Continuity in Urban Heritage Identity: A Tourists' and Residents' Perceptions Perspective (Case Study: Districts 11 and 12 of the City of Tehran)

Today, places play a significant role in shaping individuals' identities. However, due to phenomena such as urbanization and urban development, places are often under threat and may lose their true meaning. The role of neighborhoods as elements that strengthen and preserve the sense of place identity among citizens is undeniable. As such, this study aims to explore the perceptions of residents and tourists regarding urban heritage identity and the old neighborhoods of Tehran to determine whether these neighborhoods still successfully create a sense of place identity among their inhabitants. The purpose of this research is to identify the aspects of continuity in urban heritage identity in Tehran's old neighborhoods, with an emphasis on the perceptions of tourists and residents. This research is practical and descriptive-analytical. Data and information were collected using library resources, field studies, and questionnaires. The study population includes tourism and cultural heritage experts, tourism officials, as well as residents and tourists who have visited the old fabric of Tehran. To test the hypotheses, a 21-item questionnaire was prepared and distributed among 188 residents and 245 tourists of the neighborhoods, selected through convenience sampling. The findings revealed six components—familiarity and attachment, nostalgia and memories, architecture, security, values, and vibrancy—that can be considered as the components of continuity in urban heritage identity. Furthermore, the findings indicated that residents and tourists have a relatively favorable perception of the components of continuity in urban heritage identity in the studied areas.