The abstract space and the alienation of political public space in the Middle East

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Farzad Zamani (Author) Other; Asma Mehan (Author) FEUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research

Vol. 13 No. 3

Pages: 483-497

ISSN: 2631-6862

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scopus

EBSCO

Other information

DOI: 10.1108/ARCH-03-2019-0054

Abstract (EN): Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explain how abstract space of the State - universally and specifically within the context of Middle Eastern cities - aims to homogenise the city and eliminate any anomaly that threatens its power structure. Design/methodology/approach - Through a historical and discourse analysis of these policies and processes in the two case studies, this paper presents a contextualised reading of Lefebvre's concept of abstract space and process of abstraction in relation to the alienation of political public spaces. Findings - The paper proposes that regardless of these homogenising strategies being applied universally, they fail to respond to contextual particularities and therefore they - in a contradictory manner - may themselves produce a space of resistance and difference. Originality/value - This paper focusses on Iran, the case of Tehran and Turkey, the case of Taksim Square and Gezi Park in Istanbul. Recent policies and strategies have been proposed and implemented to reduce, alienate and possibly neutralise the impacts of urban and political protests in these cities and socio-political contexts.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15