Elucidating the factors affecting the social participation of guilds in iranian-islamic bazaars (case study: vakil bazaar of shiraz)

Tahsiri, Maryam; Sadeghi, Ali Reza

doi:10.22034/uep.2025.551719.1732

Elucidating the factors affecting the social participation of guilds in iranian-islamic bazaars (case study: vakil bazaar of shiraz)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Maryam Tahsiri ¹

Ali Reza Sadeghi ²

¹ Ph.D. Candidate of Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

10.22034/uep.2025.551719.1732

Abstract

Iranian-Islamic bazaars have long symbolized the cultural and social identity of Iranian cities. A defining characteristic is their spatial proximity to mosques, which distinguishes them from Western bazaars and fosters interaction and synergy among guilds and tradesmen. This study elucidates the factors influencing the social participation of guilds in Iranian-Islamic bazaars, focusing on the Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz. Thirteen experienced and long-standing tradesmen were purposefully selected through the snowball sampling method, and data were gathered via in-depth interviews. Using the Grounded Theory method, the analysis revealed three main categories of factors affecting guilds’ social participation: Individual Ethics (religion and personal values), Civic Ethics (trust and economic relations), and Political Society (government and institutional structures). The proposed theoretical model explains the interaction among these categories in shaping and sustaining guild participation. Individual Ethics function as prerequisite factors, laying the foundation for social participation of guilds. Mediating elements play significantly in emerging and sustaining civic ethics, connecting personal values with institutional frameworks. Finally, supporting factors, including the theoretical code of political society, ensure the stability and continuity of this process. The findings highlighted how ethical, social, and political dimensions intertwine in maintaining the traditional cohesion of Iranian-Islamic bazaars. These insights can guide policymakers and practitioners in enhancing guild participation and revitalizing the functional and cultural vitality of these bazaars.

Keywords

Guilds

Grounded Theory

Iranian-Islamic Bazaars

Social Participation

Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz

20.1001.1.28212118.1405.7.2.1.9

Subjects

Urban planning

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