The Investigation of Cultural Factors Affecting the Sustainable Development in Yazd, Iran

Abstract

Culture is the main factor and is regarded as the engine of sustainable development that without considering it, development programs would not be successful. Cultural factors play a vital role in sustainable development and sustainable development planning should be based on different cultures. Yazd in many years had considerable share in the field of cultural and religious in the country. But a glance at the current situation of the city that perhaps the cultural climate of the city has been neglected, the continuation of historical role and identity of the city, as well as improvement the lives of residents of the city without understanding the cultural factors affecting sustainable development does not seem possible. In the cultural issues, there are various indices that affect on development. In this paper, combining some of the models include the development of culture and the experiences of other countries and division of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, four basic indicators with the sub- indicators for each indicator have been specified. Given the descriptive nature of the investigation, in order to collect required data and test questions the questionnaire has been used. The first part of questionnaire consisted of demographic questions. Other questions have been considered to measure the components and based on assumptions of the study. Questionnaires were distributed on the basis of statistical sampling in Yazd city. The research method is descriptive survey. The study population in our research included Yazd citizens over 18 years old with a history of more than two years residency in the city of Yazd. Based on the results of the questionnaires, the hypothesis of effectiveness of two indicators of identity and social order was accepted and effectiveness of the two indicators of involvement and cultural engagement and social capital was not approved. In the end, some strategies of urban management approach to effectiveness of affective cultural factors on sustainable development have been provided.