Caught in the labyrinth of Kashan: An ethnography of getting lost

Abstract Places, squares, natural landscapes, urban spaces are accepted as familiar when they are domesticated by cartography. The human psyche recoils at the prospect of being adrift in the unknown, prompting the ingenious creation of navigational aids such as maps, compasses, and GPS devices, which have been developed through specific historical contexts, including colonialism and modern warfare. In today's technologically advanced society, the fear of getting lost equates to the loss of valuable time. Yet, for an ethnographer, being lost without any orientation tools raises intriguing questions. Far from being a perilous predicament, wandering can unveil profound insights and unexpected encounters. It is in these moments of disorientation that the self is laid bare to the raw essence of the surroundings. Rather than a threat to be avoided, getting lost becomes a gateway to self‐discovery and encounters with others.