A Study on Local Creative Economy to Identify Types of Intervention in the Historical Area of Blue Mosque in Tabriz City

Abstract: In recent years, the historic urban fabrics of many Iranian metropolises have encountered significant economic, social, and physical challenges, diminishing their role in the broader urban development process. This study seeks to develop a sustainable regeneration model centered on the creative economy, using the area surrounding the Blue Mosque of Tabriz as a case study. The research focuses on identifying the untapped potential of the local economy—including traditional crafts, small-scale businesses, historic marketplaces, and active community networks—as foundational elements for creative and context-sensitive regeneration. Employing a qualitative methodology and a descriptive-analytical approach, data were gathered through literature review, field observations, and expert consultations. The SWOT analytical framework was used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the study area. Findings reveal that, despite the area's rich historical, cultural, economic, and geographic assets, decades of ineffective and fragmented urban interventions have hindered realizing its local economic potential in alignment with creative economy principles. As a result, the study proposes key strategies for regeneration, including urban place branding rooted in local identity, the development of cultural tourism based on endogenous resources, the adaptive reuse of underutilized spaces for creative functions, and support for traditional livelihoods and micro-enterprises. Ultimately, the research underscores that successful regeneration efforts must be underpinned by inclusive policymaking that prioritizes community participation, cultural awareness, and the strategic integration of local capacities into broader urban planning frameworks.