Public-Municipality Tensions Over Authoritarian Street Construction in Shiraz During the Pahlavi I Era

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Design, School of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

2 MA of Urban Design, Faculty of Art, Terbiat Modares University

10.30484/ganj.2024.3200

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the process of street construction in Shiraz during the Pahlavi I era and assess the impact of authoritarian modernization on the city’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. 
Method and Research Design: The study analyzes historical documents, official correspondence, and related events to evaluate the social consequences and public reactions to street construction projects. 
Findings: Street construction projects aimed at urban modernization led to widespread demolition of residential, commercial, and religious sites, sparking significant public dissatisfaction, particularly among low-income groups. The protests stemmed from concerns over property rights violations, threats to historical identity, and the disruption of urban cohesion. In some cases, these protests reduced the destruction scale and modified specific projects.
Conclusion: The street construction in Shiraz, symbolizing imposed modernization, caused physical transformations, and deepened the gap between development plans and the community’s actual needs. This research highlights the interactions and conflicts between authorities and citizens, shedding light on the various dimensions of these transformations and their impact on Shiraz’s urban identity.

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 12 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 November 2024

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