In recent years, the concept of heritage has significantly expanded, emphasizing the profound influence of social factors on cultural preservation. This broadening perspective has necessitated interdisciplinary approaches, with human and social sciences integrated into heritage conservation discourse. Management strategies like the stakeholder approach are now vital in handling the diverse social forces and conflicting interests within contemporary societies concerning heritage conservation.
To meet the demand for inclusive heritage management and community engagement, socio-psychological discussions, especially attitude research, have emerged as integral components of conservation. This shift focuses on fostering proactive attitudes within the heritage community, aiming to establish a true culture of prevention. This emphasis on social influences in heritage management is transforming the field, encouraging more effective preservation practices.
This study establishes a practical empirical framework for architectural heritage conservation through non-directive interviews with 53 stakeholders involved in preserving the Jameh Mosque of Tehran. Using a grounded theory approach, 18 fundamental themes ("code groups") and 109 specific subjects ("codes") were identified, unveiling significant variations in attitudes among stakeholder groups. These insights, which also revealed variations within different stakeholder groups and even within individual perspectives, highlight the diverse interests, priorities, and definitions associated with conservation—often sources of conflicts. By identifying these sources, the study takes a crucial step towards resolving conflicts that are integral to almost every heritage conservation program. The findings provide a nuanced understanding, guiding the development of targeted and inclusive preservation strategies tailored to the specific needs and perspectives of various stakeholder groups.