Management and Sustainable Development of the Cultural Landscape Case study of Cheshmeh-Ali (Shahr-e-Rey)

Cultural landscapes are resulted from interactions between past and present ecosystems, cultures and histories. Cultural landscapes also indicate layers of interactions between humans and the natural environment during the time, and it has formed a complex connection between them which are constantly changing. Cultural landscapes emphasize the importance of human history and continuity of cultural traditions and social values. The site of historical-natural Cheshmeh-Ali with 8000 years history is regarded as the origin of human settlement formation in ancient city of Rey. In this site, constitutive layers of landscape are visible in the format of spring and hill as the natural elements and also Ray’s battlement and Fath Ali shah inscription as the historical and cultural elements. Apart from the outstanding features of Cheshmeh-Ali from cultural-historical aspects, the site is under pressure as a result of human intervention, invasion of residential building to historical buffer zone, so that the nature of the site is under gradual degradation.
The methodology used in this study is descriptive-analytical based on library studies and field visits with the aim of enhancing the historical and cultural identity of the site, and the awareness and recognition of outstanding values.
All management actions are designed based on the principles and strategies of conservation, along with using sustainable tourism, through revitalization and interpretation of historical narratives and enhancing the experience and enjoyment of visitors.
Not only does the site return to its normal life process, but also the performance of all its economic, social and environmental aspects will improve.