Interferences between Urban Needs and Cultural Heritage in Abandon cemeteries of Shahr-e Rey

In islamic territories, some people interested in and advice on burying their bodies beside shrines. Hence, there has been creating cemeteries around shrines since 10th century. Two sacred shrines in shar-e Rey (Abu Abdullah & Sheikh-e Saddoogh) have been origins to form cemeteries that today seems as abounded urban spaces. In this paper, we use an analytic descriptive method to study and explore important cultural values of the abandoned cemeteries and to explain cemeteries, urban problems and difficulties. Findings show that the spaces are parts of cultural heritage, so they are able to introduce urban identity, history, literature, social customs, architecture and arts. However, the abounded cemeteries cause many problems for the city and citizens such as environmental problems. Ruined tombs seems agley and dangerous. They lower land prices so that reconstruction of buildings and worn-out structures are not affordable. Abounded cemeteries are scary for many people. Cemetery neighbors feel scared and insecurity. The most important problem in improving and reforming the cemeteries are monetary shortages and challenges between municipality and Awqaf & Charity Affairs Organization. It is necessary to plan to change abounded cemetery conditions and this planning must not forget cemetery cultural values.