Pre-Feasibility Study of the Historical Site of Minar Bazaar
The pre-feasibility study for the historical site of Minar Bazaar, covering an area of 2,800 square meters, was commissioned by the village council of Minar Bazaar and conducted by the office of Engineer Soroush Baharzadeh. The primary objectives of the client include ensuring security at the site and surrounding area of Minar Bazaar, increasing visits and usage by locals and tourists, designing the site to transform it into an attractive hub, and ultimately generating sustainable income for village management and creating job opportunities. These goals necessitate the preparation of a comprehensive plan.

The pre-feasibility study is the result of collaborative efforts and consultations among experts in architecture, urban planning, economics, transportation, and traffic. Through foundational research, the study identifies the core issues and formulates the project framework. Subsequently, the approach and intervention methods for the Minar Bazaar site are introduced. By carefully considering the client’s requirements and the strategic themes extracted in previous sections, the project’s objectives can be defined. A preliminary vision has been developed using the Tehran Matrix technique. Two proposed financing methods for the project, namely BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) and BOLT (Build-Operate-Lease-Transfer), have been suggested. The final section focuses on presenting the plan in two options, including a site plan and a 3D rendering.

It is important to note that the subsequent stages should include preparing a feasibility study, obtaining approval from relevant authorities, developing an investment package, attracting investors, and then proceeding with the phase one and two designs of the complex.

Architectural Heritage and Dual Challenges
Architectural heritage, with its historical, cultural, and social characteristics, was once utilized for specific functions in the past. However, due to changes in lifestyle patterns, these structures have fallen into disuse and have outlived their original functional purposes. Today, they face two conflicting roles: “preservation” and “utilization.” On one hand, visiting and using these sites as intellectual, artistic, and identity-based values is highly desired by both locals and non-locals. On the other hand, excessive and unplanned use can lead to their deterioration and destruction. Thus, the question of how to balance utilization and preservation has become a fundamental issue. Given that many of these structures possess significant architectural potential due to their historical, cultural, and artistic features, it is essential to adopt appropriate methods for their preservation and to prevent further degradation, ensuring their continued cultural existence.

Minar Bazaar Village
Minar Bazaar Village is one of the villages located in Sowme’eh Sara County. The village is home to a registered national heritage site known as Minar Bazaar. Despite the architectural value of this structure and the potential of its surrounding area, and despite efforts by the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Sowme’eh Sara County, the site has not gained significant popularity among locals or tourists.

The Registered Historical Site of Minar Bazaar
The registered historical site of Minar Bazaar, as a prominent and impactful monument, synergistically connects with other tourist attractions in Sowme’eh Sara County and Gilan Province. It has the potential to become an inviting and attractive hub, offering opportunities for tourism growth, promoting the rich culture of Gilan Province, and generating sustainable income for the management of Minar Bazaar Village while creating local employment. Continuous restoration of the Minar tower, with an emphasis on returning it to its original height, along with the creation of a secure public realm and the use of architecture compatible with the site’s and village’s characteristics, will ensure increased tourist retention, vibrancy, and memorable experiences.

The registered historical site of Minar Bazaar, as a strong and prominent monument, synergistically connects with other tourist attractions in Sowme’eh Sara County and Gilan Province. It has the potential to become an inviting and attractive hub, offering opportunities for tourism growth, promoting the rich culture of Gilan Province, and generating sustainable income for the management of Minar Bazaar Village while creating local employment. Continuous restoration of the Minar tower, with an emphasis on returning it to its original height, along with the creation of a secure public realm and the use of architecture compatible with the site’s and village’s characteristics, will ensure increased tourist retention, vibrancy, and memorable experiences.