Introduction 
In reconstructing war-affected regions, particular attention must be paid to preserving local identity, traditional features, and the area’s social fabric. Reconstruction efforts should be designed to enable people to participate actively in the process, thus contributing to the physical rebuilding and social and cultural regeneration of their communities. In many cases, neglecting these dimensions may erode historical, cultural, and social identity and result in negative economic and social consequences. Within this context, one of the most critical concerns in post-war reconstruction is balancing physical rehabilitation and cultural identity preservation. Khorramshahr, as one of Iran’s most important border cities, experienced severe physical, social, and cultural devastation during the Iran–Iraq War. In the decades following the conflict, extensive efforts have been made to rebuild the city. Yet, most of these initiatives have focused on repairing buildings and infrastructure, with limited attention to the city’s social, cultural, and identity-related aspects. Although expert literature and national policy documents since the 1990s have stressed the importance of reconstruction based on sustainable development, urban identity, and civic participation, empirical evidence suggests that many of these goals have not been fully realized. The unique circumstances of Khorramshahr—including its border location, cultural and ethnic diversity, history of migration, and enduring psychological and social impacts of war—have created challenges that go beyond physical considerations. Therefore, urban reconstruction in this context must be understood not simply as a technical or engineering task, but as a comprehensive socio-cultural and urban process aiming to regenerate a sustainable, inclusive, and identity-oriented city. Given this background, the central research question of the present study is: To what extent has the post-war reconstruction of Khorramshahr achieved physical sustainability aligned with the city’s social and cultural needs, and what gaps exist between the perceptions of residents, architects, and urban managers regarding this process?
Materials and Methods
This study adopted a mixed-methods research design (quantitative and qualitative) to analyze empirical data and stakeholder perceptions comprehensively. This approach was deemed necessary due to the multidimensional nature of physical sustainability in urban reconstruction, which encompasses technical indicators and the lived experiences and views of various stakeholders. In the qualitative phase, the research population consisted of residents, architects, and urban managers. Purposeful and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify individuals with relevant knowledge or experience. Ten participants from each group were selected, totaling thirty individuals, to ensure theoretical diversity and achieve data saturation. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically using MaxQDA software. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire based on a Likert scale was used to measure key indicators, including physical sustainability, urban space quality, social participation, and historical identity. The data collected were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and regression analysis, with the assistance of SPSS software. This mixed-methods framework allowed for both interpretative depth and empirical rigor in understanding the dynamics of urban reconstruction in Khorramshahr.
Findings
The results indicate that energy sustainability directly influences physical sustainability, with a regression coefficient of 0.57 and a significance level of 0.003. This suggests that resilient and sustainable physical designs coincide with optimized energy consumption. Moreover, the quality of urban spaces was significantly affected by access to public transportation, with a regression coefficient of 0.62 and a significance level of 0.002, indicating that improved mobility infrastructure enhances spatial quality and resident comfort. The preservation of historic urban fabric significantly influenced urban identity and architectural character, with a regression coefficient of 0.60 and a significance level of 0.001, emphasizing the importance of cultural and architectural heritage in successful urban regeneration. Finally, social participation significantly affected socio-cultural factors, with a regression coefficient of 0.54 and a significance level of 0.001, highlighting the low level of public engagement in the post-war reconstruction of Khorramshahr.
Conclusion
The findings of this study reveal that, despite the passage of several decades since the end of the Iran–Iraq War, Khorramshahr’s reconstruction has not yet reached a balanced and sustainable model. Quantitative and qualitative analyses show that reconstruction policies have failed to integrate physical, social, and cultural dimensions effectively. There are statistically significant differences in perspectives among residents, architects, and urban managers: while residents emphasize safety and environmental quality, professionals focus on technical and macro-level concerns. This perceptual gap indicates a lack of meaningful dialogue and synergy among key stakeholders. In spatial terms, urban quality is achieved when it is aligned with social functionality and local context—something rarely addressed in infrastructure-driven reconstruction. Furthermore, the study reveals minimal public participation in reconstruction processes, a significant deficiency in a city with such cultural diversity and strong collective memory as Khorramshahr. Although statistical analysis shows a substantial relationship between historic preservation and a sense of belonging, these findings represent correlations, not causal relationships. They must be interpreted within the methodological limits of the study. Ultimately, this research underscores that urban reconstruction, particularly in post-conflict contexts such as Khorramshahr, must go beyond physical redevelopment and be envisioned as a social, cultural, and historical regeneration process. No reconstruction effort can achieve sustainability or cohesion without reconnecting to local identity, fostering public engagement, and understanding the complex realities of post-war urban life.