Cities and Metaphors: Beyond Imaginaries of Islamic Urban Space

Cities and Metaphors challenges existing theories in Islamic city studies by introducing the concept of Hezar-tu to rethink the spaces in historic cores of Fez, Isfahan, and Tunis. It argues that a lack of appropriate conceptual vocabulary in scholarly literature has resulted in a reduction of descriptive, vivid features of urban space. The book presents alternative narrations of paths through sequential discovery of spaces and brings the sensual features of urban space into the focus. It contributes to a growing awareness that urban studies should be more inclusive by bringing the diverse global contexts of cities into the body of urban knowledge.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Cities and Metaphors presents a groundbreaking concept of urban space that aims to reshape the way we perceive, think about, and discuss cities. In the realm of 'Islamic city studies, a reliance on reasoning and rational thinking has resulted in a generic scientific framework that has overlooked the rich descriptive and vivid features of urban spaces. Consequently, phenomenological characteristics have been neglected rather than integrated into theoretical components. The book argues that this lack of appropriate conceptual vocabulary in scholarly literature is responsible for this oversight. It challenges existing theories and introduces the concept of Hezar-tu, which translates to 'a thousand insides,' to reimagine the spaces within historic cores of Fez, Isfahan, and Tunis. This tool constructs a staging post toward a different articulation of urban space based on spatial, physical, virtual, symbolic, and social edges and thresholds; nodes of sociospatial relationships; zones of containment; states of intermediacy; and a logic of ambiguity rather than determinacy. By presenting alternative narratives of paths through sequential discovery of spaces, the book brings the sensual features of urban space to the forefront.

Furthermore, the book demonstrates that concepts derived from local contexts can be used to tailor our methods and theoretical structures to the unique characteristics of each city while retaining the global commonalities of all cities. In broader terms, it contributes to a growing awareness that urban studies should be more inclusive by incorporating the diverse global contexts of cities into the body of urban knowledge.

In conclusion, Cities and Metaphors offers a transformative perspective on urban space that challenges traditional approaches and encourages a more holistic understanding of cities. By integrating phenomenological characteristics and local contexts, the book provides a valuable tool for reimagining and rethinking urban spaces, leading to a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of our urban world.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032476247