Risk Reduction Measures in Qazvin Historical Contexts

Historical contexts are irreparable resources of societies and are inheritor of valuable traditions; unfortunately buildings of these areas are not worn structures but they had old infrastructures and can’t resist against incidents and natural disasters such as earthquake. Vulnerability of cultural heritage in seismicity areas and risk reduction strategies are management challenges of these communities. Establishment of Qazvin province with a seismicity zone and history of destructive earthquakes there, are emphasized necessity of paying special attention to the subject of risk reduction of historical contexts. This article in addition to reviewing vulnerabilities of Qazvin historical context, discusses risk reduction. Method of this study is descriptive-survey with qualitative approach and consists of documents, observation and interview in 1384-1385.This research is based on a review of national documents, internet search, similar studies in other historical cities and also interviews with experts, academics and local knowers. Statistical population is consisting of 45 people of residents and shopkeepers who systematically randomly selected and all relevant authorities and experts in disaster management which answer questions through questionnaire and in-depth interviews respectively. The international experiences show that immunization of urban landscape in historical contexts can be studied from two perspectives (objective and subjective aspect). In objective aspect, subject of study is using risk reduction methods in visible parts of cities such as walls, hangings, balconies, paintings, urban furniture and etc. While the subjective aspect addresses residents’ decision plan in disaster to escape and quick evacuation and finding safe places. If a combined approach of engineering solutions (hardware) takes with the aim of strengthening of nonstructural components and urban furniture and programming strategies (software) in order to educate and inform people of the historical context of Qazvin, steps would be taken for risk reduction of the historical neighborhood of Qazvin.