Introduction 
Tabriz, as one of Iran’s historical cities, has many traditional neighborhoods whose native architecture and social spaces are well-aligned with the region’s culture and climate. However, in recent decades, rapid urbanization and increased new construction have led to challenges for some of these neighborhoods, including Ahrab neighborhood. Issues such as the destruction of historical fabric, inappropriate land-use changes, and reduced social interactions in public spaces are among the threats to these neighborhoods. Over time, these challenges have resulted in the loss of the neighborhood’s identity and a decline in residents’ quality of life. The use of the TND approach can serve as an effective solution for revitalizing and modernizing traditional neighborhoods like Ahrab. This approach, with a focus on public space design, preserving native architecture, and developing pedestrian-friendly pathways, creates the possibility of establishing sustainable and human-centered spaces. TND not only aids in the revitalization of traditional spaces but can also strengthen social relations and rebuild the cultural identity of historical neighborhoods in Tabriz. The importance of this issue lies in the fact that the Ahrab neighborhood, as part of Tabriz’s cultural and architectural heritage, serves as an example of local social interactions and native architecture. Preserving and revitalizing this neighborhood through the TND approach can enhance cultural identity, increase social interactions, and improve urban environmental quality. Additionally, this approach can serve as a model for other traditional neighborhoods in Tabriz and even in other Iranian cities, leveraging successful traditional patterns for sustainable urban development. Modernizing traditional neighborhoods while preserving native principles not only improves citizens’ quality of life but also prevents the destruction and loss of the historical and cultural identity of these neighborhoods.
Materials and Methods
In this research, the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method was used to identify and analyze the hidden factors influencing the development of traditional neighborhoods with the TND approach. The goal of the research was to explore the relationships between variables and identify factors that contribute to the improvement and modernization of neighborhoods. The statistical population included the residents of the Ahrab neighborhood, with a population of 18,163 people, and the sample size was determined to be 377 individuals based on the Cochran formula. Data collection was done through standardized questionnaires and Likert scales, and stratified random sampling was used. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, and a correlation matrix was used to identify latent patterns. Then, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied, with criteria such as Kaiser’s criterion and the Scree Plot, to determine the optimal number of factors. For a better interpretation of the factors, Varimax or Oblimin rotations were applied, and factors with factor loadings greater than 0.4 were selected and interpreted as main factors. The validity of the tools was confirmed through content and face validity, and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The results of the analysis were presented in tables and charts that display factor loadings for each indicator. The identified factors were named based on the related indices, such as quality of life, cultural identity, and social security. This analysis helped the researcher identify effective patterns for neighborhood development and propose improvements for modernization. This method aids in designing optimal strategies for planning and developing traditional neighborhoods.
Findings
In the area of infrastructure quality, the factor preservation of cultural and historical identity with a factor loading of 0.76 and the factor improvement of infrastructure with a loading of 0.70 indicate that focusing on infrastructure development while preserving cultural elements can contribute to the sustainability of this neighborhood. Attention to these indices in modern designs creates an opportunity to strengthen the historical identity of Ahrab. In terms of satisfaction with services, the factors of sustainable development and environmental compatibility and flexibility in design, with factor loadings of 0.70 and 0.65, respectively, show that residents’ satisfaction is dependent on the use of environmentally friendly services and flexible spaces. These findings suggest that in the modernization process, providing efficient services and environmental sustainability should be prioritized. Regarding security, high factor loadings for the indices of development of public spaces (0.72) and pedestrianism and easy access (0.75) highlight the importance of designing safe and accessible public spaces. These features, combined with the TND approach, can increase security and reduce feelings of isolation among residents. For social interactions, the correlation coefficients of the indices of pedestrianism and easy access (0.78) and development of public spaces (0.73) suggest that access to public spaces can enhance social interactions. This indicates that in the modernization of Ahrab, attention to pedestrian pathways and public spaces helps enhance local participation and social interactions. In terms of residents’ welfare, the factors flexibility in design (0.70) and mixed land use (0.69) suggest that designing multifunctional and flexible spaces increases residents’ welfare and satisfaction. The combination of different land uses, such as residential, commercial, and recreational, provides easier access to services and reduces the need for long trips. Overall, the findings show that using the TND approach, with a focus on these five key factors, not only preserves the native identity of the Ahrab neighborhood but also provides the necessary grounds for modernization and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Conclusion
Ahrab’s traditional neighborhood in Tabriz, as one of the most valuable historical fabrics, requires specific planning for modernization while preserving its native identity. In this regard, the Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) approach, emphasizing the reinforcement of local features, creating social spaces, and meeting the daily needs of residents, can play an effective role in improving the quality of life and ensuring the cultural and social sustainability of this neighborhood. Based on the statistical analysis conducted, key development factors include optimal infrastructure, sustainable services, security, social interactions, and residents’ welfare, which can serve as a solid foundation for sustainable development aligned with the modernization of Ahrab. Overall, the findings suggest that using the TND approach, with a focus on these five key factors, not only preserves the native identity of the Ahrab neighborhood but also provides the necessary grounds for modernization and improving the quality of life for its residents.