Arbab Jamshid: A Neighborhood of History, Memory, and Fading Identity

Arbab Jamshid is a neighborhood steeped in history and rich with memories, having hosted prominent figures such as Arbab Jamshid himself, Houshang Ebtehaj (Sayeh), and Hossein Dadgar across various historical periods. Despite its dense urban fabric, the area retains old residential quarters and the presence of some traditional crafts, allowing it to maintain a vibrant cultural and social role within the city's spaces.

Arbab Jamshid Street, bordered by Taghavi Street to the north, Manouchehri Street to the south, Ferdowsi Street to the west, and Lalezar Street to the east, was historically known as a support hub for Lalezar Street. This was due to the presence of film projectors ("aparat" in Persian), film studios, lighting equipment suppliers, the tailors' union (established in 1945), and the "Honarvaran" (artists') coffeehouse. Today, the influence of artistic uses extends into this fabric from the bookstores and art galleries of Manouchehri Street.

The unique physical structure of this area is a remnant of an old garden that once existed here. Elements such as a small square ("meydancheh" in Persian), early apartment buildings at the entrance, remnants of former trades, and even ruins within its historic fabric are still visible. The continuation of antique shops from Manouchehri Street and buildings with a nostalgic ambiance in the Arbab Jamshid area, which have served as locations for numerous films, attest to the visual value of this urban texture.

Furthermore, the surrounding fabric of this neighborhood hosts valuable buildings dating back to the Naseri era and beyond, marking significant developments in the area. With a potential for a permanent gallery showcasing its history and life, capable of recording everyday memories alongside historical artifacts and contemporary artists, this area possesses a significant capacity to preserve its identity.

However, an examination of oral histories and feedback from long-term residents, members of the local council ("shorayari" in Persian), shopkeepers, and current inhabitants reveals that this authentic neighborhood is in decline. Consequently, the residents' sense of belonging is also diminishing. This trend will not only reduce citizen participation in the neighborhood but will also exacerbate the neglect of its cultural strengths.

The Ferdowsi Area: Leveraging Collective Memory for Revitalization and Identity

Given the significant historical importance and collective memories associated with the Ferdowsi area across various periods, holding substantial value within District 12 and even beyond the local context of Tehran, the identification of the area's strengths along different routes was prioritized. Consequently, the most promising route, considering accessibility, strategic location within transportation networks, inherent identity, potential for revitalization and the regeneration of collective identity, and ultimately the restoration of a sense of local and supra-local belonging, was selected.

The Office of Local Development has recognized the embodied cultural capital, potential for tourism attraction, and investment opportunities within the Baharestan-Ferdowsi Development Document, defining it as "A Cultural-Social Tourism Route along the Rudaki Corridor, in the Baharestan-Ferdowsi Area." As a short-term, one-year initiative, the office has prioritized the transformation of Arbab Jamshid Street into a permanent art pedestrian passage. This street is strategically located within the proposed fabric of the tourism route.