What is it about?
Our study looks at how certain factors affect tourism in Isfahan, a city known for its rich history and culture. We used three main measures to understand this impact: the Creative Industries Index, the Spatial Index, and Socio-Cultural Indicators. Our findings show that these factors play a significant role in attracting tourists. We found that the way handicraft businesses cluster together, the cultural activities they offer, and the overall experience of visiting these places are crucial. Interestingly, while innovation is important, it's the traditional aspects and the sense of community that really draw people in. This is especially true around Naqsh-e Jahan Square, where the local economy thrives thanks to these creative clusters. Our research highlights the importance of maintaining these cultural hotspots, as they are key to the city's charm and tourist appeal.
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Why is it important?
Our research uniquely focuses on the transformative impact of Cultural Creative Clusters (CCCs) in Isfahan, particularly around Naqsh-e Jahan Square. By analyzing data from 227 local handicraft makers, we reveal how CCCs significantly boost the local economy, preserve cultural heritage, and foster social ties. This study is timely as it underscores the importance of CCCs in sustainable urban development and cultural tourism, offering a model for other historical cities to enhance their economic vitality and cultural identity.
Perspectives
As someone deeply passionate about cultural heritage and urban development, this research holds a special place for me. Witnessing the vibrant interplay between tradition and innovation in Isfahan's handicraft clusters has been truly inspiring. This study not only highlights the economic and cultural benefits of these clusters but also underscores the importance of preserving our rich heritage while fostering modern growth. I hope our findings will inspire others to explore and implement similar models in their own cities, contributing to a more sustainable and culturally enriched urban future.
Amirhosein Shabani
Islamic Azad University Najafabad Branch
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Handicrafts as cultural creative clusters: a spatial-cultural planning approach for the regeneration of the urban historical fabrics, International Journal of Tourism Cities, July 2024, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/ijtc-02-2024-0042.
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