Analyzing the role of mental images in producing the sense of belonging to the neighborhoods, case study: Shotorban neighborhood of Tabriz

Abstract
The city's environment as a source and sign of mental images and memories are remarkably evolving, and each individual has a sense of belonging due to the imagination he has of the urban environment. Therefore, the recognition of the factors that lead to the relationship between the urban environment and mental perceptions is imperative that the lack of attention to it leads to a cultural breakdown, and the relation between mental imagery as a constant factor and the physical structure of the city as a variable one creates a balance between the city and the people that causes the presence of people in it. This study is conducted with the purpose of investigating the role of mental images in creating a sense of belonging to the neighborhood and its relationship with the sense of belonging and affiliation to the Shotorban historical neighborhood of Tabriz as a case study. The research method in this study is descriptive-analytical and the method of collecting information is through field surveys and using a questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficient and single-sample T-test and SPSS software were used to achieve goals and answer questions. The results show that there is a direct and significant relationship between the citizens' mental image and the attachment sense, (Double Domain Test P<0.05, n=384, r=0.64) And given the physical mental image (p=0.001,t=4.44),social mental image(p=0.029 ,t=2.20), semantic mental image(p=0.001 ,t=9.27) , have a positive impact on the sense of belonging. Then semantic mental images with a standardized coefficient (beta) of 0.47 have the most effect on the sense of belonging. Also, the sense of belonging in Shotorban neighborhood is significantly higher than average.