness to historic urban spaces, as demonstrated by the case study of Yazd Khan Plaza in Iran. The research proposes that balancing social life in historic contexts—often disrupted by modern urban elements—can be achieved by leveraging existing communication networks while strategically redefining historic pathways. This approach addresses imbalances caused by Pahlavi-era street lines, offering a solution to reclaim dynamic public spaces without altering the core structure of heritage sites. The study provides executable strategies to enhance pedestrian connectivity, ensuring comprehensive dynamism in historically significant areas.

  Moghimi, L., & Assari, A. (2016). Redefinition of Pedestrian Route-Finding Networks as a Tool to Return Vitality and Responsiveness to Yazd Khan Plaza. Current World Environment, 11(2), 378–387. Portico. https://doi.org/10.12944/cwe.11.2.05

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