IDENTIFYING STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR BALUCH WOMEN'S ATTIRE IN SISTAN: AN EMPHASIS ON ANCIENT BACKGROUND AND CULTURAL IDENTITY

The traditional attire worn by Baluch women in the Sistan region has evolved in response to the geographical conditions, encompassing cultural, social, economic, and natural factors, spanning extended historical periods. Adaptations have emerged with technological advancements over time. This distinctive clothing not only serves as a key element of identity but also stands as a representative expression of the authentic Baluch ethnicity. Rooted in the historical antiquity of the Sistan region, the dressing culture of Baluch women exhibits unique characteristics and features, shaped by diverse developments across cultural, social, historical, and climatic dimensions from ancient times to the present day. Hence, considering historical precedents and current conditions, this paper aims to scrutinize the attire of Baluch women in Sistan, specifically emphasizing the ancient background and cultural identity. The objective is to discern strategic priorities and glean insights from Baluch women in Zabol regarding the criteria guiding the selection of dress types and overall decision-making processes pertaining to the cultural aspects of women's attire, through a comparative analysis of the past and present. The central research question is formulated as follows: What constitute the most important selection criteria for Baluch women's dresses in Sistan, with a focus on ancient background and cultural identity? The research methodology employed is descriptive-analytical, relying on documentary, library studies, and field surveys. Additionally, the analysis utilized the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model, breaking down the data into 3 clusters (groups) and 9 sub-groups (nodes). The findings reveal that, in the analysis of Baluch women's dresses, the node "Compatible with traditional culture" (0.708) within the "Preference of Baluch Women in Zabol City" cluster, the node "Stemming from neighboring lands" (0.668) within the "Traditional Attire" cluster, and the node "Adhering to Sistan traditional culture" (0.525) within the "Modern Attire" cluster, have been assigned higher priority compared to alternative options. These results hold significance for decision-makers, planners, and officials involved in cultural matters, providing valuable insights for prioritizing strategies concerning women's dresses. Implementing these insights can contribute to the preservation and safeguarding of Iran's indigenous and traditional culture.