Urban Acquisition: Saving Cultural Identity in the Domain of Influence of a Megapolis

Abstract

This paper studies one of the most famous settlements in Shemiran, Iran, with the objective of recognizing its cultural heritage and identity. It aims to track the path of overcoming the obstacles and issues in order to reveal its potentials and to define well-suited strategies for further development. The study employs secondary data and field studies in Chizar, along with theories on megapolis, to classify and prioritize the most significant issues and advantages in the process of its urbanization. The chart of strong and weak sides has been analyzed based on the main approaches, including urban spaces and environment, land use, population, economics. All threats and opportunities have been categorized in a suitable form both for researchers and policy makers.